The Sweet Julia Grace Foundation (SJGF) has been awarded a $15,000 grant from the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation. The grant will fund an expanded iPad and technology program designed to comfort, connect, and entertain children with complex medical conditions.
The grant will provide iPads, gaming systems, TVs, computers, and adaptive technology to hospitalized children who are homebound or frequently travel for medical care.
A Program That Grows with the Need
The foundation’s technology initiative originally focused on providing iPads to help children stay connected with family, friends, and school. However, as the program evolved, it became clear that many children needed additional forms of technology to enhance their daily lives.
“We’ve always had the iPad program, but this grant is helping us expand it into a full iPad and technology program,” said Sarah Knight, founder of the Sweet Julia Grace Foundation. “We’ve had children inspire this growth—like one young boy recently diagnosed with cancer. Because of his diagnosis, he was in a neck brace and could no longer use his phone. His one wish was a gaming laptop so he could still play with his friends.”
The foundation is now prepared to grant wishes beyond just iPads—offering gaming computers, adaptive equipment for children with severe disabilities, and even custom gaming setups for children facing mobility challenges.
How the Grant Will Be Used
Knight explained that the grant will help support 10 to 15 children, depending on their specific needs.
- iPad packages, which include headphones and backpacks, cost about $400 to $500 per child.
- Gaming systems and computers cost approximately $1,000 per child.
Adaptive technology, like special switches that allow children with motor disabilities to control devices with a single touch, cost about $100 each.
“Our goal is to be ready when families come to us—whether they need a wish fulfilled, adaptive equipment, or just something to brighten a difficult time,” Knight said.
More Than Just Gifts—Building a Community
The Sweet Julia Grace Foundation has been serving families since 2014, providing customized support for children with complex medical conditions, disabilities, and life-threatening illnesses.
Families helped by the foundation are known as “Rain Dancers,” once they are welcomed into the foundation’s circle, they remain a part of the SJGF community for life.
“We help families with everything from granting a wish to providing medically necessary equipment, like special bath chairs, strollers, and custom-built beds,” Knight said. “We also host community gatherings so families can meet others who truly understand what they’re going through. It’s about making sure they don’t feel alone.”
Currently, 50 to 70 new families are referred to the foundation each year, with over 400 families served since its founding.
This year’s $15,000 grant from the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation is the largest the Sweet Julia Grace Foundation has received. It follows previous grants of $10,000, which helped launch an aquatic therapy program for children with mobility challenges.
“This kind of funding is seed money—it helps us grow our programs and make a bigger impact,” Knight said.
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