Meet Jill Sneed

If you ever have the chance to sit down and visit with Jill Sneed, take some advice: jump at the opportunity.

As Director of Life’s Options Pregnancy Center in Evergreen, this is a woman you can trust, share absolute confidence, and know that she’s got your back. Oh, you’ll also spend the time with her smiling and even laughing. She shows her optimism and concern in everything she says and in the way she is absorbed when listening.

Jill was born in the Minneapolis, MN area but then became an Evergreen girl at 16 years old when she and her family moved to Evergreen. Now in their second generation at EHS, “two of my children are EHS graduates, and my youngest is a junior at EHS.” She celebrates that her father (her mother passed away) and two sisters and their families live in the area

She studied Sociology at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, CA. “I met a friend who is from the Washington D.C area and went out for a summer. I decided to take off my junior year to work at an international foundation.” Jill worked on the National Prayer Breakfast. ‘The Fellowship Foundation which is hosted by members of the US congress but is organized on their behalf by The Fellowship Foundation, a Christian organization. Initially called the Presidential Prayer Breakfast, the name was changed in 1970 to the National Prayer Breakfast*. “They have a guest house where ministers (and other dignitaries) stayed. I loved working there. It was a fun group of young people who were involved. In fact,” she said with a smile, “that is where I met my husband.”

Dave Sneed is from Littleton, and the two Coloradoans found each other. “We were married in Falls Church, VA; and our oldest son was born in 1995. They decided to head home and moved to Evergreen. “I was a stay-at-home mom,” taking care of Nolan (now 22), Lauren (19) and Justin (16). “Once the kids were in school and I had more time, I worked with Ruth Morehouse, part time with her publishing.”

Later, my pastor recommended me to Life’s Options. I worked in patient client services; that was 10 years ago.” After six months, she replaced the retiring director.“We’ve grown and changed a lot.” This non-profit has “been in Evergreen for 28 years. It was started by community members. We offer testing, counseling and talk about different options.” Jill clarified, “We’re a pro-life organization.” But they discuss all options. She said that most of the women Life’s Options Evergreen cares for are between 26 and 32 years old.”

Life’s Options recently acquired an ultra-sound, which will enable women to receive this service without needing to leave the community. Jill explained that they are there for prenatal counseling and services as well as serving the needs of new mothers. Mother’s Closet – located in the corner of The Place where they office – makes finding everything a mother needs, a breeze. Mother’s Closet offers new and gently used maternity and baby items. Items include diapers, formula, baby food, clothing, toys, strollers, furniture, children’s books and DVDs. Everything is free for participating clients throughout the pregnancy and after the baby is born.

Jill emphasized how important it is to become a client. “Sometimes we see on FaceBook and other social media that someone needs help. It’s great that people support new moms, but there isn’t any follow-up.” Life’s Options staff is there to make sure that all needs are met, including working with other non-profits in our Evergreen community to help with rent and bills, in addition to making sure that moms and babies are doing well physically and emotionally.

Jill’s relationship with her family is prioritized in her life, too. “We love to ski as a family.” In fact, Jill is a ski and ride instructor at Keystone. In the warmer months they love to hike, backpack “and we love to go to the concerts in Keystone.”

“The relationship piece is the most important in what we do.”