Jill’s House, a nonprofit that provides overnight care with fun activities for special-needs children, received the Spirit of Virginia award from first lady Suzanne Youngkin on Thursday.
Youngkin said in a press release, “Jill’s House’s mission is near to the Governor and my hearts. For a dozen years, Jill’s House has served not only some of our most precious children – those with developmental and intellectual disabilities – but also these children’s entire family units. With an eye to bettering lives, Jill’s House caregivers truly embody the sweet spirit of Virginia.”
Jill’s House provides 24-48 hour stays in the Washington, D.C. area at its “respite lodge.”
“This 42,000 square-foot resort was created to give these children an unforgettable overnight experience that they cannot get anywhere else, all under the loving and skilled supervision of highly-trained staff and nurses,” the Jill’s House website states.
The organization also offers weekend camps in Virginia, Tennessee, Illinois, and Washington state.
The award is the second Spirit of Virginia award. The Youngkins created the award and review nominations made by Governor Glenn Youngkin’s cabinet. The name “Spirit” is an acronym for service-oriented, pioneering, innovative and industrious, and reinvigorating. Four more awards are scheduled for 2022.
Jill’s House President and CEO Joel Dillon said in the release, “We are so grateful that the Governor and First Lady have decided to highlight the mission and work of Jill’s House. That is a wonderful testament – first and foremost – to the dedicated, loving, and superb staff at Jill’s House, as well as to the many thousands of people who give generously of their time, talent, and treasure to help us love and serve our Jill’s House families. More than that, I’m thrilled to see people with disabilities and their families highlighted in this way. People with disabilities and their families are friends, neighbors, and co-workers, and I’m humbled by the fact that so many of them give Jill’s House the privilege of being a small part of their lives.”
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Eric Burk is a reporter at The Virginia Star and The Star News Network. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Jill’s House” by Governor of Virginia.Â
