Andrée Harris

“I decided to join forces with others to offer specialized, therapeutic and fun-filled activities and events to children with special needs families. One summer, I organized an event using my own money. When I saw the smiles, joy, and laughter on the faces of not only the children but the parents as well, I knew I had found my calling.” -Andrée Harris

When Andrée Harris struggled to find afterschool, weekend and summer events and activities for her children, she decided to do something about it.

She is the mother of three adopted special needs children, she has a 31-year-old spina bifida male that she has cared for since he was 18, and fosters at-risk youth. Andrée’s love and compassion for all children has afforded her the ability to serve as an advocate. Her whole life she has opened her home, heart and pockets to children of all needs.

Because of her passion for helping youth, Andrée established the Just 4 Us Foundation in 2009 to provide free and affordable events that are accessible for children with special needs, catering to at-risk youth and foster family involvement. The organizations vision is to encourage, enlighten, empower, inspire, improve and impact the quality of life for children with special needs, at-risk youth and families.

She strongly believes every child, no matter their ability should be given opportunities to participate in life. She started with a vision and works hard to uphold opportunities for everyone. She organizes indoor carnivals and events for children of all abilities and life experiences to participate in. She doesn’t complain when a rental space is more than she can afford. She believes that for the right reason, things will work out somehow, fighting hard to pursue her dreams and hopes for youth.

Andrée is filled with compassion and care for others, she always finds ways to bring joy to the lives of children regardless of their need as well as joy and hope to their parents. She is truly a selfless person and has brightened many families’ lives in her community.