What happens when you bring together a room full of pastors, ministry leaders, disability advocates, parents, and people who simply want the church to better love families affected by disability? You hear a lot of good ideas. But you also begin to see something bigger: Welcoming people with disabilities doesn’t just change their experience of […]
A Story That Started with David When Fred Baerenz was recently elected Chair of the Board of Jill’s House, it wasn’t simply the next step in an accomplished career. In many ways, it was the continuation of a story that began decades ago with his older brother, David. David had Down syndrome. Growing up, Fred […]
Exciting news: Jill’s House has created a new role — Chaplain! As part of our dedicated and talented team, this new position is responsible for establishing a pastoral presence at Jill’s House and creating opportunities for connection, community, encouragement, and spiritual growth. The Chaplain plays an essential part in ensuring that Jill’s House is not […]
Happy National Volunteer Week! Across the country, organizations are taking time to celebrate the incredible volunteers who make their missions possible. At Jill’s House, we are deeply grateful for every person who shows up week after week to serve our families with such dedication and care—from Mr. Brad, who faithfully drives two hours each way […]
We’re pleased to share a very powerful article in the spring issue of Baylor Magazine titled “When Everyone Belongs.” Written about the work of Dr. Erik Carter and the Baylor Center for Disability and Flourishing, the article explores a simple but profound idea: Communities are transformed when individuals with disabilities are not merely accommodated, but […]
Today, we celebrate Jill Solomon on her 34th birthday. We are so dearly grateful for her life, her story, and the enduring impact she continues to have on thousands of families. Jill’s birthday is always a meaningful moment for our community. Not because she ever stepped inside Jill’s House, or experienced respite the way so […]
“Amidst continual caregiving, respite provides a sacred opening for a caregiver to reconnect with both self and God.” A new peer-reviewed article in Practical Theology by Melody V. Escobar and Erik W. Carter of Baylor University explores the profound impact of respite care through a biblical lens. Building on their 2024 report examining the impact […]
It’s April 1 and do you know what that means? National Volunteer Month is here, no joke! At Jill’s House, we provide rest, renewal, and relationships for families raising kids with intellectual disabilities. Through our overnight respite programs, kids experience adventure, joy, and connection, while parents receive the priceless gift of rest. None of this […]
Are you ready for some good news? We have some! A new podcast series called “We’re Good” highlights people and organizations doing good work in the DC area. It is hosted by Lee Ann Necessary Brownlee, a longtime friend of Jill’s House. And, more good news! Today “We’re Good” released a new episode about Jill’s […]
Born on this day in 1992, Jill Solomon brought great joy to her parents and three older brothers. But at just three months old, she had her first seizure. What began as a tremor quickly became daily, life-altering episodes. She lost abilities she once had, including her ability to speak. Doctors gave little hope, and […]
