Julia’s Kids Incorporated was established in 2015 by Yolande McCray 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 untimely death in 2011, Yolande forged a relationship with Julia’s family, mentoring her two daughters and keeping close contact with her son.  The reality of the loss was not immediate for the girls. We did not seek any type of counseling after Julia’s death. After years of denial and resistance, we sought help.  This reality, which mimics many situations today, inspired Yolande to make grief counseling accessible for any child who has lost a parent or caregiver. 

In the years that followed, Julia’s Kids has explored an array of Healthy Healing concepts to give children and young adults a way to express themselves and cope after a loss. 

Julia’s Kids Incorporated is a 501(c)(3) organization that provides grief therapy through a Healthy Healing Series that consists of Art, Music and Pet Therapy, Exercise/Yoga and Traditional Group  sessions with Journaling for children who have lost a caregiver due to death, incarceration or permanent separation. Preparation of custom life binders assist to keep individuals and families organized during one of life’s most difficult times.  The series is available for children and young adults ages 5 – 18. Through the sessions, it is our hope that the participants will learn helpful coping methods and maintain healthy, well-balanced lives.