"Before Jill's House, my husband Dick and I came very close to giving up on our marriage. To the outside world, we probably seemed to manage our lives well, but the reality is we were dying inside. We lived in a cocoon, exhausted, with no one to turn to.

Tricia Schmehl shares how respite provided by Jill's House is a lifeline for her family.

Our oldest daughter, Katie, has a rare brain defect. As is common with people like Katie, she doesn't sleep. On a typical night she goes to bed around 9 p.m., then she is up and ready for the day around 1:30 a.m. She sits at the kitchen table, looking for the school bus for hours until it comes. During the summer it is especially difficult, as Katie cannot speak, and there is no way to tell her the bus isn't coming. She is heartbroken every day. Managing her and our full time jobs is unbelievably difficult. We basically save our sleep for weekends. Read more.

Open House, Golf Tournament and Marine Corps Marathon

Open House guests learned the story of disability, the history of Jill's House and how respite transforms lives.

October was a busy month at Jill's House! On Sunday, October 13, we opened our doors to the public and celebrated three years of serving special children and renewing their families. More than 500 people toured Jill's House and learned how the 279,204 hours of respite we've provided since 2010 have transformed lives. Visitors also enjoyed an interactive display explaining how families raising children with special needs experience higher divorce rates, get less sleep, and are more stressed than the rest of us.

Beautiful weather was the perfect backdrop for a day of fun and inspiration to benefit Jill's House.

The following day, nearly 100 friends of Jill's House participated in the 13th Annual Links for Little Ones Golf Tournament at the 1757 Golf Club in Dulles, Virginia. The event was led by committee Chairperson Joe Livingood of Billy Casper Golf. Special thanks to Joe and all of the event sponsors including Jill's House Annual Partner Acuity, Inc., Ace Sponsor ETS, Eagle Sponsors Cardinal Bank, Phase One Consulting, Sovereign Insurance, Wells Fargo Insurance and Jill's House Board of Directors for making the day possible.  Read more.

The first-ever Jill's House Variety Show on Sunday, October 27, was a huge success! The evening started out with a pizza party, followed by a talent show and lots of fun.

Jack, with a little help from his mom, danced while Rusty played the guitar.

The children we serve have many talents, including singing, painting, playing musical instruments, magic tricks, comedy and dancing.

The mother of a child who sang a beautiful song shared this was the first time her son ever stood up in front of a group.

We are so blessed to celebrate these special children and help them experience typical activities through events like the Jill's House Variety Show and Joy Prom. Thank you to everyone who participated!

Visit our Facebook album to see more photos from this special night.