In this episode, Joel Dillion, CEO of Jill’s House, and Kelly Speck, author of Hope in the Heartache, and a Jill’s House mom, discuss the organization’s mission and impact. Jill’s House was inspired by the experience of Brenda and Lon Solomon, whose daughter Jill developed significant disabilities due to a genetic condition. After receiving respite care from a church member, the Solomons were motivated to create a similar service for other families. This led to the establishment of Jill’s House in 2010.

Jill’s House provides short-term respite care for children with intellectual disabilities, offering 24-48 hour stays to give parents a break. The facility features fun, safe activities like a pool and climbing wall, while ensuring personalized care from professional nurses and highly-trained staff. This respite not only provides physical relief for parents but also emotional support, knowing their children are in a tailored, caring environment.

In this episode, Kelly Speck shares how Jill’s House has been a lifeline for her family, offering relief from isolation and burnout. She reads an excerpt from her book, reflecting on her emotional experience of leaving her son Bennett at Jill’s House for the first time and how their family now compares Jill’s House to a Disneyworld experience. 

Jill’s House is also focused on research, collaborating with Baylor University to assess the impact of their services on family well-being. Jill’s House operates largely through volunteer efforts and private donations, with over 80% of its budget coming from this support. Its inclusivity-based approach fosters a community that values families of children with disabilities, offering both care and connection.

podcast duration - 32 min listen

In this episode, we explore how Year Up United is changing lives by providing young adults with the skills, support, and job opportunities they need to succeed. Lisa Wiley, site director for Year Up United in the National Capital Region, and Emerson Ramos, a program graduate now VP at The Carlyle Group, share their inspiring journeys.

Emerson’s path—from a chance encounter at a gas station to a leadership role in a major corporation—demonstrates the life-changing impact of this tuition-free program. Combining technical training, professional development, and real-world experience through internships, Year Up United bridges the gap between talent and opportunity.

Tune in to hear how corporate partnerships and hands-on training are creating a more inclusive workforce and helping young professionals thrive. A must-listen for those passionate about workforce inclusion and economic empowerment!

podcast duration - 34 min listen

In this episode, Erica Ahdoot, CEO of Horton’s Kids, and Rahaman “Kil” Kilpatrick, Senior Manager of Community and Family Engagement, discuss the incredible work of supporting children and families in Washington, D.C.’s Anacostia neighborhood. From pre-K through high school graduation and beyond, Horton’s Kids is committed to building trust, fostering mentorship, and creating safe spaces for kids to thrive.

podcast duration - 23 min listen

Listen to the We're Good podcast to discover and plug into all the good that is going on around you! Host and former television news anchor Lee Ann Necessary interviews the people and organizations in our region already working to make a positive difference in our world. If you want good news and inspiration, join us for We're Good! Please, visit our website for more information: weregood.net.

podcast duration - 10 min listen