Cindy Kaplan

We moved away from Portland 6 years ago and, damnit, I haven't talked to Julie since. I took for granted that she would always be there when we came back to visit because, well, she was always there. My story, as I understand it now having watched her amazing memorial,, was not unique for Julie but it was unique for me. I met her as a young mom and social entrepreneur, trying to get my INGO off the ground in Portland. I felt a bit like an imposter half the time in both of my roles: Special needs parent and Executive Director. But when Julie brought me to her office at Mercy Corps and gave her time and full brain and heart and rolodex to me, I became more brave. I felt more worthy. She made me feel like anything was possible and that I had already arrived. When I later got the scoop on all Julie had done in her life until that point and the folks in her company, I had a hard time matching that with the super accessible, warm, potty mouthed neighbor I had come to cherish. Her CV did not match her humility.

Julie opened doors for me, including her own. Dennis, I will never forget the times you and Julie invited me and Jadyn inside to visit and play. You had toys and patience and love for us both. Being a developmentally different kiddo, my son was not understood or welcome in many places. I felt on-guard at times, never quite knowing what he might say or do. But with you, I knew that anything would be fine. That our whole, quirky, imperfect, human selves were welcome in your kitchen for snacks and on your couch for connecting. I remember the tour you gave me of photos in your house; one after the other of you with friends and family over the years. They were clearly what mattered most to you.

And yes, I was one of the lucky ones to be caught off-guard by Julie's incredible generosity. One year, after learning that our staff had outgrown our office, Julie sent a big fat check to help us put up a pony wall and desks for our team. We called it the Julie Mancini wing. She always meant to stop by and see for herself but she had moved on to College Possible and was busy helping the next generation build a better future. I am guessing she told few people, if any, what she did for us. To her it was no big deal. For us it was a fucking miracl (that f-bomb was for you, Julie).

Julie, you left a mark that will forever stay with me. I loved you and I will forever be grateful for who you were for me when I needed it most. I am now beaming that love to you, Dennis, and your boys and their families and to Julie's big family-at-large.

With love from Austin,
Cindy, Tony, Jadyn (now 17) and Neveya (now 13) Kaplan