Meet Juli Schragel of Billy’s Place in West Valley

Today we’d like to introduce you to Juli Schragel.

Juli, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
In 2005 my husband died in an automobile accident leaving behind my 15 month old son, Billy and I. When Billy was around three years of age he started to show his grief in the form of anger and sadness. As I didn’t understand this was a normal reaction to grieving, I set out to find a solution to help us adjust to our new normal. My journey led me to a grief support center in Wisconsin (where we lived at the time) which changed our lives.

 After relocating to Arizona to be near family in 2008 I saw a huge gap in services in the North West Valley for grieving kids. In late 2012, after many years of dreaming and planning, my sister in law, Kris Friedman, Co-Founder of Billy’s Place and I received our 501 c 3 status and began holding support groups. Our sole purpose is to make sure no child grieves alone. We went from helping 100 people our first year to thousands of people each year through our grief support programs and public memorial events.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
This makes me smile. NO would be the honest answer, but with that being said I would do it again in a heartbeat. Billy’s Place began with funding from family and friends as funding opportunities were a little tough in the non-profit world until you prove yourself. We were not able to pay any staff until 2017 so, needless to say, you do the best you can with the time you have. Building a Board was a struggle, especially with those who have a passion for grief, not to mention grieving children. Last year was the first year we finally started to get into a groove with that. Lots of trial and error for sure! Thankfully we absolutely love what we do so that helps. We have been fortunate for loyal volunteers who love our families as well as a community that has supported us. Consistent funding and the ups and downs with Grant awards will always be a challenge.

Please tell us about your organization.
Located at 75th Avenue and Deer Valley Road on the border of Glendale and Peoria, Billy’s Place provides grief support to kids and families. The nonprofit organization hosts professional and peer-facilitated support groups and community remembrance events for kids, teens, parents and others who have lost a special person. Also, their office hosts a grief resource center that is available to the public no matter what stage of grief someone may be in.

I feel I am most proud of helping to give families a place that is safe from judgement, safe from isolation, a place to laugh, cry and rediscover moments of happiness, without guilt. We feel deeply for families who have lost a loved one. I am so proud of our volunteers and staff who make this all possible.

I think what sets us apart is Billy’s Place feels like home for kids and families experiencing grief. They can come here twice a month and be their most honest selves, surrounded by a safe and loving community of support.

Do you feel like our city is a good place for businesses like yours? If someone was just starting out, would you recommend them starting out here? If not, what can our city do to improve?
I feel whatever your story is you should use it to help others. It may not be starting a non-profit but it could be volunteering, funding, mentoring, or helping start a new program with an existing business. We have been fortunate to have support from our community. We are fans of the West Valley and have chosen to live here and raise our kids here! Yes, I would recommend building a business in this community.

Contact Info:

• Address: 21448 N 75th Avenue Suite 5
  Glendale AZ 85308
• Website: www.billysplace.me
• Phone: 6234149838
• Email: info@billysplace.me

 

Image Credit:
Tracey Cota
http://www.capturedbytraceycota.com/
Captured by Tracey Cota
Susan Beach
Beach’s on Location

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