From One Act of Care to Lasting Change

Andrea (Ross) Maffett, Brandon Ross, Narla Phay (first JWOC alumni)
Journeys Within Our Community was founded in Siem Reap by Andrea and Brandon Ross, JWOC was born from a belief that compassion can change the world.  The organization started as a small boutique hotel and travel company.

Generous guests would be impacted by something they found during their Cambodian visit and would hand money to Andrea and Brandon with a request to “build a well” or “help a student”. These humble beginnings turned into the NGO (Non-Government Organization) that we know today.

Early JWOC delivered clean water, free education, university scholarships, microfinance loans, and community relief — empowering thousands of Cambodians to rise above hardship, build better lives, and lead their communities toward a brighter future. The organization over time then decided to specialize in empowering Cambodian youth through education, employment, and community engagement.

2005–2010
Introduced
Founding and Early Initiatives
  • 2005–2006: JWOC begins registration as a local non-profit and receives official status. John Walsh becomes the first Managing Director. The first scholarship is offered to a student named Narla, establishing the model where students give back through volunteering.
  • 2007: The scholarship program grows to nine students. New initiatives launched, including free language and computer classes, microloans, and clean water projects.
  • 2008: JWOC moves into its first property and starts emergency response initiatives. Programs expand to Laos and Myanmar.
  • 2009–2010: A second Managing Director starts as the scholarship program reaches 40 students. By 2010, a new leadership structure was introduced with one Managing Director and one Education Manager.
2011–2017
Expanded
Expansion and Community Impact
  • 2011–2012: The new community library officially opens. New initiatives like peer mentoring and home gardening are launched. Graduates see significant success, with 71% securing “graduate-level” jobs within two months.
  • 2013–2014: Five major programs operate at full capacity. In 2014, the focus shifted toward 21st-century skills, including STEM and digital literacy. The first “Race 4 Change” fundraising event sees staff and students cycling 600km.
  • 2015: A peak year for community services: 75 scholarship students, 850+ free class students weekly, and 320 microfinance loans totaling over $55,400.
  • 2016–2017: JWOC celebrates its 10th anniversary. Leadership transitions as Jane Price steps down and Kneath Heard prepares to take over. Konthea is recruited as the first Khmer Education Manager.
2018–2023
Expanded
Strategic Pivot to Youth Leadership
  • 2018–2019: Deep program redesign begins, placing the Scholarship Program at the center. JWOC transitions into a fully youth-focused organization (ages 15–30) and adopts the motto: “Learning today, Leading tomorrow”.
  • 2020–2021: JWOC celebrates its 15th year. Leadership is localized and co-led by Konthea (Cambodian) and Keisha (Sri Lankan). The “Better Futures” program for high school and post-high school students is piloted.
  • 2022–2023: Full implementation of the 2020 strategic plan begins. By 2023, the transition from broad community programs (like clean water and microfinance) to focused youth development is complete.
2024–2026
Expanded
20th Anniversary and Future Outlook
  • 2024: Konthea Mean is promoted to the first Cambodian Executive Director. The “JWOC Inspiring Hub” opens, and a reunion is held for roughly half of the organization’s 248 alumni.
  • 2025: JWOC marks 20 years with the community. Achievements include an 82% employment rate among scholarship students and the first instance of an alumnus sponsoring a full four-year degree for a new student.
  • Strategic Outlook (2025–2030): New focus areas include staff and student wellbeing, “Last-Mile” skills (advanced AI tools and professional communication), and the establishment of an Endowment Fund for long-term sustainability.