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CRC welcomes Julia De Llanos (pictured) to CRC as our new Senior Services director, a position that she’s been preparing for since childhood!
Julia grew up in a trilingual household in Miami (English, Spanish, Creole) with parents who immigrated from the Caribbean and she describes as “traditional, religious, and very charitable.” Early on, they required her to volunteer, so she served as a “candy striper” at a skilled nursing facility for senior patients. After college, she helped children who were aging out of foster care. She migrated to a career in higher education, guiding students to accessibility services, mental health resources, and employment — akin to a caseworker for college kids! The question she would ask the children and the students is the same for CRC clients now: How can we set you up to succeed?
“Being the daughter of immigrants, I definitely understand what it’s like for someone to have this dream for a better life. There are realities when you come to a foreign land or new community and you’re trying to integrate,” says De Llanos. “Whether you are young or older, it’s challenging to reach out for help. You want to figure it out on your own because there can be apprehension and fear.”
Julia is focused on identifying resources and strengthening relationships within Collier County so that CRC can pave a direct, unencumbered path for seniors in need.
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