 In This Newsletter
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| Jill's House Thanks YOU!
Thank you to the more than 400 monthly recurring sponsors and the hundreds of supporters who gave one-time gifts to the Sponsor-a-Child-for-a-Night program! Your generosity enabled more families to receive the gift of Jill's House, and we are so grateful for your commitment to serving their special children. There are many more families in desperate need of a break. Please consider becoming a monthly sponsor today. Your donation of $125 per month provides a night of respite to a family in need, and gives its child the chance to take part in activities he or she is otherwise unable to do. You can become a monthly sponsor individually, or with your family, friends, club or Bible study group. These families need your help! Please consider becoming a monthly sponsor today. Learn more about the Sponsor-a-Child-for-a-Night program or become a monthly partner now by contacting Althea Katona at althea.katona@jillshouse.org or 703.639.5666.
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Girls Become Best Friends at Jill's House
For many children with special needs, socially isolated lives are a sad reality. There are few opportunities to have fun with friends and build lasting relationships. But when Julia (9) and Hope (7) met last year, they shared an immediate bond. The girls, both with Down syndrome, enjoy spending time together at Jill's House. Their parents coordinate their stays so that Julia and Hope even room together. For Julia, a countdown to Jill's House helps to get her out of bed every morning. Her dad wakes her up by saying, "Two weeks to Jill's House! Play with Hope!"  | |
Hope and Julia enjoy playing at Jill's House.
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"Their friendship is an answer to my heart's cry," says Holly Hoffman, Julia's mom. "Before coming to Jill's House last year, Julia's older siblings would have friends over and at times, Julia would cry, 'I friends too. I play.' But there wasn't anyone for her to play with. Since meeting her last year, Hope has become her best friend."
During their Jill's House weekends, the girls play dress up together, finish each other's sentences and, like other girls their age, giggle and talk past "lights out" time. "A visit to Jill's House is like a girls' night out, which is extra special for these little ones who don't often get invited to parties," says Hope's mom. "It's a safe and exciting destination for the girls, and they have a fantastic time."
"We are so very grateful the girls can have their slumber party at Jill's House," says Julia's mom. "It is truly an answer to prayer."
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How Small Groups Are Deepening Community While Serving at Jill's House
Ben and Jaci Skupien, leaders
What inspired your group to volunteer at Jill's House? Ben Skupien: James 1:22 tells us, "Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." As Married Small Group (MSG) leaders, we have worked with our group to put that scripture into practice, exercise our faith in daily action, and be strategic about our annual goals. One of our seven group goals is to serve corporately together each quarter.
Fortunately, we have been blessed with an amazing small group who fully embraces serving. Together with our group's service coordinators, we decided to partner with Jill's House. We can unequivocally say that we have been blessed beyond measure since beginning to serve there. It's a privilege to be a very small part of the incredible "God stories" that happen weekly at Jill's House.
Tell us about your group's responsibilities. Ben: We organize activity and stock rooms and help keep Jill's House clean by mopping, washing windows, raking mulch over the playground and cleaning and repairing toys. We have been amazed that 12 people providing as little as 30 man-hours just one evening a quarter are able to have such a profound impact. Talk about God multiplying loaves of bread!
Further, we have seen this service opportunity cultivate servant hearts in our group members. John and Meredith, for instance, have led the way by serving long-term with Jill's House by volunteering with the children on Friday nights, which in turn has been a tremendous encouragement to the other group members.
What would you say to someone considering becoming a Jill's House volunteer?
Ben: Author and pastor John Piper says, "God is most glorified when we are most satisfied in Him." Serving the precious children at Jill's House brings more satisfaction than anyone can imagine. Our entire group joins in encouraging other small groups, classes and passionate Christ followers to engage in serving God locally, regionally and globally to bring the Father glory--whether at Jill's House or elsewhere. You will honor Christ, help draw others closer to Him, and experience God's presence in a powerful way. And we can personally guarantee you will be completely satisfied with your decision to serve! Jill's House welcomes groups from churches, companies and schools to serve together. If you'd like to learn more about becoming a Jill's House volunteer, visit jillshouse.org/volunteer, or contact Jan Pascoe at jan.pascoe@jillshouse.org or 703.639.5665.
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The Falls Church/Fairfax MSG gather in the Great Room at Jill's House before their first night of volunteering.
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DC Gallery Showcases Art by Jill's House Children
On April 19, Touchstone Galleries in Washington, DC, hosted Wonderfully Made: An Art Show to Benefit Jill's House, featuring original artwork created by the children of Jill's House. The show raised more than $18,000.  | |
"Wilderness Exploration," a painting created by Akhil M. |
The Richard & Mary Fink Family Foundation, Koch Industries, Inc. and Bear Givers sponsored Wonderfully Made.
For Jill's House children, the artwork showcase provided a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. "Many people do not stop to see beauty in the children we serve," said Denise Daffron, vice president of advancement at Jill's House. "We applaud the generosity of spirit and kindness of heart that the Fink Family, Koch Industries, and Bear Givers have shown
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Jason stands with his painting, "Mickey Mouse." |
in going out of their way to highlight this beauty, and we are delighted to share the spirit, creativity and joy expressed through the artwork of the special children we serve at Jill's House."
Families of the children who donated their work ecstatically snapped pictures of their children next to their masterpieces. Akhil, who had five paintings in the art show, was even given a step ladder so he could see his framed picture properly.
Nine members of Congress made artwork
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Joseph Sprung, Chairman & Founder of Bear Givers, Rep. Fred Upton (R-Mich.) and Richard Fink, executive vice president of Koch Industries. |
to be purchased at the event, including Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wisc.), Rep. Nan Hayworth (R-N.Y.) and Rep. Fred Upton (R-Mich.)
The Hill: The Washington Scene featured Wonderfully Made on their website last week, including many pictures of the Jill's House families, event sponsors, and members of congress . Read the article.
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A Successful Spring Break Camp!
Jill's House's second Spring Break Camp was full of new visitors and sunny weather as 20 children came each day to experience activities made just for them.
This year, the children learned about Easter through chapel lessons taught by Mr. Brad, and made books about Easter in the Buffalo Room. The children loved going on an egg hunt in the playground. Special visitors to Spring Break Camp included
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Peter and a Jill's House volunteer enjoy riding a two-person tricycle during Spring Break Camp.
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Titus, the therapy dog, and bunnies and chicks for the children to hold and pet.
Spring Break Camp also allowed parents to continue to work while their children were out of school, providing caregivers with the economic stability in their jobs they need to provide for their family.
One mother commented, "Wow. Our daughter had a great time. It was so nice to get a picture of her with the dog--she looked so happy. She slept very well that entire week. It was the best spring break that our family has had in a long time. Thank you so much."
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Ways to Support Jill's House
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Something Special for Mom this Mother's Day
This fall, Jill's House will open Jill's Garden Path, a beautiful outdoor setting designed to be a place of encouragement and inspiration, welcoming families and children to Jill's House. The park-like area will include waterfalls, trees, benches and pavers, each with messages of support and love.
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Celebrate Mom and give a special child the gift of Jill's House.
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Whether you purchase one paver or many, your gift is a unique, thoughtful way to honor your: * Mom for Mother's Day, or Dad for Father's Day * Wife or husband * Children or grandchildren * Sister, brother, niece or nephew
* Friends with a child with special needs
By commemorating their significance and impact in your life, you give children with special needs a fun, safe place to build friendships and simply enjoy being kids, while giving those who love them much-needed rest and renewal. |
| Big Band Dance May 19
- Dance the night away to the smooth sounds of Radio King Orchestra, Washington's most exciting and elegant big band
- Enjoy a light dinner buffet
- Bid on fabulous silent auction prizes
- Learn how Jill's House transforms the lives of children with special needs and their families
During the event, you will have the opportunity to bring more children to Jill's House.  | |
The Radio King Orchestra at the 2011 Dance.
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Event Details Saturday, May 19, 2012 7:30-10:30 pm The ballroom at the home of Colby and Nina May 1770 Kirby Road, McLean, VA Special Admission $500 for four includes pre-event professional dance instructions provided by Flying Feet Enterprises at 6:30 pm General Admission $150 per couple, $75 per individual Event sponsorships available RSVP by May 11, 2012Online: jillshouse.org/dance By phone: 703.639.5670 By mail: Jill's House, P.O. Box 9104, McLean, VA 22102 For more information, contact Kat Vinson at kat.vinson@jillshouse.org or 703.639.5670.
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| Chick-fil-A Night May 16
On Wednesday, May 16th, join us for dinner at the Reston Chick-fil-A from 5-8 pm. Chick-fil-A will donate a generous 25% of all sales made
with this flyer. You must bring the flyer in order for Jill's House to receive the donation. Join us!
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An Easter Egg Hunt at Jill's House
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Happy Easter! Children proudly show off the eggs they found during the Easter egg hunt at Jill's House 2012 Spring Break Camp.
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April 30, 2012
Since opening in October 2010, Jill's House has provided 81,419 hours of respite.
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May 19, 2012: Big Band Dance to Benefit Jill's House
The 2012 Dance will take place on May 19 in McLean, VA. Event sponsorships are available. To attend, visit jillshouse.org/dance or contact Kat Vinson at kat.vinson@jillshouse.org or 703.639.5670.
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The Ride to Jill's House
The 2012 Ride to Jill's House will take place on June 9. Register online or contact Joe Livingood for more information.
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Save The Date
The 2012 Links for Little Ones Golf Tournament will take place on October 8, 2012 at 1757 Golf Club. |
What Our Families Are Saying...
"This was another incredible week! Although I was running around all week, I was able to check several items off of my 'to-do' list! Thank you for the time! Thank you for your smiles! Thank you for being so positive, so loving, so full of glory! THANK YOU!"
"We love, love, love your program. We have never had breaks or respite like this before. We honestly barely know what to do with ourselves and with the extra time. Thanks so much!"
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Work at Jill's House
As Jill's House grows, it continues to need more great people. We are currently hiring for the following positions: -Manager, Annual Giving -Child Care Specialist -Custodian -Contract CDL Bus Driver -Water Safety Instructors -Registered Nurse -Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) -Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Complete listing and job descriptions. |
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