August is a time when we are wrapping up summer groups at Jessica’s House and looking toward fall. We are welcoming new volunteers and gathering with those currently with us for reorientation. We are also preparing for fall school support. This school year, we will provide grief support for 30 surrounding schools and offer support for school administrators after the death of a student or teacher. Below you will find tips for educators on supporting students who are grieving.

In a recent survey, one mom in our program said, “Jessica's House has given us a place to talk and feel emotions in a safe and loving environment.” Connections with others who understand, and creative expression after loss are vital to a child’s resilience and coping during life’s most difficult times.

As the only dedicated children’s grief center in the Central Valley of California, our task is significant. One in 12 children will experience the death of a parent or sibling in the United States by the age of 18, and they need the support of Jessica’s House to counter risk factors in unsupported grief.

Your dedication and support of our mission help create a healthier and stronger community. When life takes an unexpected turn, and children are faced with the death of a parent or sibling, Jessica’s House is here – arms and hearts open – as long as they need us.

Erin Nelson

Executive Director, Jessica's House

Here are a few tips on how to support a student who is grieving as you prepare to welcome students back to your campus:

Connect with the parent and grieving student and ask how you can show your student support. This provides reassurance that you’re there for them. Create a plan with specific and flexible goals for schoolwork and check in regularly. This plan can also include what they need from you when they are experiencing hard moments during the school day, which could include providing them a break when they need it.

See past the behaviors. A student who is grieving holds many emotions which can be hard for them to express. Look for opportunities to listen. When your student feels heard, and their feelings are accepted, they know they can come to you for support.

If you ask parents to fill out an information sheet about their child at the beginning of the year, consider asking if the child has experienced a death in the family. If the death was a few years ago, the parents may not think to tell you, unless they are asked.

For further support with this topic, please visit our Jessica's House Resource page.

Materials: Permanent markers, pencils, 12-piece puzzle, and Ziploc bag.

1. Draw or describe the person who died using a blank puzzle.
2. Write or draw a memory, experience or character trait representing the person who died. Examples include funny, fun, kind, forgetful, loving, silly, or caring.                        
3. You may use one image to describe your person on the entire puzzle or use different images for each puzzle piece.
4. Take some time to reflect on the memories and experiences that make up the puzzle and remember the person who died.

Because of the generosity and ongoing support of our Jessica’s House Heart Circle, we welcome families during their darkest days with an open door and an open heart. Since January, we have welcomed 80 new families to Jessica’s House. Together we are creating a safe place for children and their families to grieve the loss of a loved one.  

The support from our Heart Circle community truly makes the mission of Jessica’s House possible. Thanks to our Heart Circle, families are never charged for services. For just $84 a month, you can join this incredible community of supporters and add your name to our Heart Circle Drive wall.  

We hope you will consider joining this generous group of Jessica’s House supporters.  

For more information about joining our Heart Circle call 209-250-5395 or click the "Learn More" icon below.

Since May, we gratefully welcomed 14 new Heart Circle contributors! These wonderful community friends help ensure that a family in grief never needs to worry about paying for the support Jessica’s House provides. 

Scarlet level 

Keyes Truck Center 

Jim and Julie Herr 

Valley Children’s Healthcare 

Larry and Judy Johnson 

Hemanta Agarwala – Alpha Poultry & Livestock Equipment, Inc. 

Brad and Lori Hansen* 

Indigo level 

Lander Veterinary Clinic* 

Joe L. and Velma Nunes 

Stephen and Kathleen Smith*

The Frank Assali Family

Poppy level 

Bob and Brenda Schmidt*

Steve Vieira*   

Amber level 

Emanuel Medical Center

Jade level 

Porges Family Foundation 

Jessica’s House is so grateful to all 252 Heart Circle contributors!!

*Capital campaign donors who made new pledges to the Jessica’s House Heart Circle.

Jessica’s House is pleased to announce it has signed a book deal with Baker Books!

The book, written by staff authors, Erin Nelson and Colleen Montague will offer gentle wisdom from Erin’s personal losses and their combined professional experience supporting parents after the death of a spouse, partner, or child. The book will be a needed companion for parents raising children who are grieving.To read the press release, click below.

"Crying is Like the Rain" by Heather Hawk is one of our favorite books here at Jessica's House. Hawk compares crying to a rainstorm. Although people might be frightened by storms, they are natural and have the ability to clear the air. We use this book to show children at Jessica's House that crying is a natural and healthy response to grief.

Our first Volunteer Ambassador events were a success as Volunteer Ambassadors showed potential volunteers what it means to be a Jessica's House volunteer. Thank you to Youth Ambassador, Mariah for showing the importance of the work volunteers do at Jessica's House by sharing her story.

With good weather and beautiful flower decorations, the Heart Circle Garden Party was the perfect way to enjoy a spring day. Youth Ambassador, Audrey (who has been with Jessica's House from the start, attending the program in the first year and volunteering as soon as she turned 16) delivered her final speech before heading off to college. Jessica's House will deeply miss Audrey, but we can't wait to see how she changes the world. Best of luck, Audrey!

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