Wildlife and nature

Animal shelters and rescues

Theater and dance

Rivers, parks and trails

Hunger and food

Schools and learning

Housing and homelessness

Community health

Mental health

Mentoring and foster care

Legal help and rights

Jobs and money help

Atlanta

The Triangle

Everywhere

The Collective Workshop

Royal Animal Refuge

Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Atlanta

Georgia Advancing Communities Together

Atlanta Writers Club

Cobb Collaborative

Bosleys Place

Jewish Fertility Foundation

Julie’s Dream is the realization of Julie Muir Harlan’s vision to create opportunities for Atlanta’s children to experience the joy of outdoor adventure and the beauty of the God’s creation. Julie was raised in Atlanta and graduated from The Lovett School and Wake Forest University. After moving with her husband, Chad, to Atlanta in 2004, she joined the Novare Group, ultimately becoming its Executive Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer. Her gracious and thoughtful nature infiltrated her work life, where she was instrumental in creating and championing Novare’s community service days, Bible studies, and social outings. Her desire to share God’s love and serve others was boundless. She was devoted to her prayer life, earnestly worked to deepen her faith and make a difference in the community.
Julie especially loved the Agape Youth and Family Center (which eventually became the first Julie’s Dream partner), and her family served dinner there every other week for several years. She had a profound love for learning, respect for all people, and a wonderful sense of adventure. She instilled a love of travel and the outdoors in her boys, Charlie and Smith, the lights of her world.

Mahj & Mingle for Julie's Dream

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Thank you to our Dream Big 2026 supporters!

Chris Irving

Emily Helton

Saturday was a beautiful day for hiking and apple picking! We had a great time with our PAWKids friends at Amicalola State Park and Hillcrest Orchards. The swimming pig race at the end of our time with Hillcrest Orchards was…a unique experience. But a good time was had by all and everyone went home with a big bag of delicious apples! Thanks to @nclatlantaazaleas for providing our picnic lunch!

Tables are filling fast! Link in bio to register!

We are excited to announce Mahj and Mingle for Julie’s Dream! Join us November 17 at Elevated Table for a fun evening of Mahjong, friends, and giving in support of Julie’s Dream. Mark your calendar and gather your crew! Link in bio to register.

Our last Capstone Adventure of the summer was to the beautiful state of Maine. For the first part of this experience, Tenant’s Harbor served as our home base. From there we set out to sea kayak with @portclydekayaks, hike, explore lighthouses, and enjoy the beach. On our last day on the coast we took the ferry out to Monhegan Island to spend the day hiking and exploring its rugged and dramatic cliffs and rocky coves. During the last few days of this experience we ventured inland to the yurts at @northeastwhitewater . Our awesome guides led us down the Kennebec River, closing out the week with an exciting whitewater rafting adventure. We are so proud of these @agapeatl middle school students!

We were SO excited to serve @cityofrefugeatl youth yesterday for the first time! Chris and Becca led 20 youth down the Euharlee River, and it was a fun day for all. Thanks to @euharleecreekoutfitters for the kayak rentals and to @nclatlantaazaleas for preparing our lunches. Next week 40 City of Refuge youth will conquer the heights at Treetop Quest.

Our latest Capstone Adventure took us down the San Juan River with @agapeatl teens. Upon arrival in Durango, Colorado, we met our @deerhillexpeditions guides and relinquished our connection to technology. After two days of preparations, lessons, and packing at Deer Hill’s basecamp, our group departed for Utah. The San Juan River trip consisted of four days of rafting and camping as we meandered our way through the desert. As we progressed down the river, there were stops to see indigenous pueblos, petroglyphs, and pottery shards. Our youth learned to navigate their own vessels, both inflatable kayaks and larger rafts, through some introductory class I and II rapids. Throughout this whole experience, we truly lived Deer Hill Expeditions’ motto of “Find yourself in the middle of nowhere.” Our group was inspired by nights under the stars, the wildlife of the region, and the opportunity to grow closer to God and each other on this transformative adventure. Big thanks to our exceptional guides at Deer Hill Expeditions. We can’t wait to join you again!

Last week we were honored to serve @atlantayouthacademy for the first time. We provided their rising 6th graders with a week of adventure activities designed to build camaraderie and confidence as they enter 6th grade together. We hiked at the Chattahoochee River, conquered the heights at Treetop Quest, paddled the Euharlee River, rode horses with our friends at @healingheartsandhorsesrescue and visited the @georgiaaquarium . We discussed how God put this group of students together for a reason and all the ways they can lift each other up and sharpen one another “as iron sharpens iron” during middle school and beyond. We are so excited to see where these awesome kids will go with us in the future and thankful we had the opportunity to work with AYA! #getoutside #adventuregap #lastchildinthewoods #outdoorleadership

Last week’s Capstone Adventure took us to Mammoth Cave National Park. Did you know that there are over 426 miles of explored passageways in the park? Our group had a blast camping, exploring the cool caves, and paddling on the Green River. Such a cool experience for these adventurous teens!

We had a great week with @mission127 teen girls in Western North Carolina. We camped at the beautiful Winding Staircase Farm on the Nantahala River, a perfect spot for relaxing and stargazing. We hiked to Waterrock Knob, canoed on Nantahala Lake, and whitewater rafted with @nantahalaoutdoorcenter . We are looking forward to our Mission 1:27 Boys Camping Trip later this summer. So proud of these teens!

Last week we had a great week of Adventure Camp for our @agapeatl rising 3rd - 5th graders. Our adventures included: - Climbing and zip lining with @treetopquest - Shooting the ‘Hooch with @noc.chattahoochee - Learning about raptors and dissecting owl pellets with @chattahoocheenaturecenter - Hiking and nature crafts at @sweetwatercreekstatepark Thank you to @ymslbuckhead and @nclatlantaazaleas for helping us provide enriching outdoor adventures for these sweet kiddos. Keep following us throughout the summer to learn more about each week of our adventures. This week we have two groups of teens heading out - one to western NC and one to Mammoth Cave National Park. #juliesdreamatl #adventureisoutthere

Week 1 of Summer 2026 was amazing! Julie’s Dream took @agapeatl rising 6th and 7th graders on their first overnight adventure with us! On day 1 we hiked beautiful Tallulah Gorge and then ventured on to the Wildwater Adventure Center to stay in their super fun yurts. On day 2 we did a zipline canopy tour and rafted the Chattooga River. This trip leaned heavily on teaching the basics of whitewater rafting and enjoying time on the river. Our devotionals focused on the theme that God is the light in our lives as He helps us see clearly, feel safe, find where we are going, and know the truth. The trip concluded with a challenge-by-choice rapid. After another night in the yurts, we headed back to Atlanta with memories of new experiences! We look forward to seeing where future Julie’s Dream programs take this new group of friends!

We kicked off our first week of summer programs with our amazing Summer Staff!

Happy Earth Day! We love sharing this beautiful planet with our youth and teaching them the importance of protecting her.

Liberty House has been so good to Julie’s Dream each year by providing generous gift certificates to our Dream Big event raffles. We are so thankful!

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