THE HOUSE BY THE NUMBERS
Since opening:
Operating/Programming costs
for one month: $9,885
Cost per room:
$65 per night​
Average donation per night:
$8​
2024 Stats:
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Number of unique individuals served: 221
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Total nights of lodging provided: 1,113
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Guests requiring extended stay: 40**
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Average occupancy rate: 61%
Number of unique individuals served:
671*​
Total nights of lodging provided:
11,573*
Average Occupancy
55%​
2025 Stats:​​
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Number of unique individuals served: 113
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Total nights of lodging provided: 936
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Guests requiring extended stay: 59**
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Average occupancy rate: 52%
*Reflects the cumulative number of nights provided to patients and guests since the SON House opened, accounting for reduced room availability during the COVID-19 pandemic.
**Defined as guests who need to stay at the SON House for more than 7 days.
THE FOUNDING STORY
A Diagnosis for Change
In 2012, Denise Jacobson was a 4th grade teacher and shared a classroom with one of her best friends, Tiffany Thompson. In February 2012, Tiffany was diagnosed with Stage IV Her2+ breast cancer. As you can imagine, this news changed the lives of many. Tiffany began treatments to eradicate the cancer, while Denise did everything she could to support Tiffany through this difficult time. At the end of the school year, Tiffany decided to end her teaching career to allow her body to heal. Denise also took a year of leave to be available for Tiffany. During that year, Denise realized that teaching was not what God had in store for her next. Denise quit her teaching job and started searching for what she would do next.
February
2012
A Season of Searching
While searching for where the next journey would lead, Denise volunteered at a variety of organizations. While volunteering, Denise was looking for a need that had yet to be met within the Indianapolis community. She wasn’t looking for anything specific, but really just exploring. While volunteering one day at the Ronald McDonald House in Indianapolis, the manager expressed that they are only able to serve the families of sick children. However, families of adults request to stay, and they have to be turned away. Denise thought that creating something like the Ronald McDonald House was way out of her league, so she just pushed the thought aside and went along with her day.
Summer-Spring
2012-2013
A dream is born
On a bike ride, later that evening, Denise was telling her husband, Scott, about her day. She mentioned what she was told by the manager that day. Having a background in real estate, Scott suggested the idea of buying a larger house, renovating it, and allowing people to stay in the house. This is where it all began. Denise wanted to share the love of Christ with others by opening a home in downtown Indianapolis to give cancer patients and their families a place to stay when they are coming from out of town for cancer treatments.
Spring
2013
Building a support group
After that evening, Denise came up with a group of ten friends from all areas of her life that she thought might have the desire to help with this “crazy idea”. One evening in May 2013, Denise & Scott hosted their friends for dinner, and with everyone crowded in their living room, explained this new idea and asked for each of them to prayerfully consider helping with the cause. Every single person in the room, along with most of their spouses, eagerly agreed to come alongside Denise to see if this dream could become a reality.
May
2013
Officially registered
On June 19, 2013, the SON Foundation was officially registered business. A 6-bedroom house in downtown Indianapolis was purchased in September of the same year. On December 23, 2013 (Denise’s birthday), the SON Foundation was granted the official 501(c)(3) status in record time.
June
2013
WHAT'S IN A NAME
The name SON Foundation carries deep meaning, rooted in both our story and our faith.
While teaching together, Tiffany Thompson and Denise Jacobson affectionately referred to their classroom as the "SON Room"—a simpler and more meaningful alternative to "Jacobson-Thompson." That name stuck, representing a place of care, connection, and community.
SON is also stands for Serving Others’ Needs, which reflects the heart of our mission. We exist to serve cancer patients and their families by providing a home away from home—a place of comfort, support, and peace during some of life's most difficult moments.
Above all our work is grounded in faith. The SON Foundation is made possible through the many blessings God has provided, most importantly the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ. through His love, we are restored and made whole, and it is the same love we strive to extend to every gust who walks through our doors.
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“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” — Galatians 6:2
A LITTLE MORE ABOUT US
The SON Foundation House is supported by a dedicated Resident Assistant, Joy, who lives on-site, providing daily oversight and ensuring each guest is welcomed with compassion and care. From preparing rooms to maintaining the home, the Resident Assistant helps create a safe, peaceful environment for every family we serve.​
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Each guest is welcomed with a thoughtfully prepared welcome folder, which includes information about the house, local resources, a Bible, and, when available, a small welcome bag of essentials and comfort items.
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The SON Foundation House is truly a community effort. Most items within the home have been generously donated, reflecting the support and care of those who believe in our mission.
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We are fully sustained financially through individual donors, churches, foundations, and corporate partners, whose generosity makes it possible to provide lodging at no cost to the families we serve.
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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Volunteers are essential to the mission of the SON Foundation. Opportunities to serve include:
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Preparing and providing meals for guests
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Cleaning and preparing rooms for incoming guests
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Supporting fundraising events throughout the year
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Write personalized notes for guests
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Every act of service, whether a meal, a donation, or a prepared room, helps create a place of rest and hope for families facing cancer. Thank you for supporting our mission!
In 2019 & Jan 2020 we had ALL HVAC Units Replaced – Two rooms have individual heating/cooling units. The rest of the house runs on (ALL NEW) 2 furnaces, 2 AC Units, 2 Water Heaters. Additionally, in 2024, we replaced the carpet on each staircase, repaved the parking area, repaired a significant basement leak, and installed new outdoor stairs and patio for guests. All of these improvements are made possible because of generous donors.