The Winnick Family

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Told by Larry (Dad)

“When Alex walks into Jill’s House, they ask him, ‘What do you want to do?’ And when he’s finished, they ask, ‘What do you want to do next?’ That’s it! He gets to decide.”

If there’s one thing you should know about my son Alex, it’s that he likes to keep moving!

Alex is 16 and has Down syndrome. He loves basketball, bowling, baseball, and swimming. He rides boogie boards at the beach, cruises around in his electric drift car, and rarely stays in one place for long. In fact, the staff at Jill’s House have nicknamed him “the nomad” because he’s always on the go!

A Place to Just Be Alex

Alex has been coming to Jill’s House since he was six years old, and it’s one of his favorite places in the world.

What does Alex love most about Jill’s House? You might think it’s the pool (and he really does love that warm pool!), but honestly, I think it’s the independence and freedom.

All day long, at school, in therapy, and at home, people are asking things of him. Follow these instructions. Work on this skill. Finish this task. But when Alex walks into Jill’s House, they ask him, “What do you want to do?”

And when he’s finished, they ask, “What do you want to do next?”

That’s it! He gets to decide.

He might head to the gym, playground, sensory room, or chapel. He knows Jill’s House inside and out. And he loves the people! He remembers his caregivers by name and asks whether he’ll see his favorites the next time he visits.

For a kid who works hard all day to meet expectations, having a place where he can just be himself is pretty special.

From Nervous Beginnings to a Second Home

It’s funny to think about how far we’ve come, because my wife, Deidre, and I were incredibly nervous about Alex’s first overnight stay.

Deidre put him on the Jill’s House waiting list before he turned six. Alex had some challenging behaviors when he was younger, and we worried about how he’d do in a new environment.

We didn’t go anywhere that first weekend. We figured we’d better stay close to home because surely we’d get a call asking us to pick him up!

But everything went great.

That was nearly ten years ago, and Jill’s House has been part of our lives ever since. We’ve developed tremendous trust in the people who care for Alex. Everyone looks out for the best interests of the child, which in turn looks out for the whole family.

A Gift for Our Whole Family

When Alex is at Jill’s House, Deidre and I get something that’s hard to describe unless you’re raising a child with special needs: a chance to really rest.

I’m usually the one keeping up with Alex, constantly watching where he is and what he’s doing. So when he’s away, I might take a long motorcycle ride or tackle projects around the house.

We can each do what we need to recharge. Sometimes we sleep in, go out with friends, or even take a quick trip. And we get precious one-on-one time with our younger son, Zach, who’s 15.

Caregiving can be exhausting. Over the years, you get worn down. Having that mental and physical break is invaluable.

But what makes Jill’s House so special isn’t just the respite. It’s the people.

Everyone we’ve encountered has been kind, compassionate, and genuinely committed to the families they serve. After nearly ten years, we feel like we’re part of a family at Jill’s House. It’s not just a place where we drop Alex off. We know the people, and they know us.

In fact, Jill’s House has meant so much to us that when Deidre and I recently updated our estate plan, we named Jill’s House to be a beneficiary. It was an easy decision. We want other families to experience the same love, care, and support we’ve received.

Jill’s House has been an incredible blessing to our whole family.

And for Alex? It’s a place where he can walk through the door, be greeted by people who know and love him, and decide for himself what adventure comes next.

That’s pretty special.

 

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The Andrew Family

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Told by Jennifer & Todd (parents)

The building was beautiful. The staff radiated joy. Everything felt intentional. For the first time, we weren’t simply dropping Chris off somewhere safe—we were welcoming him into a place where he would truly belong.

When our son Chris was seven years old, we toured Jill’s House almost by accident. We had planned to attend a disability conference at McLean Bible Church, and since the tour happened beforehand, we thought we’d stop in. The moment we walked through the doors, we knew this place was different.

As parents of a child with profound autism and intellectual disability, we had grown accustomed to settling. Most special needs programs meant well, but often felt like second-class experiences—converted office buildings, outdated facilities, endless paperwork, and the constant feeling that families like ours should simply be grateful for whatever was available.

Jill’s House was nothing like that. The building was beautiful. The staff radiated joy. Everything felt intentional. For the first time, we weren’t simply dropping Chris off somewhere safe—we were welcoming him into a place where he would truly belong.

Now, nearly eleven years later, Chris still can’t wait to get there. When we pull into the parking lot, he usually forgets to say goodbye. He jumps out of the car and heads straight inside. We have to remind him, “Chris, come hug Mom and Dad!” He would live at Jill’s House if you let him.

One of our favorite possessions sits in a four-inch binder on our living room couch. Inside are years of “My Stay” summaries—one from nearly every visit Chris has ever made. The binder began as a simple folder, but it has grown along with his memories. Today, he flips through those pages constantly, reading about adventures with friends, favorite staff members, funny things that happened, and all the people who were “blessed to care for him.” Those reports aren’t just records of his visits—they’re reminders that he is known and truly and deeply loved.

Chris has always loved people. At Jill’s House, he found his people. Whether it’s laughing about an inside joke with a staff member, remembering everyone’s birthday, talking about lip-syncing songs at Blue Ridge Camp, or simply spending time with peers who understand him, his confidence has blossomed because he finally has a place where he belongs. When he’s anxious or struggling to regulate his emotions, he often sits down with that binder and relives his favorite Jill’s House memories. It helps him find peace again.

Of course, Jill’s House has given us something precious too.

Like many parents raising a child with significant needs, our lives revolved around appointments, therapies, school meetings, paperwork, and constant vigilance. Before Jill’s House, we honestly wondered if we’d ever have another weekend away together. Having trusted respite allowed us to reconnect as husband and wife, spend meaningful time with our daughter, and even care for Todd’s parents during his father’s battle with dementia. Knowing Chris wasn’t simply being supervised—but was genuinely happy—made all the difference.

What stands out most about Jill’s House isn’t the respite. It’s the excellence. From the thoughtful staff and beautiful facilities to the organized communication and personalized care, Jill’s House consistently provides what feels like first-class service in every interaction. No one scolds us about missing something in a confusing pile of paperwork; instead they walk us through every step.

Sometimes we joke that we hope one day there’s “a Jill’s House for adults,” because after we’re gone, we’d want Chris surrounded by people just like the ones who have cared for him here all these years.

In a world where families affected by disability often expect to settle for less, Jill’s House has always exceeded our expectations. It feels less like a service provider and more like a wonderful and welcoming community that truly knows our son—and our family.

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The Holsinger Family

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Told by Jenny (mom) & Maddie

Watching those genuine connections grow—with both the staff and her peers—has been one of the most meaningful gifts Jill’s House has given our family.

We were thrilled when Jill’s House was being built and had the opportunity to tour it through our connection with McLean Bible Church. Even then, we knew it would be a special place and a unique opportunity for Maddie, who has autism. At the time she had a wonderful support network of grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and her sister. Her days were full of family, friends, school, therapy, and activities, and she wasn’t ready to spend the night away from home.

As the years passed and Maddie graduated from high school, her support network naturally began to change as her sister, cousins, and friends headed off to college. She was ready for more independence, new experiences, and new friendships. When she learned she could spend a school night at Jill’s House with friends from her school program, she couldn’t wait to start. Four years later, it’s still one of the highlights of her month.

Ask Maddie what she loves most about Jill’s House, and she’ll answer immediately:

“Swings. Music. Seeing my friends.”

For her, Jill’s House isn’t simply a place to spend the night. It’s where she plays outside, rides a bike, sings karaoke, celebrates birthdays, and spends time with people she loves. The facility itself is thoughtfully designed, and that also plays a big role in helping Maddie feel comfortable and at ease there.

What makes Jill’s House especially meaningful are the relationships. Maddie loves talking with the staff. She asks about engagements, weddings, pregnancies, and what’s happening in their lives. They aren’t just caregivers—they’re friends. Just as importantly, they intentionally help her connect with the other overnight guests, encouraging conversations, shared activities, and new friendships. Watching those genuine connections grow—with both the staff and her peers—has been one of the most meaningful gifts Jill’s House has given our family.

Maddie always looks forward to telling us—and her sister, who now lives in Tennessee with her family—all about her stays, the people she spent time with, and the fun they had together. She usually sends us a text while she’s there to share something fun that happened. Then, the next morning, she walks out with what we affectionately call her “little entourage”—the care team who walks her to our car. Every single time, she comes out all smiles. During the weeks when Maddie isn’t going to Jill’s House, she’ll sometimes say the staff must be missing her, which is such a sweet reflection of how much she feels connected to them.

Maddie rarely spends the night away from us anywhere other than Jill’s House. That makes it incredibly special—not only to her, but to us.

Those evenings give us something every caregiver needs from time to time: the opportunity to recharge. Sometimes my husband and I enjoy a quiet evening together at home. Other times we have dinner with friends or reconnect with people we don’t often get to see. Whatever we choose, we’re able to fully enjoy that time because we know Maddie is exactly where she wants to be—safe, happy, and surrounded by people who care about her.

That peace of mind comes from trust.

Like many parents of children and adults with disabilities, we were naturally nervous about leaving Maddie somewhere overnight. But over the past four years, Jill’s House has earned our complete confidence. Every experience has been positive, and we’ve never had a reason to question the care she receives. When people ask whether we’d recommend Jill’s House, our answer is an enthusiastic yes.

The greatest gift Jill’s House has given our family isn’t simply respite—it’s watching Maddie find a community where she is known, valued, and excited to return month after month. She has formed wonderful friendships, gained confidence and independence, and found a place that brings her so much joy.

 

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The Buttie Family

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Told by MarCi & Steve (parents)

Jill’s House has given us a “tribe”—a community of families who understand our world without explanation. There’s no judgment, just shared experience and support. Most importantly, Jill’s House doesn’t just care for our children—it’s like they celebrate them.

We’re Marci and Steve, parents to two incredible boys—Isaac (10) and Jacob (7). Both of our sons have complex medical needs. Isaac has Down syndrome and autism, and Jacob has Prader-Willi syndrome and autism. As we sometimes joke, our family could fill a “diagnosis bingo card”—but humor is one of the ways we keep ourselves going.

From the very beginning, our journey as parents has been intense. We knew before Isaac was born that he would have Down syndrome, but we didn’t expect how sick he would be. He spent weeks in the NICU and was so fragile that we didn’t know how long we would have him. When Jacob was born early, we faced another round of uncertainty, including hearing at one point that he might not survive.

Those early years shaped us. We quickly learned that advocacy would become a lifelong role and that “typical” parenting wasn’t our reality.

For a long time, we simply pushed through. We balanced two full-time careers, two medically complex children, endless therapies, feeding tubes, oxygen, and constant hospital visits. Life felt like survival mode. We didn’t have family nearby, and we weren’t used to asking for help. But eventually, we reached a point where something had to give. For the sake of our family, we made career changes and began to rethink how we could sustain this life long-term.

That’s when Jill’s House came into the picture. At first, we were hesitant. The idea of leaving our child—even for a weekend—was overwhelming. We worried about everything: What if they got sick? What if they couldn’t communicate their needs? What if something went wrong?

But we took a leap of faith.

That first weekend, we were on edge—but something amazing happened. We didn’t get a call. And we later learned that no news is good news.

Jill’s House is one of the greatest blessings in our lives. For our boys, it’s pure joy. Isaac loves playing basketball in the gym, and Jacob talks nonstop about Chapel, Adventure Heights, and even the elevator. They come home exhausted in the best possible way because they’ve been so engaged, so active, and so loved.

Even now, getting ready for a Jill’s House weekend takes strategy. Our boys love Jill’s House so much that we can’t even say the name out loud without them immediately getting excited and ready to go. So we’ve learned to operate a little “under the radar,” dropping off their special bed bags ahead of time, almost like a stealth mission, so they don’t spot them and start packing days early.

And for us, the impact is just as profound. It’s the ability to breathe. It’s having a conversation after church without interruption. It’s running errands together without a rigid schedule. It’s sitting in a quiet house. It’s going out to dinner for the first time in nearly a decade, even if it felt a little awkward at first.

It’s also something deeper. Jill’s House has given us a “tribe”—a community of families who understand our world without explanation. There’s no judgment, just shared experience and support. Most importantly, Jill’s House doesn’t just care for our children—it’s like they celebrate them. Every part of who our boys are feels seen, known, and loved. Jill’s House loves Isaac for Isaac, and Jacob for Jacob.

To those who support Jill’s House, please know that your generosity has a direct and tangible impact. It doesn’t just help our children—it strengthens us individually as parents and together as a couple. It gives parents like us the chance to rest, reconnect, and keep going.

 

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The Green Family

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Told by Kara (Mom)

I expected Jill’s House to give me rest. What I didn’t expect was that it would become my son’s favorite place in the world.

Life has a way of taking unexpected turns.

I’m Kara, a single mom to two incredible kids: Eva, 15, who is a driven, compassionate big sister, and Johnny, 13, who is quite simply the center of our universe. Johnny is funny, loving, endlessly energetic, and almost always dressed in orange, his signature color. Around our house, we joke that it’s Johnny’s world and the rest of us just live in it—and, honestly, that’s pretty accurate.

When Johnny was two and a half, everything changed. He suffered a traumatic brain injury. In those first terrifying moments, I was just grateful he survived. What followed was something doctors still can’t fully explain. Johnny’s recovery—his resilience, his progress, and his very presence—is nothing short of miraculous. Still, we were told he would never develop beyond the level of a nine-year-old and would always require full-time care—my full-time care.

The dreams I once had for my life shifted overnight. I had once imagined becoming the first female president of the United States. Now, my world revolved around doctor’s appointments, therapies, IEP meetings, and constant vigilance. Every day starts early and moves quickly. There are good days and very hard days. As Johnny grew, the weight of doing everything alone became overwhelming. I couldn’t take my eyes off him, not even long enough to take a shower.

During one particularly long, exhausting weekend, I found myself searching online late at night, unsure of what I was even looking for—just hoping there might be something, anything, that could help.

That’s when I found Jill’s House.

Even though I desperately needed rest, the thought of leaving Johnny somewhere was terrifying. Would anyone else know how to care for him? Would they see only his challenges, or would they recognize the abundant love and joy in his heart?

But Jill’s House is different. Every single person there loves him exactly as he is. They truly see him and delight in him. Much of Johnny’s life is spent in environments focused on his progress—school, occupational therapy, feeding therapy, and behavior therapy—but at Jill’s House, they meet him right where he is and love him fully in that space.

While at Jill ’s House, Johnny’s first stop is always the playground. He loves riding the bikes and setting up races and “parades” with as many people as he can gather.

I expected Jill’s House to give me rest. What I didn’t expect was that it would become my son’s favorite place in the world. Johnny was once asked if he’d rather go to Disney World or Jill’s House, and he chose Jill’s House. This is a child who dressed as Mickey Mouse for twelve straight Halloweens. When I pick Johnny up after a Jill’s House stay, he asks if he can stay for 100 days.

Johnny doesn’t get invited to birthday parties or sleepovers. Jill’s House is his place to belong, to be celebrated, and to have fun.

For Eva and me, Jill’s House offers something equally meaningful: time—time to reconnect, talk, attend her field hockey games uninterrupted, and simply be mother and daughter. With her approaching college, that time feels priceless.

Jill’s House has also provided me with community. Through parent support groups and retreats, I’ve found friends who understand without explanation—people who celebrate small victories and share in difficult moments. They’ve become our people, our family.

Jill’s House has been part of our lives for six years now, and I truly can’t imagine life without it. To everyone who supports Jill’s House: please know that you are uplifting entire families—families like mine. For that, I am endlessly grateful.

 

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The Escoto Family Story

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Told by Lisa (Mom)

Jill’s House gave us something we’d never had before:  rest and trust. For the first time, I knew [Elena] was completely safe and surrounded by people who celebrated her, who saw her light. I could finally exhale.

My daughter, Elena, can best be described as joyful. She wants to connect with everybody. She has a bright light in her, but not everyone sees that.

Elena has Angelman syndrome, which affects her mobility, communication, and sleep. In the early years, she slept only three hours a night. And so did I. Life felt like survival mode.

When Elena was six, other parents encouraged me to let her go to Jill’s House for her first overnight. I was terrified. How could I trust anyone else with her care? But they said, “She’ll love it, and you need the break.” They were right.

Jill’s House gave us something we’d never had before: rest and trust. For the first time, I knew she was completely safe and surrounded by people who celebrated her, who saw her light. I could finally exhale.

I used to call Jill’s House midway through the weekend, on Saturday afternoons, just to check in. The staff would say, “Hold on,” walk up to her, and hold up the phone. I’d hear her squealing and laughing in the background. Then they’d say, “She’s got the biggest smile on her face, and she’s having a great time.” Hearing her joy in real time meant everything to me.

Elena loved her weekends at Jill’s House in Tysons and later experienced camp weekends at Blue Ridge, where she thrived being outdoors. Blue Ridge was her happy place—smaller, quieter, and full of exciting experiences like hayrides and visits from therapy dogs. She especially loved seeing the horses (from a safe distance—they’re a little too big for her taste!) and spending time with staff who shared her excitement and energy. She felt completely at home there.

I loved the reports I’d get after each Jill’s House visit. They always began with“We love Elena because…,” followed by all the wonderful things about her. When you spend years hearing what your child needs to work on, hearing what others love about them means everything. At Jill’s House, no one told her to calm down or be different. They simply delighted in who she is.

When Elena was away on weekends, I finally had space to breathe. On Friday nights, I’d pick up takeout for me and my older daughter, Sofia, and put on a movie that we could watch, uninterrupted, in peace. For years, after Sofia went to bed, I’d end up crying until Saturday afternoon—all the emotions I’d been pushing down finally had room to surface. (Sofia would sleep in, on teenager time!). For the rest of the weekend, I would read, sleep, and enjoy one-on-one time with Sofia and with friends. Little by little, I began to feel like myself again. Jill’s House gave me that space to process and heal.

That’s what makes Jill’s House different. They don’t just meet needs; they see the whole person. Raising a child with special needs can be isolating. The world doesn’t see the unique stressors, the constant logistics, and the exhaustion. Even when people try to help, they can’t fully understand unless they’ve lived it. That’s why Jill’s House—and the community I’ve found here—means so much to me.

The Schutz Family

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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 Mickles-Bass Family

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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 Dickerson Family

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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!

The Card Family

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Jill’s House has been our saving grace!!

McKenna, now 13 years old, has been enjoying the love and care of Jill’s House for seven wonderful years. The quarterly weekend visits, day camps, and school night program have become a cherished part of her life and ours. It’s a space that brings her immense joy and provides her with opportunities to engage in activities she loves, which can be hard to find for someone with her unique needs.

McKenna is non-ambulatory, non-verbal, and has sensory processing challenges, which make social settings particularly overwhelming for her. These challenges don’t just affect her; they ripple through our family life. Socializing, spending time with neighbors, or building new friendships often feels out of reach because McKenna can easily become overstimulated. This is why Jill’s House is such a blessing—not only for her, but for all of us. While McKenna is at Jill’s House, we savor the rare opportunity to connect as a family in ways that aren’t always possible. Whether it’s going out to dinner, catching up with friends, or planning a special sleepover for McKenna’s brother, the time is precious and deeply restorative.

Though McKenna is non-verbal, she’s incredibly expressive, and her excitement for Jill’s House is unmistakable. She literally screams with joy when it’s time to go. After each of her visits she loves sharing her Jill’s House report with her classmates at school. It’s a source of pride for her and a way to connect with her peers.

McKenna’s love for Jill’s House extends to the activities she enjoys most there. She adores the water, so pool days are always a highlight. She also thrives on movement, whether it’s swinging on the playground or exploring the indoor play spaces. Even at home, she finds joy in watching the Jill’s House YouTube channel and Instagram stories. Her smiles while watching those videos speak volumes about how much she treasures her time there.

Jill’s House is more than just a place; it’s a safe, nurturing, and comforting sanctuary that blesses our entire family. It’s a rare and invaluable resource that we don’t take for granted. The care and love McKenna receives there have made a profound difference in her life and ours. We are deeply grateful for Jill’s House and the impact it has had on our journey.