A Message from Our Founder: JW House Leadership Update

Dear Friends of JW House,

As we enter this season of warmth, gratitude, and reflection, we are thinking of you—our steadfast supporters, donors, and friends who hold a special place in your hearts for JW House. Your care and generosity shine brightly throughout the year, and we are deeply appreciative of the hope, hospitality, and healing you help us provide to every family who walks through our doors.

Many of you know that JW House is more than a nonprofit to us—it is part of our family’s story. It is the legacy of our son, JW, who created this home-away-from-home while bravely battling brain cancer. His vision, spirit, and compassion continue to guide us, and with your support, that legacy grows stronger each day.

You may have heard that we are experiencing a change in leadership, and we understand that transitions can bring questions or concerns. Please know we hear you, and we share the same commitment to ensuring that JW House remains the warm, welcoming, and deeply caring place it has always been.

After many years of dedicated service, Cindy Monroe has transitioned from her role as Executive Director of JW House. We are profoundly grateful for Cindy’s leadership, her unwavering commitment to our mission, and the love she extended to every family who needed us. Cindy has been a loyal board member, ambassador, supporter, and friend—and her impact on this home is immeasurable. We wish her every success in her next chapter and know she will continue to uplift and inspire wherever she goes.

We are also delighted to welcome Dr. Bhupendra Sheoran as our Interim Executive Director. With broad experience in nonprofit leadership, healthcare innovation, and community-centered work, he brings both expertise and heart to this role. When you have the chance to meet him, we believe you will agree that he is a wonderful fit. His leadership gives us the space and stability we need as the Board launches a thoughtful, inclusive process to identify the next permanent Executive Director who will guide JW House into its next chapter of growth and service.

Through all of this, one thing remains constant: our mission and the families we serve are always at the center of our work. JW House will continue to be a sanctuary of comfort and compassion for those navigating medical challenges. That promise will never change.

As the holidays approach, we want to share one additional update. This year, JW House will close between Christmas and New Year’s. Our staff gives their hearts and souls to caring for our guests every day, and we believe it is our turn to care for them—by giving them the opportunity to rest, recharge, and spend precious time with their own families. During this brief closure, we will do everything we can to assist families in finding hotel accommodations so that no one is left without support.

Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for walking alongside us—for believing in JW’s vision, for supporting our staff and volunteers, and for helping this home remain a place of love, dignity, and community. Your generosity continues to make a profound difference.

We wish you and your loved ones a warm, peaceful holiday season filled with joy and connection.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Geert and Anne Marie Knapen and the entire JW House Team