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What is The Joy Exchange?
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What if joy wasn’t something rare to chase—but something we could practice, exchange, and multiply?
In The Joy Exchange, Laura Hope Whitaker invites readers into a world where belonging is the rule, not the exception. With over two decades of experience as CEO of Extra Special People (esp, Inc.), she shares the transformative experiences that have been created for individuals with disabilities and their families, which have changed communities for the better.
From her humble beginnings as a 19-year-old running a non-profit, Laura shows how the very individuals our culture often overlooks have the most to teach us about love, leadership, and community. With warmth, candor, and humor, she challenges us to trade comfort for connection, hesitation for hospitality, and problems for purpose.
This is not just a book of stories—it’s an invitation. An invitation to see differently, love boldly, and discover that the greatest power we hold is delighting in the person right in front of us.
Because when you enter into the joy exchange, you don’t just change others -
you are changed too.
Suzanne Goossens is the artist behind the cover of The Joy Exchange.
Suzanne is a dear friend, a Joyrista with esp's Java Joy, an artist, and has the superpower of making people feel seen. She created this painting just months after her own mom's passing, knowing of Laura's love for dandelions. It is one of Laura's most prized possessions and hangs directly behind Laura's desk, serving as a reminder of what happens when we lean in with love.
When asked by the publisher about the cover of the book, Laura knew exactly what it should be: Suzanne's painting was the perfect representation of the messages inside the book.
Now, as you experience The Joy Exchange for yourself, Laura hopes that you will look at the cover and be reminded of your own superpowers, and how they can bring joy to those around you.
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Meet
Suzanne
What People Are Saying
"With The Joy Exchange, Laura invites us to imagine what our lives could look like—and what our world could look like—if we chose to love those around us in simple, everyday ways, with welcoming smiles, open arms and generous hearts. For more than 20 years, she has found and shared untold joy, hope and meaning in a life devoted to seeing and celebrating the inherent dignity, worth and beauty of our neighbors with disabilities. I believe her story has the power to transform lives and communities, if we have the boldness to seize more opportunities to love, uplift and edify others with our words, actions and attitudes."
Dan T. Cathy
Chairman, Chick-fil-A, Inc.
Founder and Chief Visionary, Trilith
“Laura reminds us that joy isn’t something you stumble upon; it’s something you exchange, moment by moment, with the people right in front of you. This book is a love letter to belonging, and it shines a light on the beauty we discover when we stop rushing past and start paying attention. You’ll laugh, tear up, and maybe even change the way you live your Tuesdays.”
Bob Goff
3X NYT Bestselling Author
"Java Joy is a magnificent charity and well named too, since their charges create literal joy as witnessed at our various fundraising events in London. Taking center stage; all power to them and to the hard working people enabling this charity to thrive. This book perfectly captures the beautiful outcomes possible when people are invested in rather than ignored."
The Brothers Trust
The charity of Tom Holland and his family
“There are books that inspire, and there are books that transform. The Joy Exchange does both. Laura has written something that will resonate whether you’re a parent, a leader, or simply someone longing to live with more compassion. Joy, she reminds us, is the thread that can weave us all together.”
Brittany Sjogren,
Founder/Visionary, Loverly Grey
Other Endorsers
Aaron Murray: UGA Football, SEC Network Analyst, Elizabeth Laing Thompson: Author of When God Says and Wait
David and Lindsey Pollack: UGA Football, ESPN, The Pollack Family Foundation, Kirby Smart: University of Georgia, Football Head Coach
Glen Jackson: Jackson Spalding Co-Founder and Author, Brian Brodrick: Mayor of Watkinsville, Georgia
Where To Purchase
100% of proceeds from The Joy Exchange will fund esp's programs.
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View our Bulk Order options by clicking the button below.
About Laura Hope Whitaker, Author of The Joy Exchange
Laura Hope Whitaker, M.Ed. is the CEO of Extra Special People, Inc. (ESP), a nonprofit transforming communities through belonging for individuals with disabilities and their families. Laura began as a volunteer and counselor in college and, at just 19 years old, stepped into the Executive Director role following the founder’s passing. Under her direction, ESP has grown into a nationally recognized organization with innovative programs like Java Joy and SEEABILITY.
A passionate advocate and speaker, Laura has delivered a TEDx talk on inclusion and has been recognized as one of Georgia Trend’s 40 Under 40, the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s Most Admired CEOs, and UGA’s Alumna of Distinction. She has also served on the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Board and the Oconee State Bank Board of Directors.
Laura holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in special education from the University of Georgia. Beyond her professional accomplishments, her favorite role is wife to Joseph and mom to Owen, Finley, and Tate. Leaning in with love, Laura continues to inspire audiences to shift perspectives, seed hope, and grow joy-filled communities.
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