"Julia’s Joy" is a free Teen & Tween Empowerment Program for girls and boys created in memory of Julia Morath. Julia, a 14 year old Freshman at Spring-Ford High School in Pennsylvania, was unable to find her true self and joy in this life. She sadly made an impulsive decision to choose suicide in April of 2017 after a viral Cyberbullying incident. Her family, friends and the team at Pillars of Light and Love have developed this program to help 11-17 year-olds to learn to live their best life, and to become the greatest versions of themselves. Teen suicide is up 200%, one in three teens have a diagnosed mental disorder, gaming is now a mental disorder and drug use and heroin overdoses are rapidly increasing. We believe teaching strong coping skills, self-acceptance, self-love, self-respect , self-responsibility and most importantly RESILIENCE, will empower youth and help them make positive choices in relationships, health and life.
We added a Young Adult Talk with Jonathan Acevedo-Ali twice a month, as Kassie Simpson now facilitates our Teen Talk.
Please consider a donation to support the Julia's Joy youth empowerment programs: HERE.
For information on our Empowering U Stress Management Program for Schools, CLICK HERE.
Teen Talk is held each Wednesday at 7:30pm.
The Julia's Joy Teen Program has been running since the summer of 2017. Ages 14-17 are led in discussions by Jonathan Acevedo-Ali. Topics include life, school, friends, relationships & more. Those who come, always look forward to coming back. We welcome newcomers at any time!
“Communicating Effectively with Parents and Others, So You Are Heard & Understood"
“What is OK and Not OK in How You are Treated or See Others Treated-and what to do about it"
“Feelings- Handling the Good, the Bad and the Ugly”
“Bouncing Back When Things Get Tough”- Resilience
“When the Going Gets Tough”- Managing Stress and Frustration
“Getting Everything Done on Time”- Time Management
“The Pressure to Be Perfect & Fit In"
"How to Cope with Exclusion and Lack of Friendships"
One of our youth empowerment programs is our annual Voice Idol Competition where ages 11-18 sing a pop song of their choice. Contestants receive free vocal and performance coaching from November through the show dates. They will be judged by a panel of judges and the top 5 in each age group will move on to the Finale. A winner in each age group of 11-14 and 15-18 year-olds will receive $500.00! Auditions will be held in October!
Elizabeth Steiner won the 11-14 year-old group in February of 2022.
The three coaches for the 2020 Julia's Joy Voice Idol Competition perform a heartwarming tribute to Julia Morath, the 14 year old for whom we named the Julia's Joy youth empowerment programs at Pillars of Light and Love.
The performers are Rachel Roth, 2019 winner on left, Ava DiFiore the 2018 winner in the center, and Tina Belles on the right. Tina was Judge and Coach for the 2020 season, and a Judge in the 2019 Season.
At the 2nd Annual Julia's Joy Voice Idol Competition for ages 11-18, Lauren Stephens, a Judge for the show, performed "With You" from Ghost-the Musical, in a tribute to Julia and her family and friends who miss her every single day. Please know YOU MATTER and your family & friends will not be better without you. You are not alone, we can help. Please call us at 484-854-1162 or email us at staff@pillarsoflightandlove.org
If you are in crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting the word TALK to 741-741, or DIAL 988.
Suicide Prevention Lifeline.org
The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. Call 1-800-273-8255
In the Event of a Suicide Emergency in Montgomery County PA, Call 9-1-1 or:
• Adult Mobile Crisis Support, available 24 hours a day/7 days a week at 1-855-634-4673. An unidentified vehicle will come to you in Montgomery County.
• Children’s Crisis Support Program, available 24 hours a day/7 days a week at 1-888-435-7414
MONTGOMERY COUNTY PA LOCAL TALK LINES
• Peer Support Talk Line, available Monday – Sunday, 3:00pm to 8:00pm at 1-855-715-8255
• Teen Talk Line, Call: 1-866-825-5856, Text: 215-703-8411, Email: teentalkline@accessservices.org
Your generous donation will help us continue our mission with our Julia's Joy Youth Empowerment Programs!
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