Past, Present, and Future

Sometimes Miracles Hide
God’s miracles are not always seen at first glance. The truth is that sometimes miracles hide. As the parents of Jessica, a child with a severe disability, Peter and Paulette Teague discovered blessings really do come in disguise. Often, we have to wait years to see His purpose and plan. In the spring of 2000, we began to realize our own miracle as we saw God working in the lives of two families discovering this same truth as expressed in their own joys and sorrows: each raising a child with special needs.

A Miracle Baby – Sarah Kathryn
On February 27, 1990 Sarah Kathryn was born to Hank and Melissa Hillard. Weighing only 1-1/2 pounds at birth, she was a fighter and survived. The Hillards loved and nurtured their miracle baby; she was the “ apple of their eye.” When she was only one year old, Sarah Kathryn was diagnosed with cerebral palsy with seizure disorders. The realization settled in that their only child would experience serious medical and developmental challenges for her entire life. The sweetness of their love and devotion to Sarah Kathryn grew even greater as the Hillards did all they could to make life as happy and comfortable for their daughter as possible.

A House for Sarah Kathryn
In May of 1995, Hank and Melissa decided to build a special, totally handicapped-accessible home for Sarah Kathryn. They lovingly designed every detail of the elegant brick ranch-style home with her needs in mind. Nestled into the woods in York County, the home was just four doors away from the Teague home. Sarah Kathryn and her parents shared many special times and built a full heart of memories in that home. However, on April 13, 1998, the Lord decided it was time to grace heaven with the presence of the Hillard’s miracle child. Sarah Kathryn moved to her new address in God’s house.

A Dream Becomes Reality
In the meantime, the Teague family had begun to pray about Jessica’s future. In October of 1998, God laid it upon the hearts of the Teagues to establish a ministry, Jessica and Friends Community. The vision was to establish faith-based homes for those with special needs where Christ’s love would be accessible to all. A Board of Directors was formed. A mission statement was written and by-laws were established. Jessica and Friends Community was chartered as a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization. Review our 2007 Form 990 here.

The Reality Becomes a Miracle
God began to move in miraculous ways to weave many details together to fulfill the dream and His plan. The Teagues shared their vision with the Hillards, who became involved with Jessica and Friends Community. As the Teagues prayed, God brought two special young ladies to join Jessica as the first residents. Housing possibilities emerged and doors seem to close on each potential home. Then it happened. On March 8, 2000, the Teagues received a call from the Hillards. A job transfer would necessitate the Hillards relocate. They thought of Jessica and Friends Community right away. The Board and family members toured the home and all agreed it was ideal for their needs: 3 bedrooms, 2-1/2 baths, a beautiful oak kitchen and large living room/dining room area. There was a finished basement for live-in staff.

The Board of Directors and the families prayed for the Lord’s guidance - it was unanimous - this home was a miraculous provision from God. On April 20, 2000, the Board voted to purchase the home and name it "Sarah Kathryn’s House."

In June of 2002, the first three ladies moved into their new home. They are supported and cared for by loving, qualified, and trained staff who view their work as a ministry.

Showers of Blessing
God continues to shower Jessica and Friends Community with His blessings as He has brought together three more young ladies who are anxious to move into the next home. God has again directed the Board and families to the second home, which is ideal for their needs. It is a beautiful, spacious colonial brick home with 4,237 square feet, including a second floor apartment for live-in staff and a basement for office space. It has a beautiful back yard on a one half-acre lot and is located about one mile from our first home.

The blessings continue. God has opened doors for Jessica and Friends Community to provide additional services and supports beyond the original dream of providing residential services. (Go to Services to learn more)

As Jessica and Friends Community waits on the Lord’s provision and His perfect timing, we are confident that God will continue to shower us with His blessings to supply our financial needs through our faithful and caring friends. To learn more how you can be a part of the miracle and support Jessica and Friends Community, click on Contributions. Thank you for the blessing you are to the ministry of Jessica and Friends Community as you partner with us through your support in gifts and prayers. May God shower you with His blessing!