Judy’s Hands Can Help Get You Through Tough Times

When it comes to dealing with stress due to major life changes or loss, the last thing you want to worry about is taking on extra chores. That’s where Judy’s Hands comes in.

After launching in January of this year, the unique service, based out of Agoura Hills, has already assisted several local clients with problems ranging from organizational issues to computer questions to helping those affected by the tragic loss of loved ones.

"It's really for anybody who is just overwhelmed by whatever circumstances are in their lives in the moment—widows, divorcees, people grieving, people who have elderly or aging parents who either are too busy and or live out of the area," said Judy Einbund, co-founder.

As stated on Judy Hands' website, psychologists have identified five life events as particularly challenging stressors–death of a loved one, illness, moving, retirement and divorce.

Judy's Hands can help take some of the burden away from people's lives in all of these situations.

A collaborative effort between spouses, Judy’s Hands marries Judy’s 26 years of experience as a professional administrator and National Association of Professional Organizers member with the expertise of her husband, Dr. Neil Einbund, a licensed psychologist and therapist. 

Neil has maintained a thriving practice for three decades in addition to co-authoring a book, Defenders of the Heart: Managing the Habits and Attitudes that Block You From a Richer, More Satisfying Life. He also teaches marriage classes and facilitates grief groups.  

It was out of the grief sessions held at Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks Memorial Park in Westlake for the last 10 years that Judy’s Hands was born.

“So many people say ‘I’m overwhelmed, I’m grieving and I’m upside down ... I want to be sad, but I have all this business to take care of and I just can’t cope’ and that’s where it came from,” said Judy. “We thought, why not take the business of grief out of their hands and put it in ours?”

Though originally Neil's brainchild, Judy said he was unable to pursue the project of passion due to an already busy schedule. At the same time, she was looking for something meaningful to do in her life. 

"I thought, I want to do it, so why not make it Judy’s Hands?” she said. “That’s where the name came from … I want to take people’s problems, relieve their burden, carry it for them and get them through it.”

Grief takes many forms, and the pair agreed it's important to "grieve" to let healing begin, as harboring emotional pain can lead to physical ailments, even cancer, said Neil. 

"Judy's Hands takes the stress out of it because grieving is stressful enough, whether it's a divorce or loss," he said. "So if we take the business stress off, they can deal with the emotional stress and move on."

While Neil offers psychological referrals, he does not see clients of Judy's Hands as patients. However, after living in Agoura Hills for nearly 20 years where they’ve raised three children, they both have strong ties to the community and have an extensive array of referrals available at their disposal in every category, be it a CPA, handyman or another therapist.

Judy's Hands isn't just for the bereaved, however, with clients varying in age as well as needs. New arrivals in Agoura Hills can utilize Judy's Hands as a liaison to connect with other community services while do-gooders can use it to find volunteer work.

And, of course, if all one needs is a simple organizational makeover, that's Judy's strong suit.

One client of hers was a 50-year-old photographer who wasn't very adept at using computers and also wanted to start dating, so Judy helped organize her photos plus set her up on an online dating service.

An important aspect of assisting others is not to take over but empower them to take control of their own lives, and it's amazing to see the results, she said.

“I make friends with these people,” Judy said. “It’s so nice to help people—you see them first totally overwhelmed by whatever’s going on and then they’re able to take a breath and get back in their lives and move forward, and that part’s really rewarding.”

Since Judy's Hands is tailored to fit a variety of needs, services can be arranged for one time only, as needed, or as month-to-month contracts to meet most budgets.

To schedule a free assessment or for more information about Judy’s Hands, click here.