Vienna-Based Jill's House Wins Spirit of Virginia Award

VIENNA, VA — The second-ever Spirit of Virginia Award from Governor Glenn Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne Youngkin has gone to Jill's House, a Vienna area organization serving families whose children have disabilities.

Jill’s House provides respite care, or temporary relief for caregivers of children with intellectual disabilities. At its location along Leesburg Pike, the organization has served over 1,000 families, and another 300 families have been served at Weekend Adventure camps in four other locations. Jill's House has provided over one million hours of respite to families who have children with disabilities.

"Jill’s House’s mission is near to the Governor and my hearts," said First Lady Youngkin in a statement. "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."

Stays typically range from 24 to 48 hours. At Jill's House, children can enjoy activities based on their interests and abilities while their families can rest. There are also activities for the whole family like sibling nights, parent support groups and family retreats. The organization believes respite care is crucial for the caregivers of children with disabilities to reduce stress and create a better environment for the family.

The Spirit of Virginia Award "recognizes unique qualities and standout achievements across the Commonwealth," both from people and organizations, according to the First Lady's website.

"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," said Joel Dillon, president and CEO of Jill’s House. "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-coworkers, 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."

The inaugural Spirit of Virginia Award was given to the National Center for Healthy Veterans in Altavista in March. Four more Spirit of Virginia Awards will be given in 2022. The next award will be announced in July.