March 3, 2011 10:38 AM
Jill's House: respite for special needs families - VA, MD, DC
If you are a family with a child with special needs, you need to know about Jill's House.I took Jesse, Daniel, and Justin (Jonny's too old now) to visit last month and we all fell in love with the uniquely beautiful facility, the gracious spirit of the staff, and the opportunity not only for respite for the parents, but for a truly fun getaway for the boys.
Please visit Jill's House to find out more and start the registration process. I will also be carrying special programs they offer for children and parents as they come up.Jill's House provides respite for children with intellectual disabilities and their families in the Greater Washington, DC area. We serve boys and girls, ages six through seventeen, with intellectual disabilities without regard to race, religion, or ethnicity.
Our mission is to be a safe haven to which parents can entrust their children, allowing the parents a time of rest. To ensure that parents and caregivers get a real break, typical siblings are welcome to stay at Jill's House. We believe that parents of children with disabilities need more support. Our hope is that our model will help change the way communities address the needs of families with children with special needs.Jill's House is a 42,000-square-foot center for children with intellectual disabilities. To tour in person, please come at 9 AM on any Thursday morning. If you are bringing a group, please call ahead at 703-639-5660. Until then, please enjoy a few pictures of the amazing facility that we are blessed to operate for children.
Jill's House. Jill's House serves as a "respite resort" to children ages 6 to 17 with intellectual disabilities. Parents have called it "Great Wolf Lodge for Kids with Special Needs." At full capacity, it allows 45 children to stay overnight.
The Great Room. Each night that we operate, visitors to Jill's House gather by the fireplace to meet one another, introduce children to the staff, and build community.
Wilderness Woods Playground. The Wilderness Woods Playground is equipped with accessible slides, a soft jogging path, water tables, sand tables, slides and sun shades to ensure that the children are able to exercise together in ways that are fun.
Wilderness Island Pool. Children use our waterproof wheelchairs and are lowered slowly into the 3-foot-deep accessible pool. Lifeguards and pool operators work with each child individually, to maximize safety and fun.
Wilderness Lake Lodging Area. Our three sleeing "neighborhoods" have different themes and are marked by exquisite murals from Julie Hoyt. Wilderness Lake sleeps 15 children in 10 rooms. Each room has a TV and DVD player.
Creativity Creek Art/ADL Room. Children color and paint in the art room. The room is equipped with a sink and refrigerator to help teach daily living skills.
Dining Area. At each meal, children gather in a dining area for nutritious meals that take their dietary needs and allergies into consideration.
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