Like so many things in life, Julia Call’s life changed with a phone call. Nearly 10 years ago, Social Services called her to ask if she wanted to take her four grandchildren. “They were going to put them in foster care if we didn’t take them.” She was stunned, but immediately agreed. She had no idea what was to come.
“My oldest grandson had broken his arm in some sort of tussle, I’m not sure what exactly happened, but Social Services took all four kids while they completed an investigation.”
Once the children were in her home, Julia said she immediately noticed how dysfunctional the kids were. “My son and his wife (sic) were in denial as they what the children needed. When we saw that they were going to be reunited with their parents, we hired an attorney to obtain custody.” Her son signed over his parental rights and their mother did later once they realized he couldn’t provide the care his children would need.
“Jeremiel is the oldest, we got him tested first because we could see something wasn’t right,” said Julia. “He was diagnosed with autism and several other developmental delays. We later found out he also has a genetic disorder that causes headaches, which affects his behaviors. By 2014, three of our four grandkids were diagnosed with autism.”
Julia got involved with HCC in 2019 after the children’s Crisis Therapist told her about the agency. She said when she started going, they met at the Wilkes County Library. She said at the time, they really needed help and the program allows them to do things that they couldn’t afford otherwise.
It been a struggle financially, emotionally and physically for Julia and her husband. “Our financial means have improved, most of what they’ve gotten to do as far as activities and Christmas gifts has been made by HCC. They have supported the kids. We have gotten Mother’s Day gifts and stuff like that. Ya’ll make us feel important too, like we are not alone. There are people that really care what families like ours are going through.”
She said that putting the kids on the Angel Tree this year was a great decision. “HCC makes sure they have a great Christmas every year. What y’all did for Jerem this year was really special.”
Jeremiel was given two first class tickets to The Polar Express as part of his Angel Tree wish list. He got to spend the day at the Spencer Train Museum beforehand with Julia.
“Ya’ll meet the needs of the parents and relatives with children and provide activities that we couldn’t afford to do without your assistance,” Julia said. “You all made their Christmas this year.”
When asked what he thought of his trip to Spencer and a ride on The Polar Express, Jeremiel was frank. “It was great.” Julia said he had a wonderful time and when he got the tickets, he got very excited. “He flapped his hands, which he only does when he’s excited and very happy.”