Jill's House, Inc. is an independent not-for-profit organization, established in response to a need for affordable, temporary housing for out-of-town patients receiving cancer treatment at the Indiana University Health Proton Therapy Center in Bloomington, Indiana. In late 2010, Jill's House, Inc. expanded its mission to include the provision of home-like accommodations to caregivers and patients receiving treatment for physical illnesses at all area health care facilities.
There are only eight proton treatment facilities in operation in the country in addition to the Indiana University Health Proton Therapy Center: in Massachusetts, California, Texas, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Florida, Illinois and Virginia. Bloomington's Proton Therapy Center 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 supportive environment for outpatients (and their accompanying caregivers), and is easily accessible from most major thoroughfares in the Bloomington area.
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 $273 - $371 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 Jill's House guests.
Reception Area
Guests and visitors to Jill's House are greeted by friendly volunteers in the Reception lobby. On the east wall hangs a 4' by 8' plaque honoring the generous donors whose contributions helped to build this beautiful 40,000 sq ft home.
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 with a lovely view of the outdoors. 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 20 standard size guest rooms features 2 double beds, a rocker or recliner, private bathroom, clothes closet, 4-drawer credenza, flat screen TV with expanded cable service, radio alarm clock, desk, internet access, and telephones with personalized voice mail service. In-room security safes are also provided for storing personal valuables.
Second Floor Guest Room
Twenty standard-size guest rooms rent for $245/week. The ten guest rooms on the first floor feature light colored furniture & accessories, a bathtub/shower, and close proximity to the playroom. The second level rooms are decorated with dark cherry wood furniture, have walk-in showers, and easy access to the Library.
Deluxe-size Guest Room
Accomodations at Jill's House also include five larger rooms, with extra amenities, which rent for $350/week. These five deluxe suites are situated in an extra-quiet section of the House on the second floor. Each deluxe room has at least one king size bed, 2 comfy chairs, a small refrigerator, widescreen TV's, bathroom storage units, and larger closet space with laundry hampers.
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 members.
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 two stationary bikes, a complete SoloFlex weight machine, and a treadmill. A CD player and plenty of CD's make exercise time more enjoyable. 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. Thanks to the Maytag Corporation, our laundry facilities have recently been upgraded to include 4 high-efficiency front-loading washers and 4 dryers.
The Playroom
The Playroom, located on the main level, is a very popular destination spot for the children. Hundreds of toys, games, books, puzzles, art supplies, stuffed animals, and family-friendly videos & DVD's are available for endless hours of enjoyment. A covered wooden deck with locally crafted outdoor furniture is also accessible from the playroom. Comfortable seating for the "big people" is provided in the playroom, too, as adult supervision of children 12 and under is required in all common areas of Jill's House.
Outdoor Playground
Another family-friendly fun area is the outdoor playground and picnic table. This multi-use equipment was purchased with a $10,000 grant from the Ronald McDonald House Charities Foundation. For the adults, a wooden double swing, a horseshoe pit, croquet set, and corn-hole toss game are among the reasons to come out and enjoy the fresh air.
We liked the friendliness and hospitality of the staff and residents staying at Jill's House. And the convenience of getting to the Proton Center without having to get on busy main roads was priceless. We very much appreciated the availability of a wheelchair and designated handicapped parking space.
