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

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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].

 

Celebrating National Volunteer Week

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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 to lead weekly chapel, to H.K., our longtime kitchen volunteer who ensures every child receives the meal they need.

This week, we’re honored to spotlight three volunteers who have recently joined a long line of faithful servants. Each brings their own story, passion, and perspective, but all share a common heart: a desire to show up, love well, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of the children and families we serve.

Ciara

I started volunteering at Jill’s House last year after my sister encouraged me to check it out, and I’m so glad she did. I grew up in northern Virginia and now work full-time at the Pentagon, so I was looking for a meaningful way to give back in this season of life—and the Jill’s House Weekend Adventures camp program has been exactly that.

I’ve always had a deep love for the outdoors, so it brings me so much joy to help kids with disabilities experience things like canoeing, zip-lining, and simply being out in nature. One of my favorite things is standing at the top of the zip line, cheering kids on as they build the courage to go. It’s such a fun, joyful experience, and I love getting to be part of that with them.

What I didn’t expect was how much community I would find here. Not only have I built meaningful relationships with the kids—getting to know what they love and how they communicate—but I’ve also formed friendships with other volunteers that extend beyond Jill’s House. It’s such a welcoming, uplifting environment, and that sense of connection is a big part of what keeps me coming back. Jill’s House is fun, exciting, and deeply fulfilling—it’s a place where everyone belongs, and where I’ve seen firsthand the impact of simply showing up and helping create moments of joy and adventure.

Ross

After I graduated from college a few years ago, I moved up from Florida to take a job as a systems engineer with the federal government, settling in Maryland with a roommate. Some friends from my church encouraged me to check out volunteering at Jill’s House, and it’s become one of the most meaningful parts of my life. Living in the metro D.C. area, everything moves so fast—but at Jill’s House, it’s completely different. With these kids, we slow down and might spend hours doing the same thing, just being present together.

One of my favorite Jill’s House kids is a teenager I see pretty regularly. He’s incredibly talkative and always has a new topic he’s excited about. One day, we spent hours going through a book about fishing—somehow tying it into conversations about tow trucks—and even singing our way through the pages. We kept bouncing between ideas, laughing and talking, and before I knew it, hours had passed. It was such a simple moment, but it meant a lot. It reminded me how powerful it is to meet someone where they are and enter into their world. Jill’s House has become a place of grace and rest for me, and it’s changed me in ways I didn’t expect.

Emma

After earning my undergraduate degree, I returned home to northern Virginia to study biostatistics and prepare to apply to medical school. I was looking for a place to volunteer nearby and came across Jill’s House—and I immediately fell in love with it. From the moment I walked in, it felt so welcoming, and it quickly became one of the most meaningful parts of my pre-med journey. Volunteering here has given me the chance to build real relationships with the kids. Those moments when they remember me and run up to say hello are so special, but it’s also shown me how much joy there is in simply playing basketball or jumping in the bounce house together.

Volunteering at Jill’s House has truly shaped how I think about patient care. It’s taught me that every child is different and that communication has to be individualized, thoughtful, and rooted in understanding. That perspective has already influenced my career path. I had been working as a certified nursing assistant, but Jill’s House inspired me to take a role as a behavioral technician working with children with autism and developmental disabilities. As I look ahead to medical school, I know what I’ve learned here will stay with me. It’s given me a deeper appreciation for compassionate, personalized care and has helped shape the kind of doctor I hope to become.

Inspired by these stories? You can be part of this kind of impact, too. Learn more about volunteering at Jill’s House here.

To Belong Means to Flourish

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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 truly welcomed and valued.

As Dr. Carter writes, “When we include and learn from people with disabilities, we don’t just make their lives better—each of us grows. We become more human, more faithful, and more whole.”

At Jill’s House, that truth comes to life every day. The children and families we serve continually remind us that belonging is not just about providing services or meeting needs. It is about relationships. It is about celebrating each person as a beloved child of God. And it is about the way a community grows richer when everyone has a place within it.

This vision of belonging is also reflected in the Baylor Impact Study, a research partnership between Baylor University and Jill’s House that examined how respite care and supportive community affect the well-being of families raising children with intellectual disabilities. The findings were incredibly encouraging, confirming what we hear from parents again and again: When families receive support and experience genuine belonging, their resilience, hope, and sense of community grow stronger.

We’re grateful for the thoughtful work being done by Dr. Carter and the Baylor Center for Disability and Flourishing, and we encourage you to read the full article here:

It beautifully captures something we see every day — when everyone belongs, everyone flourishes.

A Partnership That Prepares Nurses — and Changes Hearts

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By Amy Joyner, DNP, MSN, BC-PMHRN, RN, Clinical Nursing Professor, Marymount University

Last Friday marked the completion of our first six-week pediatric clinical rotation at Jill’s House. What a remarkable experience it has been!

As a pediatric nurse in Northern Virginia for 37 years, I’ve known about Jill’s House since its inception. When I became a full-time clinical professor at Marymount University—truly my dream job—I began looking for innovative ways to prepare our students beyond traditional hospital settings. While our students receive excellent acute-care experience at Inova’s pediatric units, we recognized a growing need: Nursing students must also learn to care confidently for children and young adults with complex intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Jill’s House provided the perfect opportunity.

Over six Friday evenings, six undergraduate nursing students each completed 40 clinical hours, shadowing nurses at check-in and serving alongside the team throughout the night. From the very first evening, Jill’s House welcomed us with warmth, organization, and enthusiasm. Our students were included in intake conversations, learned family histories, and gained valuable insight into each child’s unique needs—always with parents’ permission and genuine excitement about the learning taking place.

What has impressed me most is the transformation in my students. During the first week, they were understandably cautious. A week later, they were jumping in without hesitation, assisting with bedtime routines, engaging in activities, and thoughtfully responding to behavioral challenges. One student gently discovered that a young child who seemed distressed was repeatedly saying “up,” and realized he was asking to be held. When she picked him up, he melted into her arms. That moment of connection is nursing at its very best.

Experiences like these cannot be replicated in a textbook. Nationwide, few nursing programs offer this level of exposure to individuals with profound intellectual disabilities. Yet this population is growing, and healthcare professionals must be prepared. The Virginia Department of Health has encouraged additional training in autism care, recognizing that more pediatric and adult patients will require informed, compassionate support. Marymount is proud to be ahead of the curve through this innovative partnership with Jill’s House.

Jill’s House promises families that they will be celebrated, welcomed, and experience true belonging. I can honestly say they extended that same spirit to our group of nursing students. Each week, we were given space for pre- and post-conference meetings, thoughtfully briefed on each child’s needs, and warmly invited into staff conversations. We never felt like outsiders in someone else’s space; we felt like partners. That culture of hospitality and preparation not only supports families well; it models for our students what compassionate, dignified care should look like.

All of my students said this was their favorite clinical rotation so far. They were so impressed and grateful that they took the initiative to organize a toy drive, donating two bins of adaptive toys for Jill’s House families on their last day.

This partnership has truly been a two-way blessing. Our students have gained confidence, clinical insight, and compassion that will benefit them, their workplaces, and their patients and patient families for years to come.

Our first rotation ended on Friday, and another begins this week. Our hope is that this partnership continues for years to come.

 

 

Celebrating Jill on Her Birthday

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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 many families do today—but because everything we do began with her.

On the occasion of our 15th anniversary last October, Jill’s parents shared with staff a letter that beautifully captured the heart of this ministry and the legacy Jill leaves behind. They wrote:

“This ministry exists because God used Jill’s life to soften hearts and open doors. She never spent a night at Jill’s House. But it exists because of her. And we believe God will reward her richly for what she made possible.”

Jill’s life—her joy, her challenges, her story—became the seed God used to create a place of rest, hope, and love for families raising kids with intellectual disabilities. Because of Jill, parents are able to sleep through the night. People with intellectual disabilities find joyful adventure and belonging. Siblings receive attention and care. Families find strength to keep going.

Today, as we mark Jill’s birthday, we invite you to pause with us and reflect on the incredible ripple effect of one life faithfully lived.

💙 Help us celebrate Jill.
We’d love for you to leave a birthday message for Jill on our Facebook page—a note of gratitude, a prayer, or a word about how Jill’s House has touched your life. Your messages mean more than you know, and they honor the girl whose legacy continues to open doors every single day.

Happy Birthday, Jill. Your life still changes lives.

Wish Jill a Happy Birthday!

Help us shower Jill with love today. Leave her a message on our Facebook page!

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“Here We Go!” Remembering our First Jill’s House Weekend

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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 leverage it to raise even more! We’re trying to raise an additional $100,000 by November 15. Will you help us meet the challenge?

Join the Celebration!

Why The Good Feet Store Partners with Jill’s House 

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Guest blogger Jonathan Cotten is CEO of Easy Step Enterprises, a franchisee of The Good Feet Store.

As a business owner, I am in the business of helping people get back on their feet—literally. I’ve seen how something as small as the right arch support can transform someone’s life, allowing them to move freely, run farther, and live without pain. True support goes beyond providing a product, it’s giving people hope on their journey. What started as my own personal journey as a marathon runner to find relief from foot pain led me to a new purpose—eventually growing my company, Easy Step Enterprises, into a 44-store franchisee of The Good Feet Store. But over the years, I’ve come to believe that true support goes far beyond physical relief. Sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is help carry the weight that someone else has been holding for too long.

That belief is what led me to Jill’s House.

A Personal Connection

My family knows firsthand the challenges of caring for a kid with complex medical needs. Since 2012, we’ve been on a long health journey with my youngest daughter, Kayla. There have been countless doctor visits, hospital stays, and difficult nights filled with uncertainty. Anyone who has cared for a kid with serious health concerns knows that it doesn’t just affect one person—it affects the entire family.

That’s why, when I first heard about Jill’s House, it resonated with me in a way few things ever have. Here was an organization that truly understood what families like mine go through. Jill’s House isn’t just about caring for kids with disabilities—it’s about caring for the whole family. It provides exhausted parents with the chance to rest and recharge, knowing their kids are in a safe, loving environment, having the time of their lives.

I’ve spent years walking with my daughter through her health journey. I’ve seen the emotional, mental, and physical toll it takes on parents and siblings alike. But what about families who are on this journey for a lifetime? What about parents who will spend decades providing round-the-clock care for their child? They are some of the strongest people I have ever met. But even the strongest need support. They need a community that understands, that steps in, that gives them a moment to breathe.

That’s exactly what Jill’s House provides.

More Than Just Giving—A True Partnership 

At Easy Step Enterprises, we don’t believe in just writing checks to causes we care about. We believe in investing in organizations that are well-run, fiscally responsible, and making a real impact in the community. We seek out partnerships with organizations that align with our values—ones that are changing lives in a tangible, measurable way.

Jill’s House has become one of those partners. This mission isn’t just important to me—it’s important to my family. Two of my sons are actively involved in our business, but I’m deeply proud that my entire family together is committed to supporting families who need it most.

Why Jill’s House Needs You

I’ve seen firsthand what happens when people come together to support something bigger than themselves. The impact is life-changing.

Jill’s House is a place where kids with disabilities experience belonging, joy, and adventure, where parents find rest and renewal, and where families are reminded that they are not alone. But none of this happens without people who believe in their mission and choose to give—whether it’s time, resources, or financial support.

If you’ve ever wondered how you can make a real difference in someone’s life, this is it. Jill’s House changes lives—one family at a time.

 

Jill’s House as a “Sacred Opening”

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“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 of Jill’s House on families, this new publication delves deeper into the theological meaning of rest and its implications for churches.

In the 2024 study, parents described Jill’s House as a “lifeline” that strengthens marriages, deepens sibling relationships, and rekindles spiritual and emotional well-being. It shows how children with intellectual disabilities flourish in this environment of belonging and adventure—gaining confidence, friendship, and joy.

In this new Practical Theology journal article, the researchers invite churches and faith communities to view respite as a theological practice—an expression of God’s invitation to rest and renewal. By offering spaces of compassion and inclusion, congregations can act in obedient faith and extend the Sabbath’s restorative promise to families who need it most.

Read the full Practical Theology journal article, “‘Jill’s House is our lifeline’: the impact of respite and the call for accessible rest”

A Story of Peace: Jill’s House Featured on the We’re Good Podcast 

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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 House, featuring Kelly Speck, a longtime Jill’s House mom and author of Hope in the Heartache, along with our CEO Joel Dillon.

Take a listen at We’re Good Podcast Episodes or wherever you choose to find your podcasts.

“Covered in Peace”

In this episode, Kelly shares how Jill’s House has been a lifeline for her family. Bennett has been coming to Jill’s House for many years. Reading an excerpt from her book, Kelly reflects on her emotional experience of leaving her son Bennett at Jill’s House for the first time and how their family now compares Jill’s House to a Disneyworld experience.

But, more importantly, Kelly shares that when Bennett comes home from Jill’s House, he is “covered in peace.” We can’t think of a better articulation of our hopes for the impact of Jill’s House on kids and their families. That peace isn’t a gift of Jill’s House. It is a gift of God. And it is a privilege to be a conduit of that peace.

We are thankful to all those who help make this possible. Will you join us? Please consider coming alongside us with a  financial gift today. We are eager to bring this life-saving experience to more families! You can make it happen.

We’re Growing: Welcoming 30 New Families in 2025! 

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As 2025 begins, Jill’s House is expanding in ways that will change lives forever. In just the first three months of this year, 30 new families will walk through our doors and experience the life-changing impact of Jill’s House for the first time. 

For many of these families, this will be the first time they have ever spent a night apart from their child with a disability. It will be the first time in years parents can go on a date, enjoy a special activity with their other kids, or simply sleep through the night without worry. These simple moments—things most take for granted—are profound gifts for these parents.

A family’s first visit often starts off a bit nerve-wracking, but quickly brings great joy and peace. As one Jill’s House mom shared about her son’s first visit last year, “We were so nervous! We let him take his phone so he could text us at any time. The first night, he sent us a text saying, ‘Good night. I love Jill’s House!’ We were so excited. The next day, he ignored us!” Another mom gushed that her child experienced “nothing but love” at Jill’s House. Parents can relax knowing that their kids are having a ball in a safe and loving environment.

A Place Where Kids are Celebrated 

At Jill’s House, kids are not just cared for—they are celebrated. They experience joy, laughter, and connection in an environment designed just for them. Every visit brings new adventures, friendships, and unforgettable experiences, while their parents receive the priceless gift of rest—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. But Jill’s House is more than a respite program. It is a place where families are seen, known, and deeply loved. 

You Make This Possible 

None of this would happen without staff who care deeply, volunteers who serve selflessly, and donors who give generously. Because of you, Jill’s House continues to grow, welcoming more families into this community of love and belonging. 

Help Us Reach More Families in 2025 

We don’t want to stop at 30 families—we want to open our doors to many more this year. But we can’t do it alone. 

Will you be part of this story? 

Your gift provides rest for exhausted parents, joy for kids, and hope for whole families who need it most.  Will you make a donation today to help us serve more families in 2025?