Judy Balunda, the owner of JudyPie in Grapevine, Texas, has transformed her pie shop into a platform for raising awareness about mental health. Since opening in 2016, Balunda has dedicated her efforts to supporting those struggling with mental illness through both fundraising and community engagement.
Balunda’s journey as a pie maker is a story of resilience and compassion. At 73 years old, she combines her culinary skills with a long-standing commitment to mental health advocacy. Her shop, lauded as the fifth-best pie shop in the United States in 2024, serves not just delicious desserts but also a larger purpose: to help individuals in need.
With bright purple hair that catches the eye, Balunda welcomes customers into her quaint shop with a personal touch. Each table is equipped with notecards and pens, inviting patrons to write encouraging messages to those facing mental health challenges. These notes are then distributed to clients at the My Health My Resources of Tarrant County (MHMR) community center in Fort Worth, alongside essential items such as hygiene products.
Balunda’s advocacy has earned her a place in the 52 Faces of Community series by the Fort Worth Report, which highlights unsung heroes in the area. MHMR’s Chief of Staff, Cathrine Carlton, nominated Balunda for her unwavering support and ability to bring joy to those experiencing mental health crises.
The motivation behind Balunda’s mission is deeply personal. She has battled depression for decades and understands the stigma that often surrounds mental illness. “I can tell by what they write on the notes,” she said, reflecting on the insights she gains from reading the messages left by her customers. This connection fuels her desire to combat the misconceptions about mental health and foster empathy within the community.
Balunda’s path to entrepreneurship was not conventional. Before opening JudyPie, she spent nearly 30 years as a special education teacher. The decision to start the pie shop arose from a desire for a new endeavor. Initially, the venture demanded significant effort, but it quickly gained popularity, allowing her to hire a team of bakers to help meet the growing demand.
The menu at JudyPie features an array of options, from classic fruit and cream pies to meat pot pies, cakes, and treats catering to various dietary needs, including gluten-free and vegan options. Balunda often draws inspiration from her childhood memories of her mother’s Sunday pies, which serve as foundational recipes for her shop.
“Strawberry rhubarb is one of those — people kept asking for it, and I’d never heard of it,” Balunda recalled, sharing how some customers have been moved to tears by the nostalgic tastes of her creations. Her commitment to expanding the menu is a testament to her dedication to customer satisfaction and community engagement.
Looking ahead, Balunda envisions establishing a community center in Grapevine that would provide mental health support and resources. She recognizes a gap in local mental health services compared to surrounding areas and is determined to address it. “People here have mental health struggles, too,” she emphasized, highlighting the necessity for increased awareness and support.
Through her handwritten notes, gift bags, and, of course, her nostalgic pies, Judy Balunda continues to spread a message of hope and connection. Her work not only enhances the lives of those in her community but also serves as a reminder that mental health awareness is essential for fostering understanding and compassion. Balunda’s story exemplifies how one person’s passion can create a ripple effect of positive change in society.
