Saving lives is our only PURPOSE.

JAK‑L Foundation was created with a single, unwavering purpose: to ensure no one feels alone in their mental health journey. We raise vital funds for suicide‑prevention efforts, community programs, and initiatives that foster connection, understanding, and hope. Every dollar donated directly strengthens the well‑being of our community, supporting programs that empower individuals to find light in difficult moments and build a future filled with possibility.

Support Our Mission

"The smallest act of kindness can echo louder than a thousand words."

— OUR CORE BELIEF

"When we give from the heart we light a path for someone to follow."

— JAK‑L LEADERSHIP

"We exist to turn compassion into action and empathy into impact."

— THE JAK‑L MISSION

Leadership & Guidance — Our Community

The hearts behind the mission.

From dedicated board members to certified trainers — every individual committed to mental health advocacy and suicide prevention.

Joy Kochinskas

Board President

Joy Kochinskas is a salon owner and stylist with over 25 years of experience. She is the sister of Julie, who died by suicide in 2017, a loss that deeply shaped her commitment to mental‑health advocacy. Joy has participated in the Out of the Darkness Walk every year since Julie's passing and helped establish the JAK‑L Foundation in 2023 to honor her sister's memory. She is dedicated to creating meaningful support for individuals and families facing mental‑health challenges.

Devon Renfro

Board Vice President

Devon Renfro is a licensed mental‑health counselor and clinical supervisor for a local nonprofit, specializing in trauma‑informed care for children and families. As Julie's sister, she experienced firsthand the impact of suicide when Julie died in 2017, inspiring her passion for helping others navigate grief and healing. Devon is an active member of the Church on Seven Hills and an avid runner who finds strength in community, service, and honoring her sister's legacy.

Laurie Boucher

Board Treasurer

Laurie Boucher is a retired office manager from Custom Payroll and Tax Service and the mother of Joy, Devon, and Julie. After losing her daughter Julie to suicide in 2017, Laurie became an active participant in the Out of the Darkness Walk and a dedicated advocate for mental‑health awareness. She volunteers at St. Roch's Church, serves with the St. Vincent de Paul Society, and has enjoyed supporting the Hanover Theatre in Worcester for several years. Laurie brings compassion, steadiness, and lived experience to the Foundation's mission.

Christine Afful

Board Secretary

Christine Jolie‑Afful, MBA, is an account manager at a long‑standing insurance agency and the cousin of Joy, Devon, and Julie. After losing Julie to suicide in 2017 and navigating her own diagnosis of Major Depression, she became deeply aware of the stigma, insurance barriers, and gaps in mental‑health resources. Christine is honored to serve alongside her family in transforming their shared loss into purpose, ensuring Julie's memory continues to guide meaningful support for others.

Our Team

Front Row (left to right): Kim Sterczala, Kerry Bielicki, Laurie Boucher, Kim Austin, Kathy Konkol-Saad

Second Row (left to right): Joy Kochinskas, Karen Sisko, Wendy Clouatre, Christine Afful, Lisa Kelly

Third Row (left to right): Steve Kochinskas, Devon Renfro, Dave Boucher, Julia Resener

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