Celebrating 14 years of care at Jeneece Place
For 14 years, Jeneece Place has been a Home Away From Home for Island families during some of the most challenging moments of their lives. Since opening its doors, our Home has welcomed more than 3,000 families — offering comfort, stability, and care when it’s needed most. Every warm meal, safe bed, and quiet moment of rest exists because of a community that believes families should never face a child’s medical journey alone.
Over the years, needs have evolved, but some moments continue to resonate deeply. To reflect on the impact Jeneece Place has on Island families, we sat down with Krista Lavoie, Manager of Jeneece Place, who shared what she’s witnessed over the past year.
Growing needs and shared strength
“Fourteen years in, and the need is only growing,” Krista says.
“What stands out to me the most is watching families support one another, even while they’re carrying their own grief and stress. Those connections — between families who may never have met otherwise — are one of the most profound joys of Jeneece Place.”
Over the last few months, Krista has noticed a shift in the types of urgent care bringing families to Jeneece Place: “We’ve seen a significant increase in families coming to Jeneece Place due to urgent mental health crises involving young people. It’s heartbreaking, and it’s a different kind of stress for families to navigate.”
While Jeneece Place has long supported families of premature babies and children with various health care challenges, this growing need underscores the importance of having a safe, welcoming space for families facing all kinds of health challenges.
Beyond a place to stay
Families often arrive at Jeneece Place carrying immense uncertainty and emotional tension.
Sometimes, the simple things have the biggest impact: “Seeing a real bed after nights spent in a hospital chair can be incredibly emotional. That moment of rest matters more than people realize.”
For Krista, Jeneece Place offers families permission to stop holding everything together. “Once they know they’re safe and cared for, the tears often come, and that release is a really important part of their journey.”
Over time, families who arrived overwhelmed often help welcome others. And these connections can last long after their stay.
“Families who came in stressed and afraid become part of supporting the next family. Sometimes it forms a friendship that goes far beyond their stay. We’ll get emails months later from parents who met here and stayed in touch, or who meet up again so their babies can reconnect.”
One of the most immediate sources of relief for families is knowing they don’t have to worry about meals.
“Food is such an unseen stress,” Krista says. “The kitchen is stocked with basics, meals are often available, coffee is there in the morning and that sense of being fed and cared for makes a huge difference.”
Gratitude from the heart
Families often express their gratitude for their stay, leaving notes on the Jeneece Place Joy Board for the staff to read. As Krista says, “Families know this Home exists because people care, and that brings them so much comfort.”
A family recently shared their appreciation for our amazing community of donors:
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being a place of comfort during one of the hardest moments of my life. Your kindness, compassion, and care made a difference I will never be able to fully put into words. I am deeply grateful for every person who makes Jeneece Place what it is. Your generosity and warmth will never be forgotten.”
Krista also reflects on how this generous community has kept Jeneece Place operating for more than a decade.
“The community continues to care about Jeneece Place. This Home cares for families because of them. From local farmers to donors to volunteers, this Home continues to be sustained by incredible generosity.”
Your support makes a difference. If you’re able, please consider making a gift to support families staying at Jeneece Place. Together, we can ensure this Home is here for every family who needs it.
