Our Mission
From Uncertainty to Smiles: A Mission to Help Kids Heal and Blossom
Mission of Innocents nurtures the self-worth and healing of children displaced from their homes due to war, political or economic instability, and environmental disasters.
A grassroots initiative, Mission of Innocents uses arts-based programming to offer young people tools for healing, expression, and empowerment through music, dance, storytelling, poetry and the visual arts.
Since its founding, the initiative has provided ongoing support and a sense of belonging to resettled children and families. The charity was founded by Joyce Landry and began on board two ships docked in Leith and Glasgow Scotland to house Ukrainian refugees after the full-scale invasion.
Our Story
In 2022, when Ukrainians needed to flee the country for safety, the Scottish government turned to Miami-based Landry & Kling Global Ship Solutions for help in welcoming them to its shores. With decades of experience and a vast network of contacts in the global cruise industry, Landry & Kling secured two accommodation vessels to house nearly two thousand Ukrainian refugees in Scotland.
While living aboard the vessels and directly managing day-to-day operations, Joyce Landry, CEO and Founder of leading ship and vessel charter firm Landry & Kling, recognized that the children were clearly experiencing emotional uncertainty and stress. Amidst the day-to-day basic needs that ensured the refugees’ safety and comfort, Joyce wanted to ensure that the children’s socioemotional wellbeing was actively addressed.
Joyce took urgent action to establish programs that provided the children with daily enrichment in art, music, dance, education, sports, and play. This led to the formation of Mission of Innocents and its recognition as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Since its founding, Mission of Innocents has enriched the lives of nearly 800 displaced Ukrainian children of all ages in Scotland. Through our programs, the children have been invited to perform at numerous prestigious events in the community, including at the Royal Lyceum Theatre, the Scottish Parliament, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, and Fringe Festival.
The vessels that the families lived on when they fled Ukraine have since departed, but our children’s programs continue to thrive on land through partnerships with local community organizations.
We honor the resilience of children and commit to expanding Mission of Innocents’ mission globally, to ensure that the emotional wellbeing of children in displaced communities is a priority.
