St. Vincent's Center Volunteer and Donor
Julie Thompson used to be a physical therapist. Now, she's an inspiration. It's all because of her dogs, her disease and God, she says.
Julie's extraordinary story begins when she developed primary lateral sclerosis, a neurological disease that forced her to stop working. Then, one day she saw a picture of a volunteer using dogs to help the children at St. Vincent's Center, a therapeutic group home for young victims of abuse or neglect. The picture captured her imagination. Julie's beloved Portuguese water dogs were certified through Pets on Wheels, a non-profit organization that connects therapy dogs with people who benefit from their visits. She brought her dogs to St. Vincent's Center, and they became an immediate hit with the children—many of whom never had a pet and always feared dogs.
"We try to give the children something to touch, to hug, to get that unconditional love from," Julie says, her eyes twinkling with delight. "I also teach them some basic training techniques and grooming—so they get to know how to behave around a dog and learn that all dogs are not mean. They spend tons of time playing fetch with them. Besides brushing or combing the dogs, they even brush their teeth. That is a hoot!" she says, as she explains that children and dogs have become her passion.
To some, being diagnosed with a chronic, debilitating illness would have no silver lining. Julie does not see it that way.
"I feel blessed for my position in life and for having my disease. God's hand is in everything," she says, adding that it has led to a renewal of her faith.
In addition to giving of her time and talent, Julie started thinking about other ways to support St. Vincent's. She saw first-hand how the program relies on donor support for all of the children's enrichment activities. She decided to leave a portion of her estate to St. Vincent's in her will.
After a very difficult period in her life, she says she believes God led her to St. Vincent's Center and to the children served by this program. And, in doing so, God gave the children—and her—a wonderful gift.
For more information about making a provision through your estate for St. Vincent's Center or any of Catholic Charities' 80 programs, contact Rebecca Rothey, CFRE at 410-625-8488 or toll-free 1-866-486-6140 or rrothey@cc-md.org.
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