Frank and Barbara Julian have been avid supporters of SVdP CARES for over 4 years. Giving both time and treasure, the Julian’s commitment to their faith and helping those in need make them true CARES Champions.
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink…I needed clothes and you clothed me.” Matthew 25: 31-40. That’s the verse that runs through Barbara Julian’s head when she encounters neighbors in need. “I always think, that could be Jesus…”
Years before, Barbara had an active role in feeding those in need at the food stamp office in downtown Tampa. “It was my job right out of college…I was the person that interviewed people to see if they were eligible,” Barbara said, “but I didn’t think about what I was doing for them and how I was helping. To me, it was a job. I just didn’t get it.” Soon after, Barbara met her husband Frank. They raised 2 children, attended Incarnation Catholic Church, where Frank eventually became a Deacon, and Barbara moved into a position at Lockheed Martin. While the Julian’s were active participants in church and company philanthropy, they weren’t able to stretch as much as they would have liked. “Life happened,” said Barbara. “You get a job, you’re set on a career, you raise a family, and that’s your focus.”
Years before, Barbara had an active role in feeding those in need at the food stamp office in downtown Tampa. “It was my job right out of college…I was the person that interviewed people to see if they were eligible,” Barbara said, “but I didn’t think about what I was doing for them and how I was helping. To me, it was a job. I just didn’t get it.” Soon after, Barbara met her husband Frank. They raised 2 children, attended Incarnation Catholic Church, where Frank eventually became a Deacon, and Barbara moved into a position at Lockheed Martin. While the Julian’s were active participants in church and company philanthropy, they weren’t able to stretch as much as they would have liked. “Life happened,” said Barbara. “You get a job, you’re set on a career, you raise a family, and that’s your focus.”
“I think back to that time and wish I thought this way then…how different I would have come across to those people;” she says, and then adds, “every time a case manager or housing specialist sits down with a new person or family, it’s not just a program placement or part of their job, it’s so much more…they are changing lives.” The SVdP CARES team could not do the life changing work they do without the support of individuals like Barbara and Frank Julian. They are a part of a large network of CARES Champions, and you are too! Your support is essential in the fight to end homelessness, as together we are making homelessness rare, brief, and one-time!
“St. Vincent de Paul CARES is changing lives. When we give to them, I know it’s going right to the people that need it.”
