We grant selected in-home caregivers and their guest, an all-expense paid weekend getaway providing respite to refresh and rejuvenate their mind, body, and spirit.
We love giving back to our community!
“Thank you Joy Thru Tears Foundation for gifting me and my guest an experience of a lifetime!!! This Wish was an amazing validation of the difficult, often heartbreaking, yet incredibly fulfilling years I’ve spent serving as an in home caregiver. My deepest gratitude”
– Brianne
Honoring the legacy and compassion of Louise’ children Joshua and Leah Chalcraft, Louise Braun Frank founded Joy Thru Tears Foundation in 2022 to honor the caregivers who gave so much to her family in her time of need. They are the Silent Angels who make it possible for so many people to live more independently with dignity.
The Silent Angels Program
Book Talk!
“Louise Frank’s courageous voice offers a gripping testament to loss and trauma, and the healing power of grace, perspective and insight into the many gifts she discovered along the way. At its core, this is a love story that will melt your heart and give comfort and strength to anyone in the grips of caregiving, grief, and the ongoing challenges of caring for ourselves as we vigilantly care for those we love.”
-Gail Hudson, Feminine Empowerment Coach and NY Times bestselling co-author with Dr. Jane Goodall
“In the Gift of Great Sorrow, we experience a story that moves beyond tragedy to triumph. Not because the tragedy changes, but because of the transforming power of perspective, love and courage.”
Travis, a Puget Sound native, is a corporate lawyer, focusing on mergers and acquisitions and corporate governance. Travis is deeply committed to his community. In addition to serving on the Pierce County Library Foundation Board, he dedicates substantial time each year to help local nonprofits. This includes revising corporate governance documents, drafting applications for exemption from federal and state taxes, and other related services. When not practicing law, Travis loves spending time with his wife and four amazing children.
Amy Jahn brings a unique perspective to the Foundation as she has a 37-year-old son with Down Syndrome. She has been an advocate for people with disabilities for decades at both state and local levels. Amy co-founded Down Syndrome Community, a nonprofit support group for parents throughout the Northwest. She has recently retired from the Auburn Valley YMCA after managing Community Outreach, Member Enrichment and Event Planning. Amy has a degree in Business Finance and prior to her son’s birth, worked for the Bank of America in lending and Business Outreach.
Born in Renton, Washington, Jonathan grew up locally and graduated from Kentlake High School in 2019. He has worked in both the public and private accounting setting and is currently a Staff Accountant at Rauch Industries, Inc. Jonathan is confident that his attention to detail, organization, and knowledge gained from being in the field will be a strong asset to the Foundation. In his spare time, He is a licensed soccer referee and coaches for a local high school. Jonathan is looking forward to reaching as many lives as possible through the Foundation’s message.
Born in Ottawa, Canada, Louise has been a native of Washington State for the past 37 years. She attended business college and the University of Ottawa, and her experience in the business world is extensive. Over the past 28 years she has built a very successful direct sales organization while raising her children Joshua and Leah.
She is founder and President of this non-profit organization and is currently writing a book called “The Gift of Great Sorrow”. This is a memoir of her journey raising her two children who were diagnosed with a terminal progressive illness at the age of six. Louise has many passions including volunteering for Make A Wish Foundation and the local food bank and she loves to travel around the world to understand and experience cultural diversity. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, entertaining, cooking, swimming, and has hiked several Caminos in Europe.
Born in North Hollywood, California, April graduated from North Park University in Chicago with a B.A. in English and a Psychology minor. She has lived in the Seattle area since 1978. April has been employed at the City of Renton for 20 years. She is currently the Executive Assistant to the Mayor, a position she has held since September 2005. She volunteers at her local church and feels called to help people as they encounter loss and grief. April is confident that her interpersonal, research and analytical skills will be an asset to Joy Thru Tears Foundation and their mission. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, traveling, scrapbooking and spending time with her family, especially her granddaughter.
Daniel Wirth has been with the Red Cross since 2014 and has served as the Executive Director for the South Puget Sound and Olympics Chapter of the American Red Cross since January 2020. Prior to the Red Cross, Dan worked for the Peace Corps of the Dominican Republic and has also been a consultant for GrassrootSoccer in China, South Africa, El Salvador and Jamaica. Dan is an active member of Tacoma Rotary 8 and also volunteers with Tacoma Rescue Mission and Health and Hope Medical Outreach. Dan has a heart for people in all walks and situations of life and is excited to recognize and honor caregivers through the foundation.
KNTV Reno Interview: Louise Braun Frank
LINK: KNTV Reno Interview with Louise Braun Frank
The Trauma Therapist Podcast: How To Live With Purpose with Louise Braun Frank
LINK: The Trauma Therapist Podcast with Louise Braun Frank
Authority Magazine Article: 5 Things You Need To Heal After a Dramatic Loss Or Life Change
LINK: Authority Magazine Article with Louise Braun Frank
KOMO 4 News Interview
LINK: KOMO 4 News interview with Louise Braun Frank
Audible Audiobook
Born in San Leandro, California, Rick has been in Washington State since 1977. He achieved his Doctorate Degree in Educational Administration at Argosy University in Seattle. In his 30+ years as an educator, Rick’s career includes roles as a Developmental Preschool Teacher, Elementary Special Education Teacher, Elementary School Principal, and currently serves as a school district Director of Special Education, as well as a University Clinical Supervisor. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of Harbor Connections, a children’s advocacy center in Grays Harbor, and previously served on the Board of Directors of Driftwood Players Theatre. Rick enjoys reading, music, sporting events, live theater and has been an Actor and Director in many theatrical plays. He is the father of 4 amazing adult children and 6 precious grandkids. He is a lifelong learner who supports children and adults in developing resiliency while they build their own positive relationships within families and community. He marvels at the synergy created when people work together to serve children and families. Dr. Bates’ is honored to serve the Joy Thru Tears Foundation as a Board Member.
“Angie has been an independent home care provider since 2001. Caring for her grandmother at a young age Angie understands the value of people receiving care in their own homes. Her purpose is to support her clients in areas of personal, physical, emotional, and social ways that can help them maintain dignity and independence. As a dog walker, Angie enjoys her time with her 4 footed furry clients. She volunteers at Camp promise as a counselor and at various MDA events.”
Luke is a talented multimedia specialist with over a decade of professional experience creating impactful content. He spent seven years in the U.S. Navy as an award-winning multimedia specialist and three years creating healthcare-related videos for active U.S. Military, veterans, and their families as a government contracted videographer.
Luke founded Moyer Production Co., specializing in content creation, photography, video production and graphic design services. He is always seeking to push creative boundaries.
He is a loving husband and a proud father to their precious daughter Maxine. They share their home with two furry companions. He is honored to serve on this board.
Angie has been an independent home care provider since 2001. Caring for her grandmother at a young age, Angie understands the value of people receiving care in their own homes. Her purpose is to support her clients in area of personal, physical, emotional, and social ways that can help them maintain dignity and independence. As a dog walker, Angie enjoys her time with her 4 footed furry clients. She volunteers at Camp Promise as a counselor and at various MDA events.