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…

Community Support
Month of June Celebrations: Connection Event, Care Packages & Family Picnic
Our favorite month has come to a close! Our hearts are full after an entire month of celebrating the legacy of June Jessee through community outreach. We enjoyed a beautiful evening at Wild Crush for our Parent & Caregiver Connection Event, distributed 250 thoughtfully curated care packages to several local hospitals and caregivers throughout the U.S., and ended the month with an in-person music therapy session and family picnic at the park. Thank you to all who made this month so special; we’re already looking forward to next year!

CP Family Day
The JJMF was honored to lead two sessions for parents and caregivers at the St. Louis Children’s Hospital Cerebral Palsy Center’s CP Family Day. The morning was filled with family connections and sharing the heart of our mission along with other local organizations. Thank you to SLCH for allowing us to participate and share how the JJMF can serve as a meaningful resource and help families navigate the challenges associated with raising a child who has a complex neurological condition.

Impact
Welcome Becca Williams to the Board!
JJMF is excited to announce our newest Board member, Becca Williams. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Becca is passionate about working with parents and caregivers of medically complex children in her private practice. After working as a social worker at St. Louis Children’s Hospital Cerebral Palsy Center, she understands the importance of helping caregivers reduce symptoms of burnout. Outside of her professional life, Becca stays busy with her husband and their two young sons.

Volunteer Spotlight: Jane, Karen & Robyn
It’s no secret that without our volunteers, JJMF’s programs and services wouldn’t be possible. This month we featured this dedicated trio of JJMF volunteers, who also happen to be long-time friends. Whether it’s helping with care package assembly or preparing for our annual fundraiser, Jane, Karen and Robyn are willing to jump in head first with welcoming smiles on their faces.

On the Blog
Spotlight: The JJMF Youth Board
This month we wanted to shine a light on the positive impact made by our Youth Board. In its first full year of service, this group of volunteer-oriented young women have helped support our events and even organized a couple of their own to further our mission—the most recent being a pickleball fundraiser. If you or someone you know would like to learn more, check out this month’s post, and don’t hesitate to reach out — summer is the perfect time to get involved!

Bookmarked
Real Happiness: The Power of Meditation by Sharon Salzberg
As a longtime favorite of JJMF Founder, Genny Jessee, this year we included Real Happiness by Sharon Salzberg in our Month of June Care Packages. As a meditation guide, Salzburg focuses on concentration, mindfulness and Genny’s personal favorite–lovingkindness. Check out this great book to find out how simple meditation practice may benefit you.

Building Awareness
PTSD Awareness Month
June was Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month, and we wanted to take the opportunity to address the risk factors as they relate to parents and caregivers of medically complex children. As parents and caregivers are at a drastically higher risk for PTSD, we also shared a list of coping strategies to help combat symptoms and improve mental health.