Julia’s Kids was established in 2015 by Yolande McCray and Jennifer Adelson in tribute to Julia Bennett. Julia, a mother of 3, died of an accidental gunshot wound at the age of 33. Before the accident, Julia was a surgical technician who worked with Yolande in the labor and delivery department. At the time of her death in 2011, Julia did not have a last will and testament that documented her wishes and arrangements for the continued care of her children. Additionally, important documents were not stored in a primary location accessible to caregivers to obtain benefits for the children. This reality inspired Yolande to forge a close relationship with the children in an attempt to nurture and help them regain a sense of normalcy in their lives.
In the years that followed, it was discovered that the children had not received grief counseling. Today “Julia’s Kids” are happy and thriving but agree that they would have benefited from traditional and non-traditional forms of grief therapy that help children cope with the passing of a parent.
Meet Us
This powerhouse team has always had a hand in community service projects. Their innate response to help others in need is something that has resonated and flourished into this not for profit organization.
Executive Director
About Yolande
My grandfather always told me that love was the most important thing in life. The care and compassion that drives me to help people is embedded in my DNA. As a medical professional, I have always had a “how can I help” personality with a determination to help others feel loved, be happy and succeed in life.
Email: ymccray@juliaskids.org
Policy and Program Director
About Jennifer
Affectionately known as the “Kid Whisperer”, I’ve always held the care and well-being of children and families very close to my heart. The beauty in this project is knowing that people trust me to be genuine in everything that I set out to do. Selfless giving is possibly the best feeling that a person can have and I get to feel this way everyday.
Email: jennifera@juliaskids.org
you’ve lifted up and who you’ve made better. It about what you’ve given back." ~Denzel Washington
Director of Social Media
About Iraysa
Always willing to help, with a can do attitude, friends and family consider me a person they can depend on to motivate them to succeed. They pushed me to earn my Bachelors and Masters degree in Exceptional Student Education. My wish is that every child that I come into contact with, regardless of their circumstances, has an opportunity to become a productive member of society.
Email: iraysaw@juliaskids.org
Peer Advocate
Christina thoughts on Julia’s Kids Inc…
Julia’s Kids is important to me because it helps me find different ways to give back to families that have gone through a traumatic loss like I did. Letting them know that they are not alone and there are many different people with different stories but we all share the same pain.
No matter what the work you are doing, be always ready to drop it. And plan it, so as to be able to leave it.
Our Services
Julia’s Kids, is a 501(c)(3)organization that provides free life planning and counseling options for children who have lost a caregiver due to death, incarceration or permanent separation. Preparation of custom life binders and living wills assist to keep individuals and families organized. Accordingly, we offer a Healthy Healing Series that focuses on a variety of grief management techniques and coping skills. The series is available for children and young adults ages 3 – 18. Through the sessions, it is our hope that these children can learn helpful coping methods and maintain healthy well-balanced lives.
Custom Life Binders
These personalized binders will house important documents such as birth certificates, passports, life insurance policies and beneficiaries. As changes in life occur the binder can be updated to reflect the change.Living Wills
Preparation of living wills (also called advance directives) will allow for the individual to state their wishes for end-of-life medical care, in case they become unable to communicate their decisions.Grief Counseling
Monthly group sessions are available for children who suffer a loss due to a life altering crisis. Approximately 1.2 million children will experience the loss of a parent due to death before the age of 15.Healthy Healing Series
• Art• Traditional counseling
• Yoga
• Music
• Pet
• Sports
Community
Initiative• Youth Summit
Engagement
• Mother’s Day Event
• Father’s Day Event
• Annual Kickball Tournament
Don’t see a specific service? Contact Us!
JULIA'S KIDS ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
$500 Scholarship
Education holds the power to transform lives,
families & whole communities.
Julia’s Kids is proud to offer a new scholarship program to a graduating high school senior who has lost a parent. The Julia Bennett Award will offer financial assistance to a deserving student by providing them the resources they need to improve their education, skills and employment prospects.
To qualify for the award, students must meet the following requirements:
- Have lost a parent
- Prove acceptance into a qualifying vocational, 2 or 4 year college/university
- GPA of 2.5 or higher
- Complete 500-750 word essay (topic will be provided)
- Applications accepted March 18 – April 30 each year
- Open to all Miami-Dade and Broward county graduating seniors regardless of age, race or gender
- 1 teacher recommendation
Essay Topic
Applications are available by sending an e-mail using the contact feature below. Insert the word ‘Scholarship’ in the subject heading. For more information contact 954-800-3953.
Ways to Help
Make a Donation
Julia’s Kids needs your help to sustain and expand our services. All services are free to participating families. Our program is completely reliant on contributions from individuals, businesses, clubs, organizations, and foundations.Any amount is appreciated. You may make a secure donation online, via our PayPal account.
Volunteer
Great volunteers are the heart of any service organization and Julia’s Kids needs you. You can show your support of Julia’s Kids by volunteering and/or attending any of our fundraisers or awareness building events. Community service hours are available for students who give their time as volunteers.Spread the Word
Everything you do from volunteering to donating is very much appreciated by Julia’s Kids. Spreading the word to your family and friends will bring us closer to providing our services to every family that wishes to utilize them. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and share our site with your friends!!!
Please contact Julia’s Kids for information about upcoming Events and Volunteer Opportunities.
News & Events
Your Donation is Appreciated!
Julia’s Kids needs your help to sustain and expand our services. All services are free to participating families. Our program is completely reliant on contributions from individuals, businesses, clubs, organizations, and foundations.
Julia’s Kids Donation
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