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May at Jill's House 
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MatchingMatching Challenge Surpasses Its Goal  

In October, one gracious family donated $425,000 to Jill's House as a matching challenge for the Sponsor-A-Child-for-a-Night campaign. Many gracious donors stepped forward in response to this challenge, giving eagerly and generously. We are thrilled to report that, thanks to you and others like you, we raised a total of $705,000 in pledges and gifts by March 31st, exceeding the challenged amount by 41%!

We are humbled by the amazing generosity of our donors. Your gifts make a real difference in the lives of the families we serve. Because you care, pray and give, more children will be able to experience a night at Jill's House and their families will be given time to rest and recharge. We pray you are blessed beyond measure for blessing others. Thank you!

Creightons

One Family: Three Children with Special Needs

Creighton Kids
From left: Samantha, Ava, Taylor and Jeffery Creighton.

Meeting the needs of any child can be taxing. For parents of multiple children with special needs, the challenge is immense. Jill's House is honored to serve families like the Creightons.

 

Bill and Andrea Creighton are blessed to have four children--Taylor (21) who is typical, and Samantha (17), Jeffery (13), and Ava (11), who all suffer from Fragile X syndrome. Fragile X is a genetically inherited intellectual disability that causes social anxiety, autistic behaviors and intellectual limitations. Fragile X manifests itself differently in each child. For instance, Ava cannot communicate verbally. By contrast, Samantha is verbal, but has challenges with and anxiety about social interactions, which limits the activities she feels comfortable doing with her peers.

"We don't often attend events as a couple because there is no care for the children," says Andrea. "In a 'typical' family children may be able to watch one another, but ours have disabilities that prevent us from leaving them alone."

Andrea says it is also increasingly difficult to find activities to meet the children's various developmental needs. Many teenagers and children may enjoy sleepovers, outings to the mall or trips to the bowling alley, but the Creighton children need a lot of support when doing these things and are rarely invited out. Fortunately, in 2011, Jill's House became a much-anticipated outing for all three children.

At Jill's House, Samantha, Jeffery and Ava are individually accepted and uniquely cared for. Jeffery has a blast laughing with his friends and the staff, and Ava often points to the Jill's House logo to convey a longing for another stay. For Samantha, who stays at Jill's House on Thursday nights with her classmates, Jill's House has become a place to feel like other teenagers her age, and to be with her friends.

"We are so grateful that Jill's House provides our children with the structure they crave and gives them a chance to try new things," says Andrea. "It melts our hearts to see our children so happy."

Read more stories from the families of children we serve.

WhatsGoingNoah's Ark and "Under the Big Top" Teach and Entertain

Each year, the Jill's House program staff creates a calendar of themes for each month at Jill's House. The themes translate into all areas of Jill's House, including the chapel, library, arts and crafts room, computer room, game room, gym and music room.  

The themes for May were Noah's Ark and "Under the Big Top." The children heard the story of Noah's Ark in chapel and read Noah's Ark books in the library. The kids particularly enjoyed making rainbows out of cotton balls, symbolizing the covenant God made with Noah after the flood. One of the highlights of this month's theme was a carnival in Big Sky Gym in which children played games like carnival ring toss, bowling with milk jugs, spin-a-wheel and face painting. 

We have a dedicated team of volunteers who help with creating and planning each month's themed activities for the children. If you are a Jill's House volunteer and are interested in joining the Activity Committee, contact Michelle Carrera at [email protected] or 703.639.5691.
Anna and Emily celebrate "Under the Big Top" month with carnival activities in the Big Sky Gym at Jill's House.
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Xavier

Volunteering Gives Perspective to a High School Student

Xavier Ryan
Xavier Ryan has come to love the hours he spends investing in children.

 

Xavier Ryan, a 17-year-old junior at Langley High School, shares his experience volunteering at Jill's House.

 

I have not always been a volunteer.  Academics were always a priority. Sports came next. At times I would be busy with work, usually refereeing or lifeguarding. However, a few months ago, I began to volunteer at Jill's House.

 

It was my sister, Jackie, who spurred this interest. She would come home after her time volunteering at Jill's House more cheerful and relaxed than when she had left. She seemed to tackle the rest of her day; I would trudge through mine. I was missing something. During my first day at Jill's House, the pieces came together. 

 

Shortly after being welcomed, I was tossed a volunteer t-shirt and soon found myself pedaling on a double-seated bicycle with a boy who was quick to smile. I felt empowered by his optimism, his eagerness and his vitality as we participated in various activities. While playing with crayons, he wrote down his name for me, and I did the same. We talked, we played and we got to know each other. The three hours flew by and when I said goodbye, I saw something clutched in his hand. It was a piece of paper with "Xavier" scrawled in blue crayon. As the doors closed, it suddenly made sense. 

 

During the week preceding my visit, it was not the day-to-day monotony that drained me or tedious work that left me tired. During that week and every week before, I had been preoccupied with thoughts of myself: fears, hopes and feelings -- all my own. During my three hours at Jill's House, though, I was preoccupied with the feelings of another. All of the energy and thoughts normally wasted on myself were funneled into meaningful interactions. I was able to make an impact -- not in my personal agenda, but in the life of another. 

 

Once a week, I am reminded that a world exists outside of my shallow sphere. For three hours my troubles are irrelevant. All that matters is a little boy's smile and a wad of paper clenched between his fingers. 

 

Jill's House welcomes volunteers ages 14 years and up. If you would like to learn more about becoming a Jill's House volunteer, visit jillshouse.org/volunteer or contact Jan Pascoe at [email protected] or 703.639.5665.

 

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JHDanceNearly $55,000 Raised at the 5th Annual Big Band Dance for Jill's House

More than 100 guests raised nearly $55,000 and danced the night away to the sounds of Radio King Orchestra during Jill's House's 5th Annual Big Band Dance to Benefit Jill's House.
Guests dance the night away to the sounds of Radio King Orchestra at the 5th Annual Big Band Dance.

A highlight of the evening came when Adrian Kuzel, mother of a child at Jill's House, shared with the guests her family's experience receiving respite. "To have a whole weekend for ourselves, where we know John is safe, has fun and gets to have a 'typical kid' experience is like that Mastercard commercial: priceless." 

All in attendance were given the opportunity to sponsor a child and fill a bed at Jill's House. Overall, guests sponsored 40 new children to spend a night at Jill's House.

Thank you to the Dance Committee and our sponsors for making this a night we will never forget!

If you have an event idea of your own to help raise money for Jill's House, contact Kat Vinson at [email protected] or 703.639.5670.

 

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waystoWays to Support Jill's House
GolfGolf Enthusiasts: Join the Jill's House Golf Committee! Lflo logo b

If you love golf and want to find a fun way to give back, then the Jill's House Links for Little Ones Golf Committee is for you!

The Jill's House Links for Little Ones Golf Committee functions as the lead fundraising arm for the golf tournament on October 8, 2012. This is a fun group of community leaders and avid golfers. The commitment to be a part of the golf committee is simple and meetings will be once a month via conference call. Joe Livingood, senior vice president of Billy Casper Golf, is the tournament's chair. We are considering new members and invite you to apply. 

The 12th Annual Links for Little Ones Golf Tournament is the oldest fundraiser for Jill's House, and last year raised a record $80,000 to help transform the lives of the families and children we serve. Joining the golf committee is a meaningful way to help make this year's tournament the largest yet. Your work on the committee will help us to make an impact in the lives of families and children who desperately need respite through Jill's House.

Contact Kat Vinson at [email protected] or 703.639.5670 for more information.

 

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MCM

Run the 37th Annual Marine Corps Marathon with Team Jill's House

 

Help benefit special children of Jill's House by running in one of the country's largest marathons! Sign up to run in the 37th Annual Marine Corps Marathon or 10K with Team Jill's House.

 

Congratulations and thank you to the 2010 MCM runners!

For the fifth year, Team Jill's House reserved a limited number of slots for the Marine Corps Marathon and 10K on Sunday, October 28, 2012. 

 

Team Jill's House raises much-needed revenue for Jill's House, enabling us to serve children with special needs and provide relief and renewal to the extraordinary families who love them. The fundraising goal for each 10K runner is $750, and for each marathon runner is $1,250. You will be amazed how others will rally to support Jill's House through your involvement. Join us and be a part of a monumental experience.

 

For more information, or to register, visit jillshouse.org/marathon or contact Kat Vinson at [email protected] or 703.639.5670. The deadline to sign up is June 30, 2012.

 

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somethingspecialGive a Special Gift to Dad this Father'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.

We invite you to purchase a paver to celebrate someone special in your life. Whether you purchase one paver or many, your gift is a meaningful, thoughtful way to honor your:

Celebrate someone you love with a paver in Jill's Garden Path.
* Dad for Father's Day;
* wife or husband; 
* children or grandchildren; 
* 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.

To reserve your paver, visit jillshouse.org/gardenpath, call 703.639.5666 or email [email protected].

FurryFriendsPhoto of the Month: Furry Friends Visit Jill's House 
Sean pets Titus, a therapy dog from Paws4Hearts, during his stay at Jill's House.

May 31, 2012

 

Since opening in October 2010, Jill's House has provided 91,235 hours of respite.

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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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The 11th Annual Links For Little Ones Golf Tournament 
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The 2012 Links for Little Ones Golf Tournament will take place on October 8, 2012 at 1757 Golf Club. 

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"Rally Around Jill's House" Tennis Tournament Raises more than $9,500. 

   

Thank you to all who participated in this successful event! A special thanks to the Burke Racquet & Swim Club for their hard work!

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Thank You Great Falls Distinctive Interiors!
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On Saturday, May 19, Great Falls Distinctive Interiors opened their Ashburn showroom with a Grand Gala and raised more than $2,000 for Jill's House. Great Falls Distinctive Interiors recently chose Jill's House as their official charity. We are excited to partner with them and look forward to what we can accomplish together. Thank you Great Falls Distinctive Interiors for your partnership!

 

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What Our Families Are Saying...

"My son loved his weekend! He was asking to go back before we were even in the car and talked about his next visit all evening. Thank you so much for providing this service!"

 

"We would like to express our profound gratitude to all the staff and volunteers. We are really moved by the kindness they demonstrate toward our son, and therefore our entire family."

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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:

 

-Operations Manager

-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.  

Jill's House | P.O. Box 9104 | McLean, VA 22102 | 703.639.5660
jillshouse.org


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