“Here We Go!” Remembering our First Jill’s House Weekend
Fifteen years ago tomorrow, we stood in the lobby of Jill’s House, hearts full of anticipation. After months of waiting for permits and licensing, the day had finally arrived. It felt a bit like planning a wedding—the anticipation, the preparation, the countless details—and then suddenly, it was here. Parents were arriving with their children, and we were about to find out if this beautiful dream we’d prayed over would truly work.
I had joined Jill’s House back in May as a community relations coordinator. I remember thinking, will families really trust us? We were asking parents who fiercely loved their children with intellectual disabilities to hand them to us for an entire weekend. That was no small thing. We believed God had called us to provide rest for families, but we also knew that rest could only come when parents felt, deep down, that their children were not only safe, but happy. That first weekend was the moment when faith met reality.
Six children came through our doors that Friday. Our team—administrative staff, caregivers, and volunteers—was all hands on deck. Among them was a brand-new part-time employee named Tranitra Joyner, better known today as Miss T. She had answered a Craigslist ad that read, “Do you love Jesus and children with special needs?”—and thought, why, yes, I do. That first night on the job, Miss T was assigned two of our most energetic kiddos, and she dove right in. She still laughs about the moment we realized we’d forgotten to buy shower curtains, sending one of our staff members racing to Walmart. It was chaotic and joy-filled and holy all at once.
The children, to our amazement, didn’t struggle with separation. They were curious, delighted, and immediately at ease. The parents, on the other hand, had a harder time leaving. They lingered in the lobby, waiting to see if anyone would cry or call out. They slowly started filing out as they realized their kids were not only safe, but engaged and having a great time. This was the start of our deep understanding that rest begins with trust.
By Sunday afternoon, as we waved goodbye to those first six families, I remember thinking, We did it. It worked. And what a joy it is to look back now and see how God multiplied that small beginning. One of our first children, Sydney, still attends Jill’s House today as part of our adult program. Miss T, who started that night as a part-time direct support professional, became a full-time leader on our staff just 90 days later. And she’s still here running operations!
From those humble beginnings, Jill’s House has grown to serve hundreds of families—but our mission remains the same: to reflect God’s love by offering rest, joy, and community. We often say that Jill’s House was built on prayer, and that remains true. The same prayers whispered in that lobby fifteen years ago—Lord, keep these kids safe; Lord, make them happy; Lord, please restore these tired parents—still echo through our halls each weekend. As we celebrate this milestone, I’m filled with gratitude for every staff member, volunteer, family, and donor who believed in the vision. God has been faithful. And by His grace, the best is still yet to come.
Dana Hecht is the President & CEO of Jill’s House.
Celebrating 15 Years of Impact, Hope for a Lifetime
Did you know that Jill’s House opened its doors on October 15, 2010? A couple who believed in us from the beginning recently made a $400,000 gift with the challenge that we raise an additional $100,000. Will you help us meet the challenge by November 15?
A family’s first visit often starts off a bit nerve-wracking, but quickly brings great joy and peace. 