Family Portraits: Julie’s Family Learning Program

I’m sure everyone reading this has them – the family portraits from years gone by. Perhaps yours are of you and your siblings dressed in matching outfits in front of the Christmas Tree, or outside on a hay barrel. I have a particularly flattering one of me on my older sister’s lap sporting a snazzy new haircut courtesy of said older sister that makes me look like Jim Carry from Dumb and Dumber….but no hard feelings there….

I digress.

Imagine if now, as a parent, you simply couldn’t afford a family portrait? And I’m talking a professional one, not an iPhone snap that you enlarge, but a professionally designed and executed family portrait?

For many clients at Julie’s Family Learning Program in South Boston a family portrait is just that – a luxury way too far out of reach. But, when there is a need Southie does what Southie does best and steps up to fill that need. In particular, South Boston photographer and lifelong resident Deb McCarthy stepped up.

Julie’s Family Learning Program is a community based family support and education program that is committed to the development of strong, stable, healthy family functioning. Julie’s provides services that enable poor, at-risk mothers and their children to transform their lives and become healthy, successful, and economically self-sufficient members of their communities. These moms worry daily about safe housing, having enough food and healthcare for their children – so the idea of having a family portrait is a far away pipe dream.

However, thanks to the incredible generosity of Deb McCarthy and her devotion to all of South Boston, the moms of Julie’s got family portraits this year! Deb donated her time and the images to the moms, and the wonderful stylists at STILISTI Salon on Newbury Street glammed the ladies up!

Would you like to help Julie’s? Please consider attending their annual fundraiser on December 1st at Venezia Restaurant in Dorchester. This year’s Angel Award recipient is State Representative Nick Collins, who has been an advocate for the families at Julie’s for many years. There’s a buffet dinner, silent auction, dozens of raffle baskets, and a powerful speech by alumni. Sponsorships and Advertising are available for this event. Contact Bob, Carrie or Jeanne at 617-269-6663 for more details. Tickets are available on Julie’s website!