INFORMATION NEWSLETTER

Julia Greeley Home

For women who have experienced homelessness and are ready to rebuild their lives

Hello to all our Friends of Julia's, and to everyone interested in hearing more about us ...

We want to share this "Information Newsletter" with you. It was inspired by folks who told us, "I'm new to the Julia Greeley Home. Tell me more about it!"

Our Mission is to serve the woman who wants to rebuild her life after a period of homelessness. We give her the time and resources she needs to discover a fresh purpose for her future and a productive place in her community. Equally important, we offer each woman the spiritual support to recognize her God-given dignity, which is at the heart of every purpose-filled life.

Our Inspiration is Julia Greeley, who overcame slavery, brutality, and disability to build a life of meaning and purpose. Determined to make her way as a free woman after the Civil War, Julia seized the opportunity to come to Denver and work for the first territorial governor of Colorado. She became known as a caregiver for children, a housekeeper, and a woman of deep faith in Jesus Christ. She visited fire stations to pray for firefighters in their dangerous work, and made it her mission to bring food and clothing to people even poorer than she. Even before her death on June 7, 1918, she was known as "Denver's Angel of Charity." Today, her heroic life has set her on the path to sainthood. We love Julia for her care for the poor, and for showing courage, dignity, and Christ-centered faith even in the midst of her difficult life. Julia triumphed over her challenges, and her life is an inspiration to women, everywhere.

The Way We Serve is to welcome women in crisis into our safe and serene residence in metro Denver. The security of the home gives each woman the time and the peace to reflect on her life and calmly set goals. Each woman meets weekly with our goal-setting team which offers practical resources and Christ-centered encouragement to regain self sufficiency. The support of other women, and our family-style atmosphere, promote confidence as our guests prepare and share meals, participate in the cleanliness of the house, and take part in evening classes and group activities. We refer to each woman as "Julia's Guest," to emphasize the respect and dignity we hold for her as she meets her challenges.

Our on-site staff is headed by Leslie Pottebaum, founder of Shannon's Hope for pregnant women, with whom we share a large residence. This is Leslie with our beloved Father Regis Scanlon in 2016

Our current residence in metro Denver has 10 bedrooms for guests and staff. We occupy one wing, with capacity for 6 guests. Kitchen, living spaces and large grounds enjoyed by all

Father Christopher Popravak, OFM Cap, became president of JGH after the passing of Father Regis in 2021. Here he is with Deacon Dave Arling, friend and supporter of the Julia Greeley Home

Founded: 2012 by Father Regis Scanlon, OFM Cap.

501(c)(3) ) status granted August 1, 2012. Opened our doors: Fall, 2013

Capacity: 5 to 6 women at a time. Average stay: a few weeks to a year

87 "Guests of Julia" have entered since late 2013

67% of Julia's Guests who stayed at least 6 weeks left for a good job, stable housing, or reconciliation with family

11 women helped/yr average (capacity reduced in 2020-21 lockdown)

Basic criteria for entering:

Drug/alcohol free for at least 90 days
Mental health assessment
Criminal background check

Two Guests of Julia have received scholarships through our ongoing partnership with the Ward Family Foundation, (WFF) Alexandria, VA.

A current Julia's guest is making an application as well.

It's literally true: Your support is what's made the smiles and serenity on these women's faces possible.

Each woman came to us exhausted and broken by circumstances. She needed time and safety to marshal her thinking, chart a new path, and move forward again. Because we rely solely on the support of private entities and individuals, we can provide each woman with the faith-based solution so desperately needed in these times.

Earned a WFF scholarship

Promoted to manager at job

Rediscovered office skills

Found her creativity again

Reunited with family

Became a JGH donor

Julia Greeley and the symbol of her hat

Julia's wide-brimmed hat was so distinctive people said she could be recognized a block away: "Here comes Julia!" To see her hat always meant that Julia, known as "Denver's Angel of Charity," was heading somewhere — to bring food or clothes to the poor, distribute prayer cards to heroic firefighters, or share Christ with anyone who needed God's love. Today, we see Julia's hat as a symbol of her continuing presence in our world. At the Julia Greeley Home, she is helping good women restore their lives after a period of poverty, loneliness, and loss.

When Julia Greeley died on June 7, 1918, she was already known as "Denver's Angel of Charity." It's said a thousand mourners came to her funeral services. She was a beloved nanny to many children, including this little girl, Marjorie Urquhart.

Please continue to support the Julia Greeley Home. You are changing the lives of good women in crisis. God is using your gifts to answer their prayers!

Julia Greeley Home Inc

Mailing address:

3613 Wyandot St, Denver CO 80211

Website:

juliagreeleyhome.org

Email:

ContactUs@juliagreeleyhome.org

The Julia Greeley Home Inc. is a 501(c)(3) registered in Colorado