Newsletter August 2024
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Providing relief and support to help children with devastating medically complex, neurological conditions and their families in the St. Louis area and beyond.
Here’s what we’ve been up to…
Advancing our Mission
Giving Stock
We are excited to announce the June Jessee Memorial Foundation now accepts donations of stock! This new way to give allows you to support our mission in a tax-efficient way.
Why Donate Stock?
Donating appreciated stocks directly to the JJMF may allow you to avoid paying capital gains tax and receive a charitable deduction for the full market value of the stock—maximizing your contribution and impact.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Impact
Coming Full Circle
Last year’s Evening of Joy highlighted the extraordinary connection of the Jessee and Harper families with this “Coming Full Circle” video. These longtime friends bonded further through their shared experience of caring for a child with a complex neurological condition. In recent years, their friendship has continued to grow through their mutual commitment to furthering the JJMF’s mission in support of families like theirs.
Your eyes might not be dry, but your heart will be warmed by the message conveyed in this incredible video.
On the Blog
Spotlight: Back to School!
Embarking on a new school year can feel exciting, as well as quite overwhelming. JJMF Community Engagement Manager, Karlita Blackwell shares some helpful tips on the blog to start the year off on the right foot.
Community Support
Virtual Support Group for JJMF Parents and Caregivers
The JJMF is thrilled to now offer a parent & caregiver Virtual Support Group led by our Community Engagement Manager, Karlita Blackwell, who holds a masters degree in counseling. In August, a group of highly engaged and supportive JJMF community members gathered via Zoom for our first meet up to reflect on the documentary “Unseen: How We’re Failing Caregivers & Why It Matters.” Some of the themes we talked about were feeling invisible, the barriers in seeking and receiving services, and the importance of finding community.
Our goal with each support group is to create a safe space for parents and caregivers to connect with one another, share resources, and take a much-needed break. The next meeting will take place on Tuesday, September 21st at 7:30pm CT and will be focused around Isolation as a Medical Parent or Caregiver. Please feel free to sign up or share this opportunity with parents and caregivers of medically complex children.
Upcoming Events
Virtual Music Therapy
Saturday, September 21st
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM Central Time on Zoom
Join us for a cozy, fall themed Virtual Music Therapy session! Start your weekend off with excitement and join Maria Carron, founder of Midwest Music Therapy, as she leads our group of medically complex families and caregivers. Enjoy a morning of inclusive and interactive singing, dancing, and instruments. Attendance is free, but pre-registration is required to receive the Zoom link.
REGISTER
The JJMF “Not-So-Haunted House” Halloween Party!
Sunday, October 13th at 6 PM
The Magic House
Get in the Halloween spirit with a FREE evening of fun and trick-or-treating for children with complex neurological conditions and their families, as well as JJMF’s friends, donors and supporters. Costumes are encouraged and new this year—appearances by FREDBIRD® and Louie!
REGISTER
An Evening of Joy
Friday, November 8th at The Reverie
17089 N. Outer 40 Road, Chesterfield, MO 63005
Mark your calendar for An Evening of Joy, our annual event celebrating the JJMF’s commitment to serve our courageous community, inspired by the special moments of joy families experience in caring for children with complex neurological conditions. Enjoy a vast array of hors d’oeuvres and open bar, browse the expansive silent auction and high-end raffles, and hear about families supported by the work of our foundation. Interested in sponsorship opportunities? Email us at info@junejessee.org
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