It’s difficult to imagine going out of town and returning to find your home—your entire neighborhood—decimated by a wildfire, but that’s exactly what Julie and her family experienced in late December when the Marshall Fire roared through their Louisville community. However, throughout the turmoil, Julie shared stories about the acts of kindness and grace she experienced from people and organizations, including JFS, who stepped up in so many ways.

Julie has very little recollection of the first month after the disaster. At the time, she was overwhelmed and had difficulty sleeping, waking up with thoughts swirling through her head, trying to process everything the family lost and what had to be done next. Her parents returned from Florida to help with her children as she and her husband navigated community meetings and armed themselves with the information necessary to put their lives back together. It was daunting. “Every day was a struggle just deciding what to tackle and who to fight next,” shared Julie.

Through the chaos, however, Julie learned about JFS from friends who supported the agency. The family received gift cards for various things, and now that the family is settled into their rental home, Julie plans to use JFS’s counseling services. “We know people who shared that they benefitted from the counseling services offered by JFS, and it’s so important to get that help. We’re still processing everything and dealing with the trauma. Things like windy days still trigger uneasiness for the community,” said Julie.

“I’m so proud of JFS and the Jewish community. Acts of kindness and generosity from people we know, local organizations, and even strangers restored my faith in humanity. In times of trauma and disaster, people give and give right away, but we need help for the long haul. I think it’s important to support organizations like JFS so that they can help people when they need it most.”

If you or someone you care about can benefit from free counseling services, JFS Boulder administers the Boulder County Crisis Counseling program in partnership with the Community Foundation of Boulder County.  This program offers up to 10 free sessions with local, licensed private practice therapists for individuals and families impacted by wildfires and the pandemic. Visit Boulder County Crisis Counseling for more information on the program.

If you would like to support JFS’s ongoing efforts to provide comfort and resources to those affected by the wildfires, visit JFS Boulder.