The Tatikonda Family Story

/in , /by

Told by Radhika (Mom)

Jill’s House has given Esha new experiences and greater confidence, and it has given our family peace and rest. When we pick her up, she comes out with a big happy smile every time. That smile says everything.

We are a family of four—my husband, my son, my daughter Esha, and me. My husband works in software, and I work for the local school district. Our son is 17 and in high school, and our daughter Esha is 13. Esha has autism and limited speech, but she’s very smart, very happy, and always smiling.

We first heard about Jill’s House from the DDA, the Developmental Disabilities Administration here in Washington State. Before that, we had tried other respite programs in the summer, but they didn’t work for her. When we heard about Jill’s House, we thought, Let’s try one more time.

At first we were afraid—Esha had never been away from us overnight. I made a social story for her so she could understand what camp would be like. I told her, “You’ll stay for two nights, and you’ll have fun.”

When I dropped her off that first weekend, I was nervous, but she had an amazing time. The staff were so kind and welcoming—they greeted her with big smiles and helped her feel comfortable. They texted updates during the weekend and sent a detailed report afterward. When I heard how well she did, I was so proud.

During the week, Esha works so hard. She spends all day at school, takes a short break, and then has three hours of ABA therapy every afternoon. By the time she finishes, it’s already seven o’clock—then dinner, shower, and bedtime. Her days are long and structured, and she gives her best effort. That’s why Jill’s House is such a gift—a time that’s all about fun.

Now Esha goes to Jill’s House Puget Sound every two months, and she loves it. The staff encourage her to try new things—like the zip line. She hasn’t quite done it yet, but each visit she gets a little closer to doing it. Her favorite activity is horseback riding. We never tried that before Jill’s House, but she loved it immediately! Now when we travel and have the opportunity for horseback riding, we know it’s something she’ll enjoy.

She also loves karaoke, music, swimming, and sitting by the campfire. Every time we arrive at camp, she grabs her bag, runs to her room, and starts unpacking! Then she goes straight to dinner.

Last September, Esha celebrated her 13th birthday at camp. I asked if I could send a cake and treats, and the staff said yes. They celebrated with her and sent me photos. When I showed her the pictures later, she smiled so big. Usually we celebrate birthdays at home, but this one was special—her “camp birthday.”

When Esha enjoys her Jill’s House weekends, sometimes the three of us take a short a short trip near camp. Other times we head back home for dinner, movies, and some quiet time. I call it “a break for everyone,” meaning that Esha gets a break from us, too!

The reports the staff send after each weekend are one of my favorite things. They tell us what she enjoyed doing, how she slept, and how they helped if she got upset. Sometimes they share which strategies worked to calm her down, like giving her a short break or taking her outside. Those new ideas help us at home, too!

Esha understands more than people think. Her speech is limited, but she remembers everything she loves. If I say, “Doctor,” she says, “No!” But if I say, “Jill’s House,” she gets excited and starts packing! She repeats her favorite words from the schedule—“campfire, shower, music, horse.”

Jill’s House has given Esha new experiences and confidence, and it has given our family peace and rest. When we pick her up, she comes out with a big happy smile every time. That smile says everything.

 

 

The Vargas-Portocarrero Family Story

/in , , , , , /by

Told by Rita Vargas (Mom)

The Jill’s House adult program is a dream come true. Ricardo is welcomed, engaged one-on-on, and growing in independence.

I’m Rita, mom to Ricardo. He’s 37, endlessly social, and lights up whenever there’s a chance to talk, play a game, or ride a bike. Ricardo was born in Bolivia and diagnosed with Kabuki syndrome. Over the years he’s had many surgeries—cleft palate repair at birth, spinal surgery at five months old, eye procedures—and therapy after therapy. We moved to the U.S. when he was just two months old, and Fairfax County Public Schools supported him from the time he was a toddler.

Life gets so much harder when kids get out of the school system. As a young adult, for a while Ricardo was in a day program that was not good for him. He had to sit around stuffing envelopes and my heart just broke.

Things got better when we got into the Adults with Disabilities Day Program (ADDP) at McLean Bible Church. Ricardo has a girlfriend who he met there years ago. Although she moved to Florida two years ago, he visits her during his summer and winter breaks. They talk on the phone every night.

We learned about Jill’s House because Ricardo met Jill Solomon at ADDP, just a stone’s throw from Jill’s House! But Ricardo was already too old to participate in Jill’s House programs, which were serving kids up to age 21. When I heard last year that Jill’s House was starting an adult program, I couldn’t believe it. A few of us ADDP parents went to the open house, and the moment I walked in, I knew it was for Ricardo. I signed him up right away.

Now, Tuesday nights at Jill’s House are Ricardo’s favorite. He loves the individual attention, the chance to talk and play, and the warm welcome he receives at the curb. Staff run up to greet him by name, and he beams. Before I can even park the car, he’s calling out, “Bye, Mom!” and heading inside with a big smile. The Jill’s House adult program is a dream come true. Ricardo is welcomed, engaged one-on-on, and growing in independence.

Ricardo’s absolute favorite activity is riding bikes. At home, he would ride for hours in our cul-de-sac, but his bike is broken right now.  Jill’s House has the same bikes as his at home. He happily hops on their bikes and rides with joy for as long as he can. He also loves to play “game show host,” asking staff to be contestants while he quizzes them. Chloe, one of his favorite staff members, has become a real friend to him. She accompanied him at the “Night to Shine” gala, making the evening extra special.

When Jill’s House started offering adult camp sessions of Weekend Adventures, we were there for the debut! Ricardo had such a fun time at Blue Ridge in Middleburg. He found it thrilling to go horseback riding!

As a single mom, when Ricardo is at Jill’s House, I can meet a friend for dinner without worrying about being home by 8 p.m. to relieve a caregiver. I can breathe, laugh, and come back refreshed. That kind of respite keeps me going.

Jill’s House helps Ricardo grow in independence. For each visit, together we make a checklist for his overnight bag—toothbrush, clothes, all the basics—and he now packs for himself. I double-check, of course, but he’s learning to take responsibility.

Community has been another gift. Through Jill’s House moms’ dinners and Zoom meetups, I’ve connected with other parents who understand this journey. At a recent dinner, I met another mom and we started dreaming together about future housing options for our adult children.

To the staff at Jill’s House, I want to say: thank you for answering God’s call. You could be doing a thousand other things, but instead you pour out love, patience, and joy for our children. When I drop Ricardo off, I feel complete peace. That is no small gift.

 

 

 

 

 

The Schutz Family

/in , , /by

Told by Erica Schutz (Mom)

When the world looks at Alex, many people see his challenges first. They see brokenness. But when the team at Jill’s House looks at Alex, they see a blessing.

When I look back on our family’s journey, I can hardly believe how far we’ve come. My husband Mike and I are the proud parents of two incredible boys. Our oldest, Charlie, is a sophomore at Liberty University. Our younger son, Alex, is 17 and has been visiting Jill’s House for the past nine years.

Alex has both intellectual and physical disabilities. He is medically complex and nonverbal, and he keeps us on our toes every single day. But more than anything, he is a joy and light of my life. His smile can brighten a room and his spirit is full of love.

The early years after Alex was born were some of the hardest we’ve ever faced. We were suddenly thrust into a world we hadn’t expected: feeding tubes, daily injections, countless doctor visits, and endless therapy appointments. It felt like we were living in survival mode. We were still trying to hold onto the picture we had once imagined for our family while raising a toddler whose life—and ours—had been turned upside down.

When we finally lifted our heads from the day-to-day scramble, we realized how different our world had become. We no longer fit neatly into the communities we had known. Our life didn’t look like anyone else’s around us. It was lonely. It was isolating. We loved our son deeply, but we felt adrift.

That’s when Jill’s House stepped in. When the world looks at Alex, many people see his challenges first. They see brokenness. But when the team at Jill’s House looks at Alex, they see a blessing. Where others might see limitation, Jill’s House sees purpose—a child created in the image of God with a beautiful plan for his life.

When our family wondered where we belonged, Jill’s House welcomed us with open arms. They didn’t overlook our differences or try to smooth them away. They said, because of your differences, because of your unique needs, you belong here.

That message changed everything for us. When Alex spends a weekend at Jill’s House, I can truly rest. I know he is being treated with dignity, kindness, and love. He’s not only cared for—he’s celebrated. The staff and volunteers delight in him for exactly who he is.

From the very first visit Alex’s favorite thing at Jill’s House has been the bounce house. In fact, he loves it so much that his sign for Jill’s House is “jump.”  He also loves playing basketball in the gym and coloring with the staff in the art room.

Jill’s House has also created space for Mike and me to nurture our marriage. Their retreats for parents of children with disabilities bring us together with other couples who understand our life in a way few others can. We share our stories, laugh, pray, and find renewal.

Even our older son Charlie has found a place of belonging. At family retreats, he meets siblings who “get it,” kids who understand what it’s like to have a brother or sister with complex needs. For Charlie, it’s a gift to see other families that look like ours.

Over these seventeen years of being Alex’s mom, I’ve learned that respite is more than a physical rest—though I cherish every quiet moment. True respite is a renewal of the heart, mind, and spirit. It is the deep comfort of connection, the healing power of belonging, and the peace of knowing you are accepted just as you are.  That is the life-changing gift Jill’s House gives our family.

To everyone who supports this ministry—whether through time, prayer, or financial gifts—please know you are making a difference far beyond what words can express. Because of you, families like ours can breathe, recharge, and remember that we are not alone.

Jill’s House has given us more than weekends of care. It has given us a home in the truest sense of the word—a community where our family is seen, loved, and celebrated. For that, we are endlessly thankful.

 

 

 

 

The Pietrini Family

/in , /by

Told by Katy Pietrini (Mom)

To parents who are hesitant, my advice is: take a deep breath, give your child a confident hug, and trust the team at Jill’s House. They are compassionate, capable, and know exactly how to make kids—and parents—feel safe and welcome. When you arrive to head home, expect to pick up a glowing, proud child, who is already begging to return.

Our family is big, active, and social—exactly how we like it. There are five of us: my husband Joe and me, our daughter Gianna, and our twin boys, Vinny and Carmine. On summer evenings, we often cuddle in the backyard, with family and friends over for movie nights. We’re also huge soccer fans (Arsenal fans through and through), passionately following every match. We love being outdoors, soaking up the sun with good company.

Gianna, our oldest, is starting her freshman year at Indiana University. She’s got this huge smile and an old soul—always looking out for her brothers. Vinny, one of our twins, lives completely in the moment. His twin, Carmine, is the opposite; he wants to know exactly what’s happening for the next 12 months, down to the day. The contrast keeps life interesting, and they’re best friends despite their differences.

Carmine was born healthy, but at just three months old, he became a “miracle child” at Children’s Hospital. At age two, he was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. This began a journey of therapy, adjustments, and finding spaces where he could thrive.

We heard about Jill’s House through friends and loved the idea of Carmine being able to go away for a weekend, have fun, and be safe. He’s been going to Jill’s House Weekend Adventures for six years now, since he was 10. What Joe and I value most are the incredible opportunities Carmine gets at Jill’s House.  It’s not just about the respite for us as parents (though that’s definitely appreciated!); it’s about watching Carmine thrive.

From his very first weekend, Carmine dove right in—with no hesitation. As soon as we pulled into the lot, we were greeted warmly by the camp directors and counselors, who helped him get settled. Before we knew it, he was off. That made it so much easier on us, because we’ve always tried to follow his lead when it comes to new experiences.

When we picked him up after that first stay, he was full of stories—boating adventures, singing in the lodge, a huge bouncy house, and the hilarity of his bunkmate talking in his sleep. What struck us most was the change in him, like he’d grown up in just two days. He came home and started doing little things independently, like pouring his own cereal. That confidence—rooted in proving to himself that he can handle new situations—has only deepened over the years.

Every trip brings something new. Ask Carmine what his favorite activities are and he’ll shout: “THE TALENT SHOWS! SINGING TAYLOR SWIFT SONGS! THE GIANT SWING!” He always loves seeing friends and counselors (especially Zach and Ava).

For us, the weekends when Carmine is away are both respite and a gift of opportunity. Two nights of sleepovers might sound simple, but for families like ours, it’s priceless. Knowing he’s somewhere safe, understood, and completely himself gives us peace of mind. It also lets us spend uninterrupted time with Gianna and Vinny, go out with friends or just breathe for a moment.

To parents who are hesitant, my advice is this: take a deep breath, give your child a confident hug, and trust the team at Jill’s House. They are compassionate, capable, and know exactly how to make kids—and parents—feel safe and welcome. When you arrive to head home, expect to pick up a glowing, proud child, who is already begging to return.

Jill’s House isn’t just a weekend away. It’s a place where Carmine gains independence, discovers new abilities, and comes home more confident every single time. As parents, we get to recharge while knowing he’s having the time of his life. It’s a win-win that feels almost too good to be true, but Jill’s House makes it happen.

The Mickles-Bass Family

/in , , /by

JoJo cries when he has to leave Jill’s House. He counts how many days he’s been away and asks when he gets to go back. That’s how much it means to him. Jill’s House is the only place I trust to care for my son without me.

My name is Teresa Mickles, and my son, JoJo—well, Rodney Jolyn Bass, but we call him JoJo at home—has been going to Jill’s House for almost 10 years. He’s 16 now, and let me tell you, Jill’s House has been one of the biggest blessings in our lives.

JoJo is a one-of-a-kind young man. He’s got a big heart and an even bigger love for Super Mario. Everything in his room is Mario-themed—slippers, comforters, clocks, dishes, you name it. He even writes letters to Nintendo requesting new Mario products, and they write him back! He’s also written to President Biden and received a response. Besides, he buys stuffed animals for his friends, writes heartfelt letters, and makes everyone feel special. In short, he just loves to love.

JoJo has been fighting since day one. He was the baby I brought home after losing his twin in the womb. At the age of two, he was diagnosed with autism and epilepsy. He also has sleep apnea, a speech disorder, and a few other conditions. However, I always say that he has joy and happiness, and that’s more powerful than any diagnosis. Despite everything, he wakes up smiling and is always laughing to himself throughout the day. Everyone knows him for his smile. From the start, doctors told me what he wouldn’t be able to do, but I chose to fight for him, and he’s proved them all wrong.

JoJo and I had never been separated until he started going to Jill’s House. As a single mom, I’ve always been protective. But from the moment JoJo walked in, I saw the way the staff welcomed him like royalty. Ms. T on staff assured me that JoJo would be in good hands with staff trained to deal with JoJo’s autistic behavior and all his diagnoses.

The Jill’s House staff treat JoJo like family, saying “JoJo! We missed you!” whenever I drop him off. When I went on their single moms’ retreat, I was treated with love and care, too. I knew in my heart that if they treat parents this well, our kids are in amazing hands. We excitedly look forward to every visit, and the annual Christmas party is a highlight of JoJo’s year.

JoJo lights up whenever he knows he’s going to Jill’s House. He pre-packs his Mario swim trunks and counts down the days. The moment we walk in, he’s off! He checks who his caregiver is, and if it’s Chloe—his favorite—he’s over the moon. After a visit to Jill’s House, JoJo usually writes letters to Chloe and other staff, and they write him back! Chloe even came to his “King-Teen” birthday party and brought a framed picture of the two of us. She always goes above and beyond.

When he’s at Jill’s House, I finally get a moment to breathe. I go to a concert or comedy show, see friends, and just rest. Jill’s House even schedules JoJo’s visits around my birthday weekend every year. That’s the kind of care and consideration they give us. Meanwhile, JoJo is having a blast. He loves to swing, draw in the art room, play basketball, ride the scooter, and sing in a chapel.

So, to any parent  nervous about leaving their child with someone else: I get it, but trust me, your child will be safe, loved, and celebrated at Jill’s House. They’ve walked with us, supported us, and truly changed our lives.

JoJo cries when he has to leave Jill’s House. He counts how many days he’s been away and asks when he gets to go back. That’s how much it means to him. Jill’s House is the only place I trust to care for my son without me.

 

 

The Fisher Family

/in , /by

When Kaelen is at Jill’s House, I get a rare weekend to rest as a single dad. I usually stay nearby, go hiking, and enjoy some quiet. Then we talk the whole way home about everything he did.

I’m the proud dad of Kaelen. It’s just the two of us living together in South Jersey, and our bond is something truly special. Kaelen is full of life—always happy, kind, and energetic. We understand each other. He’s not just my son—he’s my teammate, travel buddy, and the motivation behind most of what I do.

We’ve been through our share of challenges, but we’ve also been really fortunate. That sense of gratitude drives us to give back. For many years, we’ve made it a mission to serve others—putting together care packages during the COVID-19 pandemic, picking up trash on Earth Day, handing out gloves in the winter, and making sandwiches for the homeless. Kaelen has been right beside me through all of it. We’ve even made it our goal to do charitable acts in all 50 states. So far, we’ve hit about 12 or 13.

Kaelen and I love to travel. Last year, we went to Japan to visit Super Nintendo World in Osaka. Besides having an awesome experience at the theme park, he loved the strawberry buffet at the hotel! In our travels, we like to mix fun with service, making memories everywhere we go.

One of the biggest blessings we’ve encountered is Jill’s House. We heard about it through a friend and decided to give it a try, even though it’s over two hours away. From that very first visit, Kaelen loved it. He especially enjoys the pool, gym, and making new friends with his “buddies.”

Jill’s House gives me peace of mind. Dropping him off there the first time was a little nerve-wracking, but I trusted the people who recommended it and was quickly reassured. Now, when Kaelen is at Jill’s House, I get a rare weekend to rest as a single dad. I usually stay nearby, go hiking, and enjoy some quiet. When it’s time for him to leave, we talk the whole way back home about everything he did. He always has stories about the buddy he was paired up with. We’re also both big foodies, and he raves about the meals at Jill’s House. It’s become part of our rhythm, something we both look forward to.

To any parent considering Jill’s House, I say it’s absolutely worth it. There’s nothing like knowing your child is safe, happy, and celebrated while you get the chance to recharge. The team at Jill’s House goes above and beyond, and they truly care. It’s not just respite; it’s a community—a lifeline. For us, it’s been the best respite program we’ve ever experienced.

Kaelen calls me “bald and beautiful,” and I’ll take it. He says I’m caring, and I’d say the same about him. We’re the Dynamic Duo. We do our best, and Jill’s House helps us keep going.

 

The Ditcharo Family

/in , /by

Jill’s House gives Eden the camp experience she otherwise wouldn’t have. It gives us rest. And it gives our other kids a chance to do things they couldn’t do otherwise. It’s a gift all the way around.

We’re the Ditcharo family, a party of five living just outside Nashville, Tennessee. Life with three kids is beautifully full—and uniquely shaped by our middle daughter, Eden, who is 15 years old. She was born with a rare genetic disorder that affects her global development. She looks like a typical teenager, but she can only communicate in short phrases and still can’t write her name. That said, she can zipline, climb monkey bars, and swim, and she surprises us all the time with what she knows.

We first heard about Jill’s House when it was just a Virginia-based program. A friend from church mentioned it to us, and once we heard that the Jill’s House Weekend Adventures program was coming to Tennessee, we jumped at the chance to get involved. We were excited about the idea of a Christian respite program that offered weekend camps—something Eden could enjoy, and something that would give us the margin to breathe as a family. Eden’s siblings go to camp, but she hadn’t had the chance to go. Jill’s House was her opportunity!

From her very first visit, Eden fell in love with Jill’s House. She talks about it constantly—especially the hayrides, music, zipline, talent shows, and dance parties (Taylor Swift songs are her favorite!). She’s never been one to fear new places or people; so the moment we mention camp, she gets her backpack on and is ready to go. When we pick her up, she’s always tired and happy. And before we even get home, she’s already asking, “When can I go back?”

Jill’s House doesn’t just bless Eden—it blesses our whole family. Having a child with special needs is like always parenting a toddler. You’re always on, always attentive. But when Eden is at camp, we can focus on our other two children, Dylan and Charlotte, or even just spend time as a couple. One weekend while Eden was away, we enjoyed an overnight getaway in Nashville as a couple—dinner, a Predators game, and a night downtown. Another time, we took the other kids to Dollywood. Eden’s not a rollercoaster fan, so it was a chance for the four of us to have an adventure that she wouldn’t enjoy. These moments are rare and so important. While Eden is having a ball, we can also have a great time. Everyone is happy!

As parents of a child with an intellectual disability, we’ve learned how hard it is to find trusted respite care. Before sending Eden to Jill’s House, we had questions about volunteer training and camper safety. But from the very first intake call, we felt confident in the care she would receive. The team goes above and beyond, even sending us detailed summaries after each weekend—helping us understand what Eden did and giving us conversation starters to engage her when she comes home.

It also matters deeply to us that Jill’s House is a Christian organization. Knowing Eden is being loved and cared for by people who share our values makes all the difference. We don’t take that lightly.

If you’re a parent of a child with special needs and you’re on the fence about Jill’s House, we can’t recommend it enough. Respite is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. Our kids need it, and we, as parents, need it. You don’t realize how much it can mean to you until you experience it for yourself.

Jill’s House gives Eden the camp experience she otherwise wouldn’t have. It gives us rest. And it gives our other kids a chance to do things they couldn’t do otherwise. It’s a gift all the way around.

If we could dream big, we’d love to see weeklong summer day camps offered here in Tennessee, like they do in Virginia. Now that Eden’s aged out of many local day camps, our options are limited. She loves camp so much—we just want more opportunities for her and kids like her.

Until then, we’ll keep celebrating every Jill’s House weekend. Because for us, it’s more than camp. It’s joy. It’s respite. It’s love.

The Hart Family

/in , /by

Told by Cindy Hart (Mom)

We were so thrilled when we heard about Jill’s House. Suddenly we had this community of people who understood our boys and connected with us as a family. The staff understood their needs. Nothing about our boys was new or different to them.

When Peter was born, he was a joyful surprise to our already large family. As we welcomed our seventh biological child, he also entered us into the new world of raising a child with Down syndrome. Peter also inspired us on an unexpected path into the world of special needs adoption. That’s how we welcomed his younger brother Stephen into our family.

As we started the adoption process, our goal was to have another boy a little younger than Peter and also with Down syndrome. When our adoption agency showed us a picture of Stephen, 18 months younger than Peter, we immediately felt a connection to this little boy in China.

We brought Stephen home at the age of three and a half years. As we adjusted to our new family dynamics, I began to suspect that Stephen might also have autism. It wasn’t just the language barrier. It became clear that Stephen processed the world differently. He started using a communication device, and we navigated our way through various therapies.

Even though we had all these kids and had been in the same neighborhood for a long time, we found ourselves in a whole new world. We had the support of our church and older children, but we weren’t connected to the special needs community. We were so thrilled when we heard about Jill’s House. Suddenly we had this community of people who understood our boys and connected with us as a family. The staff understood their needs. Nothing about our boys was new or different to them.

We first sent Peter, and Stephen joined soon after. Early on, they stayed in the same room together, but Stephen kept Peter up at night. So, the staff thoughtfully gave them separate rooms. That’s one of the things I love the most about Jill’s House—they understand the kids so well and know what will work the best for them.

Peter and Stephen haven’t attended the same school since preschool, due to their different needs. Their time at Jill’s House Blue Ridge camp has been a rare opportunity to share experiences. One of my favorite moments was when Stephen saw Peter do the high swing and decided to try it himself. If his big brother does something, Stephen wants to do it too! That was a thrill for all of us.

Stephen gets so excited about his upcoming Jill’s House visits. About a month away, he will start talking about it on his device. While Peter and Stephen are busy having the time of their lives, my husband and I spend our weekends reconnecting as a couple, catching up with friends, or visiting our older kids. One weekend, we even used the time to drive down to Charlottesville for an event our daughter was involved in, stayed overnight, and still had the time to do things at home before pick-up.

My husband and I loved the marriage retreat. It was remarkably wonderful to meet other couples who truly understood our journey. Being around other couples that really prioritized their marriage—and also have this unique experience of raising children with special needs—was really, really wonderful. My husband is now a regular at the Dad’s Saturday morning brunches, and I’ve joined the Thursday evening gatherings. As we connect with the community of Jill’s House parents, we gain tools and friendships. I only wish we had gotten involved sooner.

We are grateful for so many things about Jill’s House. But thank you for seeing the beauty of our children. That is what is most touching.

The Haynes Family

/in , /by

Told by Sean Haynes (Dad)

We are so grateful for everyone at Jill’s House Rocky Top Camp. You can see their hearts and how much they love our kids. Everything about Jill’s House is just incredible.

Beck was around 18 months old when we first noticed a lack of eye contact, and he was only able to communicate minimally. By the time he was 3, his daycare recommended that we pursue testing. After he was evaluated, we enrolled him in early intervention services through an ABA school, where he received support for two years before starting elementary school. This early intervention set him up for success.

Beck has been attending Jill’s House for almost four years. Before that, he had never been enrolled in an overnight program. He attended a day program through our church, but it didn’t offer overnight stays. We heard from other parents in our community group that Jill’s House could be a great option for Beck, so we decided to look into it.

It’s funny—when we were asked to consider sharing our Family Story, I immediately remembered that first time we dropped off Beck like it had just happened!

I remember driving away feeling so overwhelmed and crying. My wife was working that night so I dropped off Beck alone. I don’t really know if I was crying because I was so nervous or grateful. But I remember all those emotions hitting all at once, because Beck had never been away from us!

And, if I’m honest, I never believed for a moment that he would sleep away from us. He struggled with sleep for a long period of time, and I just kept thinking, “There is no way this is going to work!” I had all the doubts in my mind!

But Beck is very trusting of us. He and I hike a lot together, and I remember one time we got lost on the trail. I kept saying, “Just one more minute, we’re almost there.” Meanwhile, he was just so trusting of me. He kept following me.

So when it was time for him to go to Jill’s House for the weekend, he was so trusting of us. He was ready to go and trusted that this was right for him. That weekend was just awesome!

Now, when Beck goes to Jill’s House we look forward to sleep, waking in the morning and lingering while we enjoy coffee and talking to one another. We usually don’t plan to do a lot over those weekends except time together.

Beck’s favorite thing about camp is the camp counselors. He has formed a special bond with some of them. While he doesn’t participate in many activities—he’s not competitive and worries about his balance—he’s not interested in the high-energy weekends, and he doesn’t like crafts. But he loves spending time with the counselors. The social interactions Beck has while he’s at camp are so good!

We are so grateful for everyone at Jill’s House Rocky Top Camp. You can see their hearts and how much they love our kids. When we arrive at camp they are waiting for Beck and openly welcome him. Allowing Beck the space for him to build relationships is incredible. Knowing that Beck is safe, incredible! Everything about Jill’s House is just incredible. But the respite is invaluable!

The Dickerson Family

/in , , /by

When we first moved to Virginia, we attended McLean Bible Church, which had begun to outline the vision for Jill’s House and raise funds for its construction. At that time, we hadn’t started a family yet, and we joyfully contributed to the mission, believing it would immensely help families in need. We never imagined that WE would become one of those families.

Now, we have three children aged 11 to 16 years old. Our middle son, Joshua, has been attending Jill’s House for five consecutive years.

Joshua was born on time, meeting all his growth milestones, and eating well. When he was six months old, we accepted a posting in Morocco with the U.S. Embassy, where we would see a traveling doctor for well-baby check-ups. However, when Joshua was about 16 months old, he began to regress in some of his skills, prompting the doctor to recommend that we return to the States for a medical evaluation.

Joshua and I flew back to the D.C. area for a month so he could undergo testing and evaluation. As we headed to his hearing assessment, I remember praying for a clear and manageable diagnosis. Fortunately, his hearing was excellent! Later, we learned that he was on the autism spectrum.

We returned to Morocco and received virtual play therapy for Joshua, which was our only support until we moved back to the States permanently when he was 2 ½ years old. During this time, he wasn’t speaking, but he made eye contact and loved being around people. We were uncertain about how the autism diagnosis would manifest in Joshua.

After moving to Fairfax County, we enrolled Joshua in Early Intervention, where he received substantial support. It was a wonderful experience! He even began to say a word or two.

With three children, including one with special needs, Jill’s House didn’t cross our minds during this busy period. A friend later recommended Jill’s House when Joshua was about seven years old, and we thought, “Oh yes! That’s right.” However, we were unsure if Joshua would be ready to be away from us.

We began the lengthy intake process, but the day after we visited Jill’s House, COVID-19 shut ev erything down. Fortunately, just a few months later, we completed the intake process and scheduled Joshua’s first stay.

Since then, Joshua has participated in the Weekend Program and Day Camps. He enjoys all his favorite activities, especially lounging on the big comfy couch in the Great Room! He prefers to be at the center of the action, aware of everyone coming and going. At home, he likes to be on the couch in the living room, while at Jill’s House, he prefers to relax on the couch in the Great Room.

As Joshua approaches puberty, we realize that we must be vigilant about his facial expressions, body

movements, and vocalizations. His body is changing, and he is becoming larger and more assertive, requiring us to be extra watchful. When Joshua is at Jill’s House, we can relax, and our home becomes quieter. Our other children can have friends over for sleepovers, allowing us to focus more on one another.

Joshua will likely never live independently, and his life has revolved around us. His time at Jill’s House is crucial for fostering his independence and flexibility, which are vital for his well-being and future. Additionally, it helps him manage anxiety, as he learns that he can be cared for by others.

By all accounts, Joshua enjoys his time at Jill’s House! He sees familiar faces, and they know him well. It’s really nice to be known! Jill’s House is a tremendous blessing for our entire family!