In 18th-century France, St. Julie Billiart founded the Order of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, to help impoverished women and children. In 1974, sisters of that Order created a Montessori preschool for children in South Boston’s D Street Housing Project. In 1980, it was joined with an adult learning program for single mothers, with the focus of helping these families holistically — with counseling, child care, transportation, food, tutoring, education, job-training, etc. — to become healthy, successful and economically self-sufficient. Results are impressive: last year, all children who completed the preschool tested in the highest (90th) percentile on standard readiness tests; preschool graduates completing first grade were all above-grade in math and reading; 80% of adult learners who enter the program without a high school diploma attain their GED, and many remain in it through college-level or job-training programs. Julie’s and its staff have been cited for excellence, and partnerships with other organizations keep the budget lean, so donations go far. This is not a highly publicized charity but it is doing a great job, and your donation is guaranteed to make a difference.