Designing special spaces for special people
Sweetbird is 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation created to provide design services and goods to the families of children with special needs.
Having worked as an interior designer since 2011, I’ve seen firsthand how room transformation leads to emotional and lifestyle transformation for those who live in it. What you see every day has a direct impact on how you feel.
Families with children who have specific medical and emotion needs bear the financial, emotional and time sensitive burdens associated with lifelong medical care. I’d like to ease their burden by providing rooms that help their children live more comfortably while also giving the parents a space that reflects their aesthetic and brings them joy.
Just read these testimonials below from Sweetbird clients to see for yourself.
Sweetbird Benefits from Clients
Williams Family (Montclair)
“I am incredibly grateful to Julia and her design team for transforming my son’s space into a calming environment that helps him to better regulate his emotions and behaviors. The softer colors, organized toys and work desk, comfortable seating, and improved windows with soothing treatments have made it a place where he can focus, relax, and feel at ease. This transformation has been a true blessing, bringing comfort to him and added peace to our family.”
Williams Family Therapist
“Since the change was made, it feels that the room has been more accommodating to create a structured environment. The desk has made it possible to have everything handy, and it has become a place of work for Elijah. The blue paint on the wall makes the room calmer for Elijah. The space curtains have been helpful because we have better control of the amount of distractions coming from the outside, and at the same time, it does not make him feel closed in the small room. Very nicely done.”
Swick Family (Upper Montclair)
“Our work with Julia has been nothing short of inspiring and dare I say therapeutic. As parents of a child with a severe muscular dystrophy disease, so much of our time, and financial resources are devoted to medical care. It’s true what they say—not all parents have the same 24 hours in a day. While “design” feels perhaps a little like a privilege let me tell you it’s not. Walking into our home previously added psychological stress on top of the baseline elevated stress already in existence. There was a lack of cohesion, flow and so many rooms “unfinished.”
Julia little by slowly, and with patience, positivity and the decisiveness we needed, helped transform our home (and) energy inside of it! Every guest who comes over has the same first comment: “your home is so calming and warm!” It’s uncanny how talented Julia is. But even more so, how compassionate, thoughtful and generous she is. Thank you, Julia, you have no clue how meaningful it is for our whole family to have, as you’d say, a “composed” home. We are all healthier and happier for it!”
Meet The Star Behind Sweetbird
This is Julia, nicknamed Sweetbird by her family. Julia and her family are close family friends for many years. I’ve seen firsthand the financial & emotional stresses associated with navigating Julia’s microcephaly. Several years ago, Julia’s growth necessitated a bathroom remodel to accommodate her physical limitations. I worked with her parents to create a functional and beautiful bathroom to meet all of those needs and her mother Lisa still says it’s her favorite room in the house.
Please help us give more families like Julia’s access to services like these by donating. All gifts are tax deductible and 98% of funds go directly to paying for labor and goods (there’s never a design fee).
About us
The Sweetbird Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, founded by local seasoned Interior Designer, Julia Epstein (to see her private client work, click here). We strive to transform spaces that inspire and enrich the lives of those it serves.
Please consider supporting us by making a tax-exempt donation today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do my donations go?
98% of all donations go directly to fund Sweetbird projects in the form of furniture & decor purchases, labor payment for painters, contractors, etc. No donations go toward designer fees as they’re always completely free. The remaining 2% of donations go to maintaining the website.
Is my donation tax-deductible?
Yes, The Sweetbird Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
What is your application process?
To apply please click on the Apply button above to email Julia directly with a description of your child and desired project.
We are currently in the pilot phase and are accepting applications for small scale projects (i.e. therapy rooms, kid’s bedrooms, playrooms, living rooms, etc.). By applying you waive all rights to contest acceptance parameters or rejection of the application.
How can I support your organization?
Donations are the best way to directly impact Sweetbird clients. If you’d like to donate your time to paint, assemble furniture, deliver goods, or any other physical service, please contact Julia directly at julia@sweetbirdfoundation.org.
