Jill's House, Inc. is an independent 501(c)3 organization, established in response to a need for affordable, temporary housing for out-of-town patients receiving cancer treatment at the Midwest Proton Radiotherapy Institute (MPRI) in Bloomington, Indiana.
There are only six other proton therapy centers in operation in the United States: in Massachusetts, California, Texas, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and Florida. Bloomington's MPRI offers access to this state-of-the-art treatment for those residing in the mid-section of the country, and beyond. Similar to a Ronald McDonald House or Hope Lodge, Jill's House has been specifically designed to provide a comfortable residence and support center for outpatients of MPRI (and their accompanying caregivers), and is conveniently located within walking distance of the treatment center.
Jill's House, Inc. is named in honor of Jill Behrman, an Indiana University student and beloved Bloomington resident. She was abducted while riding her bicycle on the morning of May 31, 2000. Her remains were found in a wooded area northwest of Bloomington nearly three years later. In remembering Jill Behrman, and the anguish associated with her disappearance, Jill's House strives to be a place of comfort and peace for others who are suffering.
The mission of Jill's House, Inc. is to provide a safe and secure, home-like residence for an affordable fee. Guests are asked to contribute $210 - $315 per week during their stay, a fraction of the actual cost of services provided.
The photo gallery below offers a visual tour of our lovely 40,000 square foot facility. But, it's what the eye can't see that is most valuable: the experience of dwelling in a community of compassion, understanding, and support, both from our caring staff and volunteers, and from the fellowship shared among Jiil's House guests.
Reception Area
Guests and visitors to Jill's House are greeted by friendly volunteers in the lovely Reception lobby. On the east wall hangs a 4' by 8' plaque honoring generous donors to Jill's House, Inc.
Gathering Room
The 35'x 40' Great Room is tastefully designed for relaxing and socializing - in comfy rockers in front of the fireplace; curled up on soft furniture with a book or magazine; watching a DVD, a sports program or favorite show on the widescreen TV; playing or listening to the piano; or simply visiting with friends.
Chapel
The non-denonimational Chapel provides a serene setting for quiet reflection, as well as a sacred space for morning prayer services. Beautiful stained glass window panes in the Chapel were designed and custom crafted by local artist, Sandy Taylor of Godly Glass.
Food Preparation Area
Meals are prepared by guests in one of four fully-equipped kitchens. Each guest room has a corresponding storage pantry for dry goods, as well as designated spaces for refrigerated/frozen foods. Hamilton Beach Corp. and Tupperware, Inc. generously donated many of the kitchen appliances and food-related items.
Dining Room
Jill's House guests gather daily for meals and conversation in the spacious dining room. Double doors lead from the dining area onto a large deck with an outdoor gas grille and patio furniture; another popular gathering spot in warm weather months. The residents of Meadowood Retirement Community collectively donated the funds to furnish the dining room.
Guest Room (first floor)
Each of our 25 guest rooms features 2 double beds, a rocker or recliner, private bathroom, clothes closet, 4-drawer credenza, flat screen TV, radio alarm clock, desk, internet access, and telephones with personalized voice mail service.
Second Floor Guest Room
Twenty standard-size guest rooms rent for $210/week. The ten guest rooms on the first floor feature light colored furniture and accessories, while the second level rooms are decorated with dark cherry wood furniture.
Deluxe-size Guest Room
Accomodations at Jill's House also include five larger rooms, with extra amenities, which rent for $315/week. These five deluxe suites are situated in an extra-quiet section of the House on the second floor.
Library
Thanks to the Bloomington Altrusa Club, books for every age and interest can be found in the well-maintained Library on the second floor. Surrounded by lovely views of nature outside the abundant windows, the Library offers a quiet place to read, work jigsaw puzzles, or access the internet via the new computer generously donated by the Bloomington Altrusa Club.
Exercise Area
Our mini-gym makes it easy to get healthful exercise, without having to leave the warmth and comfort of home. Work-out equipment includes a stationary bike, Nordic Track and treadmill. Jill's House also has adult and children's bicycles available for use by our guests.
Laundry Room
Two fully-equipped laundry rooms (one on each floor) are available for guests to use from 8AM to 10PM, 7 days a week, at no additional charge. Jill's House also provides the laundry soap, folding tables, clothes hangers, drying racks, rollable laundry carts, irons and ironing boards.
Playroom
The family-friendly Playroom is home to hundreds of children's books, toys, games, video tapes and DVD's, stuffed animals, wooden rocking horses, soft sports equipment, TV with DVD player, and a covered outdoor deck. The John Deere Corp. donated $800 of authentic farm toys, and Kohl's donated dozens of colorful stuffed animals.
Outdoor Playground
Another family-friendly fun area is the outdoor playground. This multi-use equipment was purchased with a $10,000 grant from the Ronald McDonald House Charities Foundation.
We especially enjoyed the treasure-trove of the wonderful playroom when our grandchildren came to visit us at Jill's House.
