A message from our Executive Director
Dear Jessica's House Community,
When we're grieving, summer has a way of asking more of us than we expected. The warm days, family gatherings, missing a child or partner on the Fourth of July, solo parenting kids who are out of school, or memories of what summer once was can all bring fresh waves of longing for the ones we miss. If this season has felt harder than you anticipated, please know that it's not a sign that anything is wrong. It's simply what grief looks like when it meets sunshine.
This month, our team had the honor of traveling to San Antonio for the National Alliance for Children's Grief Symposium, where we gathered new ideas and renewed inspiration to bring back to our community. We also participated in Gather, our Covenant Ministry’s annual meeting, where we came together with other Covenant ministries across the country and the world. Closer to home, in July groups, our youngest participants created Memory Bracelets, each bead a meaningful tribute to someone deeply loved.
As we look ahead, we're excited to welcome new volunteers this fall and to gather with you on August 31st to honor National Grief Awareness Day at La Mo Café. Come join us for a free specialty coffee and warm conversation around grief with CovenantCare Home Health and Hospice, Covenant Living, and Jessica' s House.
Wishing you moments of peace and connection this summer.
With care and appreciation,
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Erin Nelson
Executive Director
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Summer is often associated with vacations, celebrations, and time spent outdoors. But for those who are grieving, the season can feel complicated.
The reality is that grief doesn't take a summer break. Loss travels with us through every season, and the summer months can stir up a wave of memories and emotions. A favorite vacation spot, a backyard barbecue, a holiday gathering, a birthday celebration, or a cherished family tradition can all serve as reminders of loved ones who are no longer here.
Whether this is your first summer without them or your tenth, every experience with grief is different. As you move through the season, be gentle with yourself and allow yourself to move at your own pace. Some days may feel lighter, while others feel heavy. Both are a natural part of living with loss.
Meaningful connection, familiar places, and simple summer traditions can offer comfort. For many families, creating a memory jar, looking through photo albums, planting flowers, or sharing stories helps keep memories close. Whether through quiet reflection, special traditions, or time spent together, summer can offer meaningful moments of remembrance and connection.
What feels restorative will look different for everyone. For some, it may be reading in a hammock, listening to music, watching the evening sky, or enjoying a cool summer breeze. These simple moments can provide an opportunity to pause, reflect, and find a sense of calm amid the many emotions that grief can bring.
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Staying Connected This Summer
with Companions in Grief
| While When Grief Comes Home Podcast is taking a short summer break, we'll be back with brand-new episodes in September 2026. In the meantime, we invite you to catch up on Seasons 1 and 2, featuring real conversations, expert insights, and shared stories that remind us no one has to walk through grief alone. | | Listen to When Grief Comes Home on your favorite podcast platform. | | |
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And if you're looking for even
more guidance, be sure to pick
up a copy of When Grief Comes Home
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Gathering with Ministry Partners | | |
Adrienne and Erin recently attended Gather, our Covenant Ministry's annual meeting, where they connected with other Covenant ministries from across the country and around the world. It was a valuable opportunity to learn, share ideas, and strengthen our partnership withing the larger Covenant community.
| | Jessica's House Takes Texas | | |
Our Jessica's House team recently traveled to San Antonio, Texas, to attend the National Alliance for Children's Grief (NACG) Symposium. We're grateful for the opportunity to learn, connect, and share ideas with professionals and organizations from across the country. The experience provided valuable insights that will help us continue strengthening the support we provide to grieving children, teens, young adults, and families in our community. Along the way, we also enjoyed time together as a team, building connections and creating memories beyond
the conference.
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Art Activity:
Memory Bracelet
| During our first summer group rotation, participants created Memory Bracelets to honor and remember their person. Using colorful beads, children represented special memories, favorite things, meaningful relationships, and qualities that remind them of their person. This creative activity encouraged reflection, sharing, and connection while creating a keepsake they can cherish. | | | | | |
Become a Volunteer at
Jessica's House
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If you have a background in education, counseling, healthcare, social services, coaching, ministry, or another helping profession, your skills can make a lasting impact at Jessica’s House.
We are seeking compassionate adult volunteers to serve as facilitators and provide support to grieving children, teens, and families in a safe and caring environment.
Use your experience to build connections, foster meaningful conversations, and help ensure no one grieves alone.
Join our upcoming volunteer training at Jessica’s House. Apply today or contact us to learn more.
Day 1 Training (6:00 pm–8:30 pm)
August 10
Weekend Training (9:00 am–4:00 pm)
September 19 & 20
| | Outreach and Community Highlights | | Grief Awareness Day: Come, Sip & Connect | | |
Join CovenantCare Home Health & Hospice, Covenant Living, and
Jessica's House, in recognition of National Grief Awareness Day.
We invite you to pause, connect, and learn more about the grief resources available in our community while enjoying a complimentary specialty coffee at La Mo Cafe, generously provided by EMC Health Foundation.
Monday, August 31
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
La Mo Café, 310 E. Main St., Turlock
| | Dine & Donate at Texas Roadhouse | | |
Join us for a simple way to give back.
On Tuesday, July 21st, dine at Texas Roadhouse in Turlock and show our special flyer. A portion of your meal—10%—will be donated directly
to Jessica’s House.
Join us as we gather with family or friends, share a meal, and support grieving children and families in our community.
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