This fund is created by Mary Margaret Quinn-Devine to honor her late beloved husband, Joseph G. Devine, and in memory of our family members: Alice G. Quinn, Winnifred E. Quinn, Christine M. Curran, Douglas B. Clark, Mary F. and William F. Quinn, Mary T. and Joseph G. Devine, Sr.
The primary goal of the fund is to address barriers that impede the growth, development and advancement of the adult learners enrolled in the programs at Julie’s. Typical barriers include: transportation (we provide T passes), food insecurity (we provide food cards), shut off notices for utilities, cell phones (an emergency device). We have a full-time Advocate who works with our adult learners to access supports from agencies who provide emergency assistance. We sometimes need to use some of our own emergency account to make up the difference. The Advocate and adult learner create a plan to avoid any further disruptions. When our adult learners finally secure safe housing we often need to secure furnishings, food and transportation to help set up the new apartment. Again, our Advocate works to link the family to agencies that do supply emergency furnishings (beds, bureaus…). We also provide emergency funds to secure first and last rent.
Over the years we have learned that if barriers are not addressed right away, an adult learner’s trajectory to transformation can be derailed. We do everything in our power to keep out adult learners and their children connected to the trusted staff at Julie’s.
