When you meet someone like Julie Barth, you don’t just hear a story—you feel it. In today’s podcast episode, I had the honor of sitting down with Julie, a mother of six, trauma survivor, and the incredible woman behind the Colin James Barth Outreach (CJB Outreach). Her life is one of deep pain, unimaginable loss, and yet, undeniable strength and purpose.
Julie’s journey hasn’t been easy. In fact, it’s one of the most powerful and emotional stories I’ve ever had the privilege of sharing on the podcast. If you’ve ever wondered how someone keeps going in the face of grief, heartbreak, and trauma—or how they turn that pain into something truly life-changing for others—this is the episode (and story) for you.
A Life Changed in an Instant
Julie’s story began to shift the day her daughter Tayt was born. Tayt was diagnosed with Primordial Dwarfism, an incredibly rare condition that would require years of surgeries and constant care. Becoming a full-time caregiver at such a young age changed the trajectory of Julie’s life—and was only the beginning of a series of life-altering challenges.
Just a few years later, Julie’s husband Colin was diagnosed with stage-four pancreatic cancer. His passing was a devastating blow to their young family, and the grief of losing a partner while parenting six children—one with intense medical needs—was overwhelming.
As if that weren’t enough, Julie later found herself in an emotionally and financially abusive marriage that lasted for a decade. That period of her life left deep scars, but also planted the seeds for a new beginning.
The Turning Point: Finding Her Voice Again
In our conversation, Julie talked candidly about the quiet ways abuse takes hold—how easy it is to lose yourself when you’re constantly in survival mode. But what struck me the most was the moment she decided to reclaim her voice.
She described a shift that happened when she realized she could no longer live for everyone else. Through prayer, reflection, and the strength she had built over years of caregiving, she slowly began rebuilding her confidence, her sense of self, and her vision for what her life could look like.
The Birth of the CJB Outreach
Julie founded the Colin James Barth Outreach as a way to honor her late husband’s legacy and support other women facing crisis. The nonprofit is designed specifically for women-led households—especially those who are navigating trauma, abuse, caregiving, grief, or financial hardship.
What started as an idea rooted in her own experience quickly turned into a lifeline for other women. CJB Outreach helps provide resources, support, and stability when everything else feels like it’s falling apart. And what’s so special about Julie’s work is that it’s not just about meeting physical needs—it’s about helping women feel safe, seen, and empowered again.
Supporting Women Through Lived Experience
Julie knows what it feels like to walk into a doctor’s office alone with a sick child. She knows what it’s like to worry about rent, groceries, and safety all at once. And because of that, she’s created a nonprofit that doesn’t just offer services—it offers hope.
Throughout the episode, she shares how her own story informs everything CJB Outreach does—from emergency funding and emotional support to connecting women with long-term resources and community partnerships. The goal is to help women move from crisis to stability without shame or fear—and Julie is proof that it’s possible.
Why This Conversation Matters
Julie’s story is deeply personal, but the themes are universal. So many of us—especially women—find ourselves holding everything together, often at the expense of our own well-being. This episode is a reminder that you’re not alone. That healing is possible. That asking for help isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom. And that even in the most broken seasons, there’s still room to rebuild.
I’m so grateful to Julie for showing up so fully and vulnerably in this conversation. Her voice is one we all need to hear—especially if you’re in a place where hope feels far away.
Ready to catch the full episode? Click below to listen on your favorite platform:
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If you or someone you know is going through a difficult season, I hope you’ll take a moment to visit the resources below.
Connect with Julie:
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