The Jacquez Family: A Heart for Generosity and Travel

Photo Credit: Karen Presecan Photography

Within the vibrant community of Embrey Mill lies a family whose story epitomizes the power of love, resilience, and unwavering compassion. Meet Julie and Richard Jacquez, alongside their children Eli, Mimi, and Dylan. Their journey is a remarkable one, defined not only by their personal triumphs but also by their giving hearts and their collective commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.

Their story began in a serendipitous encounter at United Airlines, where Julie, a former sales & service representative, crossed paths with Richard, a traveler booking a flight. Julie, hailing from a rural town southwest of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, found love in Richard, who grew up navigating the streets of Los Angeles, California. Richard's early years were marked by hard work in construction, a path that ultimately led him to ascend the ranks to become a construction executive with DWatts Construction, specializing in build-outs and major renovations in Washington D.C. and surrounding areas.

Julie's journey took her from the world of business to one of service and ministry, propelled by a deep-seated desire to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others. Armed with degrees in Business Administration and later in Ministerial Leadership, Julie was led “to a wonderful job with e3 Kids International as a Guatemala Mission Coordinator,” and now she works for Stafford County Public Schools at Garrisonville Elementary. 

“It’s a total career change,” Julie explained, “but I love it and feel it has so much purpose serving our community.”

Their children, Eli, Mimi, and Dylan, embody the family's ethos of compassion and generosity in their own unique ways. Eli, 24, graduated from Southeastern University in 2022 with a Bachelor’s degree in Ministerial Leadership and a minor in Organizational Leadership. After school, he followed his passion for ministry to become a Youth Pastor in Jacksonville, Florida, spreading love and kindness wherever he goes and enjoying newlywed life with his wife. 

Mimi, 19, is currently a freshman pursuing a degree in Nursing and minoring in Missions at Southeastern University, driven by a desire to heal and uplift those in need.

“She loves watching the sunrise and sunset, spending time with friends and family, traveling, and doing mission work,” Julie explained. She also volunteers at an organization by her university called One More Child.

And then there's Dylan, the youngest member of the Jacquez family, whose journey has been marked by both triumph and tribulation. Born with complex congenital heart defects and a rare genetic disorder, Dylan's early years were fraught with uncertainty and fear, as he was on life support twice. 

“The first two years were extremely challenging and we are beyond thankful to live in a part of the world with excellent medical care.”

Yet, through it all, his spirit remained unbroken.

“Between many doctor appointments and being intellectually disabled, it is sometimes challenging not only for Dylan but the whole family. It changed our perspective completely on life and we try to be grateful for every day, friend, and family member we have,” Julie said. “It’s also opened up our eyes to the Special Needs community. These kids and adults are such a joy to be around and always leave us with full hearts and smiles on our faces.

Dylan is no different from his peers in that regard.

“He is the happiest kid and is always full of joy,” Julie said.

Dylan, now 14, loves everything Disney and has a passion for travel. Like the rest of his family, he loves learning about different places in the world, and, like any 14-year-old, he loves video games. 

“He loves his special needs church group at The Mount,” Julie explained, “and he loves being a ‘tech guy’ and making slides for the group.”

Dylan’s condition catalyzed Julie's involvement with the National Mended Little Hearts Organization. Julie was instrumental in the establishment of the Washington DC chapter in 2011 and she ran that faction of the organization for five years before handing it off to another mom. The National Mended Little Hearts Organization provides a lifeline for families facing similar challenges and shines a spotlight on the resilience and strength of the Special Needs community. Dylan's journey, with its ups and downs, served as a powerful reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment.

The Jacquezes cherish every moment together and every chance to travel as well. 

“Our whole family loves to travel,” Julie explained. “We enjoy experiencing different cultures and learning about new places.” While family vacations are a big part of their lives and they love the excitement of new adventures, their hearts remain firmly rooted in their community, where they coach Special Olympics teams and lend a helping hand to those in need. Richard coaches basketball, golf, and track, while Julie coaches soccer. They also enjoy kayaking and spending time in the local waters. 

But their passions still include mission work, too– Julie and Mimi have a particular fondness for this calling, traveling to Guatemala 14 times to help in the “remote village with food bags, school supplies, medical clinics, hygiene bags, and education.”

When they aren’t volunteering or helping others, they enjoy going to the beach and snorkeling. Richard also developed a love for cooking and trying new recipes during COVID, and the family even got to experience a Tuscan cooking class while traveling to Florence, Italy. Greece, France, Barbados, and Sedona, Arizona also top their list of favorite destinations. 

While they can’t get enough of traveling the world, they’re quite fond of the one they created in Embrey Mill as well. 

“We love all of the great parks and recreation areas in the neighborhood,” Julie said, adding that they decided to move to the area almost nine years ago for the great schools and for other families with kids “so our own would have others to play with.”

As they continue to play, coach, and navigate life's twists and turns, the Jacquez family's love for one another and their community shines brightly. Their story is a testament to the power of resilience, compassion, and unwavering generosity, reminding us all of the profound impact that a giving heart can have on the world around us.