Acuity Joins Jill's House in Celebrating First Anniversary

Jill’s House, a respite resort for children with special needs, opened its doors one year ago and has already provided more than 40,000 hours of much-needed respite to children and their families from Northern Virginia, the District of Columbia and Maryland.

A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Jill’s House offers an innovative 42,000-square foot, 45-bed respite resort for children with intellectual disabilities and their siblings. The idea for Jill’s House began in 2003 when Lon Solomon, senior pastor of McLean Bible Church and his wife, Brenda sought to fill the need for respite care. Having experienced first-hand the challenges of raising their daughter Jill, the Solomons dreamed of providing other families with a facility that celebrates special children and provides respite, renewal and peace of mind through overnight programs and day camps.

“One of the best things about Jill’s House is it gives our son a place to go to be with his peers and to be treated with kindness,” says Vicky Munroe of Vienna of her son Clay. Clay suffered a stroke-like event in utero that caused major brain damage. “Living in a typical world, it is hard to find a place where Clay can have a day filled with tailor-made activities just for him. Not only does Jill’s House make Clay feel safe but it is the best feeling in the world to drop Clay off someplace and know he is happy.”

While more than 170 families have been served, for every child who stays at Jill’s House, two are waiting. The cost of a child’s overnight stay is $600, yet families contribute as little as $75 per child, per night. Jill’s House was created and is maintained through individual donations and foundation grants and receives no direct state or federal funding.

“The idea of respite ---of just getting a break to catch up on life or get some sleep—is critical to give families the ability to keep going,” said Cameron Doolittle, President and CEO of Jill’s House, “It’s our goal to help families to get into a rhythm of respite through the unique programs we provide at Jill’s House.”

Due to funding provided by the Philip L. Graham Fund and Acuity Inc., Jill’s House will open its third and final living area the first week of December, increasing its capacity to serve 30 children per night.

“We are proud to help support Jill’s House, and to promote their tireless dedication and attention to children with special needs,” said Rui Garcia, Founder and CEO of Acuity, Inc. “As you walk through its doors, you can instantly see just how much care and meticulous detail went into creating a safe, peaceful and enriching facility.”