Dear Friends,

Mental Health Awareness Month focuses on an important statistic: nearly one in five Americans lives with a mental health condition, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. At Jessica's House, we focus on mental health risk prevention for children and families. Because the loss of a parent or sibling is an adverse childhood experience that affects a child's mental health, support is critical. Unsupported grief carries many mental health risks, including depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. This is why our mission at Jessica’s House is so important.

Jessica's House counters risk factors by offering free peer support groups for children, teens, young adults, and their adult caregivers grieving a death. Each group combines therapeutic talk, play, and creative expression to promote positive mental health and hope for the future. Groups at Jessica's House offer a safe place to heal where families learn they are not alone. The increase in social connections with trusted facilitators and peers promotes resilience.

We are working hard to counter the stigma often associated with mental health with our Hope after Suicide, Hope after Homicide and Hope after Accidental Overdose groups. These specialized groups offer the opportunity to connect with others going through a similar loss.

As always, because of the generosity of our donors, and our dedicated volunteers, we are here with free support for the long term to help create a stronger and healthier community.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Erin Nelson

Founder and Executive Director, Jessica's House

Father's Day is a time when the absence of your partner or child, as well as the absence felt by your child who has lost a parent or sibling, can cast a shadow over what was once a joyful celebration.

Although your loved one may no longer be with you physically, the bond you shared continues beyond their death. As a family, it can be helpful to openly discuss how each person wishes to remember your loved one on Father's Day. Whether it's playing their favorite music, preparing their favorite meal, or sharing memories together, there are many ways to honor their legacy.

If observing Father's Day feels too difficult, it's perfectly okay to skip it or approach it in a way that feels best for you and your child. Jessica's House is here to support your family if you're grieving this Father's Day.

Making Free Support Possible For Families in Grief

The ongoing support from our Heart Circle community truly makes the mission of Jessica’s House possible. Each year it is estimated that 6 million children will become bereaved in the United States, making the need for grief support essential in our community. 

Every year we embark on fundraising a total of $800,000 in new donations and pledges to meet the needs of our annual operating costs. Additionally, we receive grants from our parent organization EMC Health, Inc. to cover the remaining operating budget for Jessica’s House. 

To date, we have successfully raised $552,000. To reach our goal of $800,000 before our Fiscal Year ends on September 30th, we continue to need the support of our loving and generous community.  

For just $84 a month, you can join our wonderful Heart Circle community. The generosity of our Heart Circle ensures a family in grief never needs to worry about paying for the support Jessica’s House uniquely provides.  

We are so grateful for the many donations and grants we receive throughout the year and hope you’ll consider joining this amazing group of Jessica’s House supporters.  

For more information about the Jessica’s House Heart Circle, unique sponsorship opportunities, and other ways to get involved, call Natalie at 209-250-5395.  

Art Activity: Pieces of Grief

Materials: Medium clay pot, hammer, hot glue and sharpie markers

Directions:

1. Place the clay pot on a safe surface area. Carefully, break into pieces using a hammer.
2. On the inside pieces of the pot, write or draw the feelings you have experienced since the death.
3. On the outside pieces of the pot, write or draw sources of support. Such as grief support, friends, family, music, etc.
4. Invite your children to share what they wrote on both sides of the clay pot.
5. Using the hot glue gun, glue pieces of pot back together to make a 'whole' pot again.
6. Once the pot has been put back together, discuss how this process is similar to the grief process. After a death, children may feel like they are broken, but with the help of good support systems, they can feel whole again.

We are grateful for our generous donors and the vibrant community who made our Heart Circle Garden Party a lovely celebration of spring! Thank you to everyone who joined us, and a special thank you to our Youth Ambassador Chase for sharing his inspiring story of finding support at Jessica's House after his sister died. Your courage and openness have touched our hearts!

Thank You School Group Volunteers

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated school group volunteers for their unwavering compassion and support throughout the 2023-2024 school year.

Your commitment to making a difference left a lasting impact on students in our community. Thank you for your kindness and generosity!

Family Farm Night

Our "Healing Under the Sun" summer program kicked off with Family Farm Night. Thank you to Tami's Farm Friends for joining us and bringing so much joy to the families at Jessica's House!

My Story Garden

Littles dug in with Grandma Nan as they planted figurines and shared their grief stories, helping transform their grief into healing.

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