Mrs. Martin raised her family at the Mildred C. Hailey Apartments (formerly known as Bromley-Heath) and played a significant role in the Jackson Square and Jamaica Plain communities for over 50 years.

Julia was a strong advocate for youths and families in her community. She co-founded Mothers for Action, a program designed to help children and youth in the city. She stepped in and volunteered any time she felt there was an absence in the neighborhood, fundraising for various activities or cooking at a local halfway house. She also worked as a home health aide and as a private investigator.
 
Julia also worked heavily with the seniors in Jamaica Plain, and created wellness programs and activities with the Martha Eliot Health Center. Due to her dedication to this group, in 2006, she was honored by the community, having a new senior building in the Mildred Hailey development named after her. The Julia Martin House, developed by JPNDC, consists of 56 affordable apartments for seniors and community space that benefits the whole neighborhood.

Julia dedicated more than 50 years of her life to seniors and low income families in her community and all around the city. She was a strong reliable leader amongst BHA public housing and Section 8 residents and she will be sorely missed.