Creating Possibilities: Jill Burt, Ross Sivertsen, and the Power of Companion Care

By Patti Otte

Every home tells a story, but some homes do more—they create possibilities. Richardson residents Jill Burt and Ross Sivertsen have created such a place: the B House, a loving and structured home for their adult son Britton and two other young men with intellectual disabilities. Their mission has become their life’s work—establishing a sustainable and dignified model for adult disability housing in Texas.

Jill Burt and Ross Sivertsen, the couple whose life experience led to the creation of the B House.

A Commitment Forged in Community

Jill and Ross are deeply rooted in the Richardson community. Both are graduates of Leadership Richardson and alumni of RISD schools (Spring Valley Elementary, Northwood Junior High, and RHS). They not only share their lives but also run a business together, Canyon Creek Enterprises, celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary this past April.

Their shared experience parenting adult sons with lifelong neurodivergence—Jill’s son Britton (31) has autism, and Ross’s son Philip (34) has autism and Down syndrome—has become their central focus. Recognizing the four crucial phases of parenting a neurodivergent child (diagnosis, service search, post-high school transition, and the legacy years), they sought to create a durable solution for the future.

The B House Companion Care Model

This vision led to the purchase of the B House in 2011, named after the young men who originally lived there. Located in Canyon Creek, the home serves as an innovative companion care model for Britton and two peers.

Unlike typical group homes, the B House relies on a single live-in caregiver, ensuring consistency while actively promoting independence. The residents are not just housed; they are deeply integrated into the neighborhood:

• Community Involvement: They participate in the Canyon Creek Fourth of July parade and National Night Out.
• Life Skills: They share chores, follow house rules, and volunteer at organizations like Meals on Wheels and Feed My Starving Children.

B House residents and staff participating in a Canyon Creek event, demonstrating their commitment to community involvement and connection

As Ross states, “Everything we do… is all done looking through the lens of what it means to the boys and families of people with disabilities. It really is all about Community and Inclusion.”

Addressing the Broader Challenge of Supportive Housing

The B House serves as a microcosm for a much larger need. As Jill explains, “As people with disabilities age, many face a real lack of supportive housing and care options.” The couple hopes their model sparks a broader conversation about creating more inclusive, sustainable, and affordable solutions for every adult with disabilities.

The young men of the B House enjoying a creative activity, highlighting the focus on independence and a high quality of life.

The financial realities are immense. Lifelong care can span 50–70 years and requires extensive planning to bridge the gap left by limited Social Security and Medicaid waiver support. Through careful planning and unwavering commitment, Jill and Ross are actively educating and supporting other families, advocating for resources like the Take Me Home program through the Richardson Police Department.

Through their work, Jill Burt and Ross Sivertsen have created an enduring legacy—a genuine home, a successful model, and a powerful voice for the disability community.