Choice
Personal plans shaped with each resident. Preferences, goals, and daily rhythms matter here.
About us
A CILA home rooted in dignity
Billie's House is a nonprofit CILA group home in Chicago Heights, Illinois — providing supervised residential support that promotes choice, independence, belonging, and inclusion for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Our mission
Our mission is to provide a safe, comfortable, and nurturing environment where intellectually and developmentally disabled individuals receive compassionate, comprehensive care. We are committed to supporting their daily activities with the highest quality of service while fostering a strong sense of community, belonging, dignity, and independence.
Our house is your home.
What is a CILA?
A Community Integrated Living Arrangement (CILA) is a supervised residential setting in Illinois where adults with developmental disabilities live together in a house or apartment under the guidance of a licensed community agency.
Residents receive individualized support — from daily living skills to community participation — while remaining neighbors in the places they call home. Billie's House is built on that model: real home life, real community, real person-centered care.
Our values
What guides everything we do
Every decision at Billie's House — from daily routines to community outings — is shaped by four commitments that put residents first.
Independence
Practical skills that build confidence — cooking, shopping, money management, and self-advocacy.
Inclusion
Full membership in community life through outings, recreation, neighbors, and belonging.
Dignity
Care that honors the whole person — respect, privacy, and compassion in every interaction.
Programs & services
Support shaped around each person
Every resident has unique strengths, preferences, and goals. Our team works alongside individuals and families to build routines and opportunities that honor those differences — with choice and inclusion at the center.
Residential support
A supervised home environment with help for personal care, meals, household routines, and everyday comfort.
Skill building
Practical coaching that grows independence — cooking, shopping, money skills, communication, and more.
Community life
Outings, recreation, social connection, and the chance to belong beyond the front door.
Health coordination
Support connecting residents with medical care, therapy, and wellness resources as outlined in their personal plans.
Transportation
Reliable rides for appointments, errands, and community outings so residents can get where they need to go safely.
Leadership
Sheila Watkins-Leach, CEO
Billie's House is led by Sheila Watkins-Leach, who founded this home with a clear purpose: create a place where people are known, respected, and supported to live full lives. From grand opening celebrations to everyday care, her vision is simple — hope, dignity, and belonging under one roof.