Raise the Roof for Janice's 75th Birthday

Hi everyone,

September 12 is our Mom's 75th birthday! As many of you know, she has been in need of a new roof. That need has become immediate as the recent rain and wind have caused damage not only to the roof but inside the house - particularly in Julie's room. We have a couple of estimates for repair that come in around $10,000. We are asking for donations for Janice's 75th Birthday to raise as much of these funds as we possibly can.

Some of you may know mom from Girl Scouts, Special Olympics, People Inc, her hometown, the Navy. She has touched so many lives during her time under this roof - let's raise the roof for her birthday!

Here is some more information about Janice and Julie for those who may not know them well -

Janice and her adult daughter, Julie, have lived in the same house in New Bedford for over 45 years. Janice made Southeastern MA her home after meeting the love of her life while they both served in the US Navy during the Vietnam era. Janice was a member of the first class of female communication/yeoman officers in the country. Throughout her life, Janice has always found her joy by bringing joy to others. She was a Girl Scout leader at all levels for all of her daughters’ troops for over 30 years. She also helped to design and lead the area’s only Special Needs Girl Scout Troop. Janice worked at People Inc. for 25 years providing support to adults with intellectual and physical disabilities. Some of her favorite activities during her time at PI were teaching cooking groups, taking field trips into the community and of course, her famous annual Variety Shows which allowed the participants an opportunity to showcase their talents alongside their friends and family to the greater community. Janice was widowed in 1993 when her husband passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at the age of 50. Despite this loss, she continued to provide for others in any way that she could. Janice has been an active coach, volunteer, and team member of local Special Olympics Programs for over 30 years. She and her family have been inducted into the MA Special Olympics Hall of Fame and she was recognized for 30 years of involvement. Janice was also instrumental in implementing ACCESS dances every month for adults with physical, intellectual, and emotional disabilities. She has served on numerous boards and advocacy groups to help better the lives of people in need. 8 years ago, Janice was dealt a crushing blow when a routine hip replacement surgery resulted in the complete removal of her left hip. Janice was no longer independent – unable to drive or work and reliant on a wheelchair or walker. This would knock most people down and out. Janice, however, still does whatever she can to help her community. She volunteers at the St. Lawrence food pantry; both she and her daughter Julie sing in the church choir at St. Julie’s church; she continues to serve on boards and committees and helps out with Special Olympics; she volunteers her time at Community Autism Resources and any other community project that she can.

Julie is an autistic adult living her best life with her mom, Janice. Allowing Julie to live in her own home has always been a high priority for Janice. Julie has competed in Special Olympics since she was 8 years old in Rollerskating, Bowling, Swimming, Track and Field, and Bocce on local and state levels. She has taught herself to knit, play piano and guitar, and pretty much anything else she wants to be able to do. She is a talented painter and her paintings are often featured in charity auctions for her day program. She has a beautiful voice and enjoys singing karaoke. Julie attends day programs at Community Connections, Inc and Southeastern MA Educational Collaborative and works at The Olive Garden. She loves her daily walks with her aunt and sisters. Julie and Janice have a wonderful living arrangement supporting each other in the areas that each need. However, a new roof, which is desperately needed, is out of their budget. It is our hope that for all lives they have touched, they can receive a new roof for their home.