A Brother’s Influence, a Leader’s Calling: Meet Fred Baerenz

/in /by

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 never thought of him as “the child with a disability.” Though some people had a hard time understanding David’s speech, Fred understood every word. David was his big brother, his best friend, and his constant companion. But Fred also witnessed something else: the extraordinary love, sacrifice, and perseverance of parents raising a child with intellectual disability.

“My parents taught me what faithful love looks like,” Fred says. “They carried an incredible responsibility with grace.”

His father served two tours in Vietnam while his mother cared for David and navigated years of serious medical challenges with Fred’s older sister. Looking back, Fred recognizes how profoundly a ministry like Jill’s House could have encouraged his own family.

“When I first learned about Jill’s House, it resonated immediately,” he says. “I deeply understood the life-changing impact that Jill’s House programs could have on families affected by intellectual disability.”

That personal connection is one reason Fred and his wife, Sheila, have been part of the Jill’s House story since before it even opened its doors. Together, they have faithfully supported the ministry for nearly three decades—as volunteers, advocates, donors, and friends. After a distinguished career building a nationally respected wealth management firm, Fred now brings both strategic leadership and a deeply personal passion to his role as Board Chair.

Leadership as Stewardship

For Fred, however, leadership isn’t about titles. “It’s about stewardship,” he says. “Every generation has the responsibility to build on what those before us have faithfully created. That’s how we honor what God has done and prepare for what He wants to do next.”

That perspective shapes the vision he sees for Jill’s House. Fred sees enormous potential to build on the ministry’s strong foundation—serving more families well, stewarding resources wisely, developing outstanding leaders, and ensuring Jill’s House remains healthy for generations to come. From that position of strength, he believes the ministry can extend its impact to even more families throughout Virginia and, over time, across the country.

Fred is quick to point out that this work is never about one person. He speaks with gratitude for the board members (past and present), staff, volunteers, and supporters who have faithfully built Jill’s House over the past two decades, and with excitement about serving alongside CEO Dana Hecht as the ministry enters its next chapter.

The Best Days Are Still Ahead

“I truly believe the best days of Jill’s House are still ahead,” he says. “God has given this ministry an incredible foundation. Our responsibility now is to build on it faithfully so that even more families experience His love, care, rest and hope.”

As Jill’s House looks to the future, we’re grateful for leaders like Fred—and for the many staff, volunteers, donors, and board members who share his commitment to serving families with love, excellence, and compassion. Together, they are helping ensure that the next generation of families find the same rest, belonging, and community that have defined Jill’s House from the very beginning.

 

Jill’s House Welcomes G.L. Usher to New Chaplain Role

/in , , /by

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 only a ministry that offers respite care to families experiencing disability, but also one that shares the love of God with purpose and joy.

Meet G.L. Usher

We are thrilled to welcome G.L. Usher as the new Chaplain at Jill’s House. G.L. brings a strong background in serving children and families with special needs, having worked with disability service providers Positive Behavioral Dynamics, Melmark, and Oak Valley Center. His experience includes direct care, family support, and helping individuals build communication and life skills. He’s also an experienced chaplain, most recently supporting more than ten organizations through Corporate Chaplains of America. In addition to his civilian work, G.L. serves as a Chaplain in the U.S. Army Reserve, where he provides care and support to service members and their families.

Growing up with a pastor father and a mother who was a special education teacher, G.L. learned early the importance of coming alongside those who were overlooked or marginalized. He would accompany his father on Sunday mornings to pick up individuals with intellectual disabilities and bring them to church. Once he got his driver’s license, he even began running a second shuttle for individuals who lacked transportation.

“What drew me to Jill’s House is its mission to care for those who are weary and feel alone,” G.L. shared, referencing Matthew 9:36: “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”

A Seat at the Table

One of the Old Testament stories that especially inspires G.L. is the story of Mephibosheth in 2 Samuel 9. After the death of his dear friend Jonathan, King David asked, “Is there anyone still left of the house of Jonathan to whom I can show kindness?” David sought out Jonathan’s son, Mephibosheth, who had a disability that left him unable to walk, and welcomed him to the king’s table.

“For me, this story is such a beautiful picture of love in action,” G.L. said. “At Jill’s House, we see that kind of love lived out every day. The love of Christ compels people to care for children and families with special needs. Every act of patience, compassion, and encouragement reflects the heart of Christ.”

Listening, Encouraging, and Praying

In describing his role, he simply quoted one of his past clients: “When you go to church, you listen to a pastor. When you go to a chaplain, they listen to you!” As Chaplain, G.L. will walk alongside staff, families, and other ministry friends through prayer, encouragement, pastoral care, and spiritual support.

G.L. lives in northern Virginia with his wife and two sons. And if you’re wondering what “G.L.” stands for, he was named after his father, Gary, and his father’s best friend, Lynn. To avoid confusion growing up, everyone simply called him “G.L.”

To learn more about G.L., check out our introduction video on Instagram and Facebook and leave him a welcome message in the comments.

One of G.L.’s many responsibilities is leading our weekly staff prayer gathering. If you need prayer, we would be honored to pray for you. Anyone can submit a prayer request by emailing [email protected].