In the embroidery world, there are so many different projects that you work on. Each project is special, whether it's creating someone’s dream company uniforms or making pieces that end up on the big screen. Now and then you work on something extra special. This has been my most recent experience working with David Roberston, the founder of JOSHWAY, to create patches that will represent this non-profit as they continue all their hard work. Today, I would like to highlight JOSHWAY and their work.
JOSHWAY was founded in 2021. Their mission is to help young artists. Their program does this by having professionals give guidance and resources to the artists. Working with schools, they create events that teach children to reach their full potential. Some of their previous events have used creative methods to encourage children.
JOSHWAY took to Apple for several creative workshops. Kids were able to use iPads to create music. Using the Apple app, Garage Band, they were able to learn to write their songs. In another, they learned about coding. The coding workshop taught them about the concepts of coding, exploring app creation, and writing Swift code.
They have also helped kids find their voice through their Toastmasters workshops. In this program, students were taught how to deliver speeches and present. The growth seen through the workshops was amazing. The final results had children presenting 5-minute speeches with loud voices and comfort to their peers. Public speaking is a task that takes confidence in one’s self. These kids were able to gain that confidence through this. If you're curious about some of their projects I recommend checking out their Instagram page (@joshwaylv).
JOSHWAY works to bring specific messages to children to improve their futures. These messages include financial responsibility, leadership, career path guidance, substance abuse awareness, and practicing mindfulness. I was able to ask the founder himself a few questions about JOSHWAY and his experiences.
Which event/workshop has been your favorite thus far?
We work closely with our local El Sistema community here in the Lehigh Valley, and one of the highlights for us was creating their first-ever public speaking course through the Toastmasters Youth Program. When we started, most of the participants could barely speak for 30 seconds. Over the course of 8 weeks, we watched them transform. By the end of the program, they could confidently deliver 4–6 minute speeches, run the Toastmasters meeting, and even showcase their progress during a session at the Apple Store, where we introduced Keynote to help them craft impactful presentations.
This journey wasn’t just about learning to speak or working with technology—it was about uncovering leadership qualities and helping these young people find their voices. At JOSHWAY, we believe that our voice is a superpower. Teaching youth to use it in a healthy way—to encourage, uplift, empower, or advocate—is a life skill that will stay with them forever. Seeing these young people discover their potential and confidence was truly inspiring.
Why is JOSHWAY so important in today’s world?
The pressures facing youth today are overwhelming—whether it’s digital, social, or the challenges of simply growing up in a fast-paced world. Without healthy workshops and programs to guide them, these pressures can take a serious toll. Statistics show that 1 in 5 kids has a mental health disorder, and 20% of youth have contemplated suicide.
At JOSHWAY, we believe we can change that. Through workshops that nurture healthy relationships with technology and build life skills, we aim to relieve some of this pressure. Our mission is simple but powerful: to inspire, teach, and lead the next generation to thrive in today’s world.
Has connecting with kids had an impact on you?
Absolutely! JOSHWAY was created through the loss of my little brother Josh. His life and challenges inspired us to focus on creating programs that empower youth through arts, technology, and life skills. I often think that if he had access to something like JOSHWAY, maybe things could’ve been different. While I can’t change the past, I can focus on what we do today to make a difference for others.
Seeing the impact of our programs is incredibly moving. Take Amelia, for example. She joined one of our initiatives that helps youth discover their talents through apparel design. Amelia started with just an idea and developed it into a meaningful design that captured her personal story. Through this process, she gained confidence, explored her creativity, and showcased her competencies. Watching her joy—and the inspiration she sparked in others—was a powerful reminder of why we do what we do. You can see her story here: Amelia's Video.
What arts does the program focus on?
Our program covers a variety of creative outlets. Through Joshwear, we help kids design apparel that reflects their personal stories—check out our shop at shop.joshway.org. We also collaborate with our local Apple Store to teach drawing with Procreate, making music with GarageBand, and coding with Swift Playgrounds. This year, we’re excited to expand into new areas like photography, as well as introducing workshops on Parental Controls and Sharing for both youth and parents.
Our arts initiatives aren’t just about creativity; they’re a gateway to unlocking core competencies like leadership, critical thinking, and problem-solving. The arts inspire youth to "Dare Mighty Things," helping them grow, gain awareness, and even heal through their creative journeys.
Do you offer anything online for kids who are not in your area?
Yes! We’ve launched the JOSHWAY x Youth Collaboration Program, which allows young people from anywhere to showcase their art by creating designs for JOSHWAY apparel. This program helps them explore their core talents and competencies, and it’s been a huge success. Later this year, we’re planning to roll out a financial literacy program to give even more youth access to important life skills.
What are some ways people can get involved in JOSHWAY?
There are so many ways to support JOSHWAY! The easiest is to help us spread the word by following us on social media and sharing our message—you can get started at joshway.org/share. We also love collaborating with like-minded individuals and organizations, especially since we’re tech-driven and open to partnerships that go beyond physical locations. Finally, any contributions to help us push our vision forward are greatly appreciated and can be made at joshway.org/donate.
I wish the best for David and his team as they continue all their amazing work! I have taken a look at their shop. These kids have so much talent. I wish there were a program such as JOSHWAY when I was a kid. Keep your eyes set on JOSHWAY, they're bound for greatness.
Here is the link to our youtube short of the patch creation: https://youtube.com/shorts/N2JWQuRs7II?si=UCALwVUPHVkIy0ip
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