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Julia's Joy
Created in memory of Julia Morath who died by suicide at age 14 in 2017. Julia's Joy helps teens find their joy and understand they are not alone, they are worthy, and they matter.
Julia's Joy TEEN TALK Every Wednesday • 7:30 PM • Julia's Joy Youth Empowerment Program for TEENS • WEDNESDAYS • 7:30 PM •ENCOURAGING U
In Memory of Julia Morath
Julia’s Joy is a teen and tween empowerment program 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. Tragically, she died by suicide in April 2017 following a viral cyberbullying incident.
In her memory, Julia's family, friends, and the team at Pillars of Light and Love developed this program to help youth ages 14–17 gather for Teen Talk (opens in new tab)each week to learn how to live their best lives and become the greatest versions of themselves.
The 9th Julia's Joy Voice Idol Competition will be held in January and February of 2027. Auditions will be held October 4th and 18th for ages 11-18. To audition click HERE.
Youth Mental health
Today’s young people are growing up in a world filled with pressures that can affect their confidence, mental health and ability to cope. Nearly 4 in 10 U.S. high school students report persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness. One in five has seriously considered suicide, and nearly one in ten has attempted suicide. Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death among young people.
Social media, bullying, academic pressure, isolation, unhealthy technology use, substance use and other challenge can add to the pressures young people face.
At Pillars of Light and Love, we believe prevention begins long before a crisis. By teaching healthy coping skills, confidence, self-acceptance, self-respect, personal responsibility and resilience, we help children and teens develop the tools they need to handle life’s challenges in healthier ways.
Our goal is not simply to help young people get through difficult moments. We want to empower them to recognize their worth, make positive choices, build healthy relationships, ask for help when they need it, and become confident and resilient adults.
When young people have the tools to cope, the confidence to believe in themselves, and people who remind them that they matter, we can help change the direction of their lives.
Statistics: CDC Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 2023
Teen Talk Wednesdays
Teen Talk is held every Wednesday | 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM.
The Julia’s Joy Teen Program has been supporting teens since the summer of 2017 just 2 months after Julia passed. Youth ages 14–17 participate in discussions led by Kassie Simpson. Topics include life, stress managment, school challenges, friendships, healthy and unhealthy relationships, and more. Those who attend always look forward to coming back, and newcomers are always welcome.
Tween Talk
Tween Talk is held monthly on the First Thursday | 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM.
Middle school students are invited to join Certified Positivity Coach Christy Smith for a welcoming space to share, connect, build confidence, navigate friendships and stressful situations, and make new friends.
Topics Covered in Our Julia’s Joy Teen and Tween Talk Program May Include
“Communicating Effectively With Parents and Others So You Are Heard & Understood”
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“What Is OK and Not OK in How You Are Treated or See Others Treated — and What to Do About It”
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“Feelings — Handling the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly”
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“Bouncing Back When Things Get Tough” — Resilience
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“When the Going Gets Tough” — Managing Stress and Frustration
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“Healthy& Unhealthy Relationships"- Setting Boundaries
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“Getting Everything Done on Time” — Time Management
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“The Pressure to Be Perfect & Fit In”
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“How to Cope With Exclusion and Lack of Friendships”
Julia’s Joy Voice Idol Competition
Elizabeth Steiner won the 11–14 age group in February 2022.
A Special Tribute to Julia Morath
The three coaches from the 2020 Julia’s Joy Voice Idol Competition performed a heartfelt tribute to Julia Morath, the 14-year-old for whom the Julia’s Joy Youth Empowerment Programs at Pillars of Light and Love were named.
The performers included Rachel Roth, the 2019 winner, on the left; Ava DiFiore, the 2018 winner, in the center; and Tina Belles on the right. Tina served as a judge and coach for the 2020 season and as a judge during the 2019 season.
A Tribute to Julia Morath’s Family & Friends
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 as a tribute to Julia and her family and friends who miss her every day.
Please know that YOU MATTER, and your family and friends would not be better off without you. You are not alone, and we can help. Please call us at (484) 854-1162 or email us at staff@pillarsoflightandlove.org.
Messages of Hope & Healing
Julia Morath’s Mother Speaks to Parents
Julia Morath’s Mother Speaks to Her Friends
Suicide Prevention
Montgomery County, PA Local Talk Lines
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Peer Support Talk Line(opens in new tab) — Available 7 days a week, 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM at (855) 715-8255
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Teen Talk Line(opens in new tab) — Available 7 days a week, 1 PM to 9:00 PM at (888) 435-7414
In the Event of a Suicide Emergency in Montgomery County, PA
Call 911 or contact:
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Adult Mobile Crisis Support (opens in new tab)— Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (855) 634-4673.
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988 Suicide & Crisis Hotline (opens in new tab)— Available 24/7 for anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts, emotional distress, or a mental health crisis. 988 available to Call | Text | Deaf/HoH | Chat
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Support Julia’s Joy
Julia's parents, Stephanie Hartzell and Kurt Morath have found joy in keeping Julia's memory alive, and watching the inspiration their daughter's short, but meaningful life has had in teen's lives. Your generous donation helps us continue Julia's legacy through the Julia's Joy Youth Empowerment Program.