Joanna's Place

Offering free services to children and their families so they have access to the support they need, when they need it the most. We are a non-profit organization serving South Shore families, dedicated to promoting resilience in children who are facing some of lifes most stressful events. We provide the free tools, support and resources to heal, to... grow and to strengthen families. In August of 2007 Heather and Jerry Mullin heard the terrible news that no parent should ever have to hear. Their beautiful, sweet and bright daughter, Joanna, had been killed at the tender age of 6. Such devastating loss is unfathomable to most of us. It is difficult to imagine how a family could survive such a tragedy. Joannas Place was founded in loving memory of Joanna Mullin. Joannas Place provides free services to children and their families so they have access to the help they need, when they need it most. Our efforts are made possible by a tremendous group of volunteers from the South Shore community in Massachusetts. Heather Mullin is the Founder of Joannas Place, and mother of Joanna and three surviving siblings Jeffrey, James and Jayne. Since Joannas death, Heather and her husband, Jerry, have been working with Maria Trozzi (renowned expert on family bereavement) to help their children learn the coping skills they need to survive the loss of their sister. Throughout the process, Heather and Jerry have become acutely aware of how tragic loss or unexpected change can disrupt the lives of children and have longstanding impact. It is their hope that through Joannas Place other children and families will be better able to master some of lifes most difficult challenges. Maria Trozzi is a nationally recognized expert and speaker for professional and parent audiences when major crises challenge the people of our nation (Columbine, 9/11, Katrina, Marathon Bombing). Former Assistant Professor of Developmental Pediatrics at Boston University School of Medicine, founder of the nationally-renowned Good Grief Program, author of Talking ...Read More