Julia Klatt Singer, a preschool teacher, poet, and painter, is recovering from serious injuries following a pedestrian accident on November 10, 2024. Just after 4 p.m., Klatt Singer was crossing Central Avenue at Second Street East with the right of way on a green light when a large black SUV struck her in the crosswalk.
She sustained multiple injuries in the incident, including a broken foot, a cracked hip, and a dislocated shoulder. Currently hospitalized, she has undergone several surgeries and is recuperating at the Knapp Rehabilitation Center at Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC).
According to Klatt Singer, the driver of the SUV initially stopped to check on her but then fled the scene. “The driver came over. I couldn’t see him, but I heard him say, ‘I’m so sorry, I didn’t see you.’ I heard his voice, and he sounded sorry and genuine. I don’t know why he left,” she shared. Local authorities are investigating the incident, but so far, the driver has not been identified.
In the wake of the accident, friends, family, and the community have come together to support Klatt Singer in her healing journey. A GoFundMe campaign: “Support Julia Klatt Singer’s Healing Journey” has been launched to help cover medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and necessary modifications to her home to accommodate her mobility needs.
The fundraiser has already gained traction, reflecting the widespread admiration for Klatt Singer’s contributions to education, art, and the local community. Updates on the GoFundMe page express the hope that she may return home within a few weeks to resume her recovery in a familiar environment.
While her journey to recovery is just beginning, the funds raised through the GoFundMe campaign will be instrumental in helping her cover the costs of medical care, rehabilitation, and home modifications. These adjustments will allow her to navigate her space more easily as she heals, ensuring she can focus on regaining her strength and mobility.
Since 2008, Julia Klatt Singer has served as a teacher and poet in residence at the Grace Neighborhood Nursery School (GNNS). Her work with GNNS is part of a unique Poet in Residence program that has been fostering early literacy and creativity in young children since the early 2000s.
Through the program, Klatt Singer spends over a month in each classroom every year, sharing her poetry and guiding children to explore their own poetic voices. The highlight of the program is “Poem in Your Pocket Day”, an annual event in April when children proudly share their poetry with the community.
“Julia has a way of making poetry accessible and joyful for children,” said one parent whose child attended GNNS. “She inspires them to see the world through a creative lens.”
For those interested in learning more about the program, GNNS has shared a video about the Poet in Residence program here.
Klatt Singer’s creative impact extends beyond her teaching role. She is also an accomplished painter with a studio in the Holland Arts Building, located in the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District. Her studio is often open during community art events, where she welcomes visitors to explore her vibrant works.
Additionally, her paintings have been exhibited at several venues across Minneapolis, showcasing her talent and dedication to the arts. Klatt Singer holds a BA in Sociology and Social Studies Education from St. Olaf College and an MA in Liberal Studies from Hamline University.
The GoFundMe campaign, along with messages of encouragement and collective efforts to assist her recovery, highlights the deep appreciation for all Klatt Singer has contributed to the community over the years.
“Julia is the heart of so much of what makes this community special,” said a colleague from GNNS. “Her creativity and kindness have touched countless lives.”
As Klatt Singer continues her healing journey, she remains hopeful and deeply grateful for the outpouring of support from her community. Her resilience and the unity shown by those around her underscore the powerful impact she has had through her teaching, poetry, and art.
Article by Lisa Roy
Links in article
Julia’s Websites: https://www.instagram.com/juliaklattsinger
http://www.juliaklattsinger.com/julia_klatt_singer.htm
GoFundMe:https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-julia-klattsingers-healing-journey
Grace Neighborhood Nursery School: https://www.gracenns.com
Poet in residence overview video: https://www.gracenns.com/poet-in-residence-video
Holland Arts: https://www.hollandartsnempls.com/