There is nothing more important in this world than giving back. Taking care of one another is the cornerstone of not only recovery but humanity. Today’s spotlight subject, Julie W. is the perfect example of someone who cares. Someone who is filled with empathy. Someone whose passion is helping others find their purpose.
Julie’s journey with Beit T’Shuvah didn’t start with her own need for help but through her son, Bobby. In 2017, Bobby entered the program, and like many parents, Julie and her husband found themselves navigating the emotional terrain of watching their child struggle with addiction. “We used to come to Friday night services just to see Bobby.” At first, their attendance was simply a way to stay connected with their son, but it wasn’t long before they fell in love with the community. “I just found it such a great place,” she says with a warmth that underscores her deep connection to Beit T’Shuvah.
Growing up in Indianapolis, Julie’s life was centered around sports and family. A driven and independent woman, she moved to California as a teenager, eventually becoming a CPA and working for KPMG. It was at KPMG that she met her husband, and, together, they started their family.
Her husband Rob, a recovering addict, turned to a pregnant Julie at a dinner party and said, “Wow. It is nice to have someone else here who isn’t drinking!” She thought to herself, “If it makes him feel more comfortable. I’ll never drink again.” …and she hasn’t had a sip since. (if that isn’t enough to convince you that she is simply the kindest, most thoughtful person, I don’t know what will).
Their second child, Katie, was born with autism and a seizure disorder. Having a child with special needs shifted the way that Julie could live her life. As a result, she retired to care for her daughter full-time. With a mother’s tenderness, Julie acknowledges the challenges that came with raising a special needs child and the juggling act of giving both children equal attention. In an effort to make sure that Bobby didn’t feel like he was being overlooked, they would take him on vacations and try to spend as much time with him one-on-one as they could.
For years, Julie thought managing Katie’s needs was the hardest part of motherhood—until Bobby went to college. That’s when things began to truly unravel. “Bobby started smoking weed, and it just spiraled from there.” As addiction took hold of her son, Julie struggled to understand. “I didn’t know anything about addiction. My family didn’t drink or smoke. We were ‘normies.’” It was her husband who first recognized the signs. He drew firm boundaries, but Julie admits it took her longer to let go of her instinct to protect her only son. “I was enabling him,” she says with shaky breath, “but I eventually found my way through Al-Anon.”
When Bobby finally knew he needed help, Julie and Rob convinced him to see Doug Rosen. Doug worked as his therapist for quite a while. He would tell Bobby that he needed to find his independence and stop smoking weed. Bobby took this to mean that his parents were wrong and at fault, but, in reality, this was Doug’s sly way of convincing him to come to Beit T’Shuvah. It worked.
Once Bobby finally entered Beit T’Shuvah, Julie felt an overwhelming sense of relief. “I knew where he was, and I knew he was getting the help he needed.” And it wasn’t just Bobby who found healing in Beit T’Shuvah’s community—Julie and her husband did, too. Julie’s love for Beit T’Shuvah grew from those Friday nights spent watching her son take the first steps toward recovery. “We just loved it. I mean, I’d drive for hours just to get to services.”
Julie’s involvement didn’t stop at attending Shabbat. A passionate golfer, she connected with Avia Rosen—our Development Director—and after one conversation, joyfully offered to help with our annual golf tournament: The BTS Open. “I said, ‘I’ll run it for you for free,’” Julie recalls with a smile. And run it she did! Julie’s expertise and dedication helped transform the event, saving Beit T’Shuvah thousands of dollars and ensuring the tournament’s continued success. “It’s like two passions came together—my love for golf and my gratitude for Beit T’Shuvah!”
Julie’s work with the BTS Open has become a meaningful way for her to give back to the community. “I feel like they saved my son.” Her commitment to the tournament and to Beit T’Shuvah is unwavering. “My husband always asks if I’ll run it again, and I say ‘Yes. Did you hear the stories at the event? Do you see what we’re raising money for? Of course, I’ll do it again!’” No one’s voice has ever been filled with more purpose.
Now, years after Bobby’s recovery, Julie reflects on how far her family has come. Bobby is newly married, happily working as a caddy, and has a new lease on life. Watching her son thrive has only deepened her connection to Beit T’Shuvah. “I want to raise as much money as I can for the next person who needs help.” For Julie, Beit T’Shuvah is more than just a treatment center—it’s a community, a family, and a place that welcomed her with open arms. “The best part about Beit T’Shuvah is the people,” she says with the warmth that only a mother can. “They make you want to get involved, and I’m so grateful to be a part of it.”
Julie, we couldn’t be more grateful to have you be a part of this community. For everything you do. For everything you bring. For everything you are. Thank you.