Newsletter

September 2025

Jessica's House Monthly

A message from our Executive Director

Dear Friends and Supporters,

September is an important month for us at Jessica’s House. It’s Suicide Prevention Month – a time to raise awareness and remind everyone that no one has to face their grief alone.

We’ve started our fall groups, and it’s always powerful to see the children and families come together, share their stories, and support one another. These moments remind us why this work matters.

I’m also excited to share that the When Grief Comes Home podcast is back with Season 2! This season brings more heartfelt conversations and special guest appearances sharing honest stories, insights, and ways to support yourself and your loved ones through grief. Episodes 1 & 2 are now available, featuring our first guest, Kristi Gaultiere, author of "Deeply Loved: Receiving and Reflecting God's Great Empathy for You."

This month, we’ve been so grateful for our community partners who have hosted events to benefit Jessica’s House's mission. From Dutch Bros “Bucks for Kids” to the Set Free movement fun walk/run event to raise awareness for human trafficking. These partnerships help us continue providing support and comfort to grieving families.

With heartfelt appreciation,

Erin Nelson

Executive Director

Suicide Prevention Month

At Jessica’s House, we recognize the importance of raising awareness about suicide and supporting the families who have been affected by it.

Our resource, Healing as a Family After a Death by Suicide, offers guidance, comfort and practical tools to help families process their grief together. You can also listen to our conversation on this topic in When Grief Comes Home episode: The Complexities of Grief after a Suicide or Death by Violence

Helpful resources:

Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988 for free confidential support

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

Heart Circle Match

Triple Impact Challenge: New Heart Circle pledges of $5,000 or more – up to $100,000 – will be matched two-to-one. Achieving the triple match will support 200 children at a time of critical need.

Give or pledge on-line at www.jessicashouse.org/heart-circle

Or call Courtney Morse at (209) 664-5183

We are back with Season 2!

We're excited to share that Season 2 of When Grief Comes Home is here! This season, we're bringing you more conversations and special guest appearances - sharing honest stories, insights, and ways to support yourself and your loved one through grief.

Check out our latest episodes of When Grief Comes Home!

·  Episode 1 – Finding Your Community

·  Episode 2 – Deeply Loved: Receiving and Reflecting Empathy in the Midst of Grief (Guest: Kristi Gaultiere)

New episodes air every other Tuesday! Please take a moment to write a written review and rate our podcast.



Listen and Subscribe

Activity: Broken Titles

Materials: Dice, tile, backing, plastic wrap, painter’s tape, hammer, Sharpies, hot glue gun, and gold glue sticks.

Directions:

Decorate the tile using Sharpies with images and/or words to discuss the following:

• What has changed since the person died?
• What do you want to let go of (forget)?
• What do you want to hold on to (remember) about the person who died?
• What did your family look like before the person died vs. how does your family look now?



In Japan, there is a type of art called Kintsugi. This type of art repairs broken pottery and celebrates the cracks and breaks. It symbolizes the beauty of imperfection and embracing the past. 

• If you want, you can now break the tile and practice the Kintsugi art. Place the tape in a crisscross pattern on the back of your tile.
• Take the tile and wrap it up in a plastic wrap and a towel (to help absorb the impact). Hit firmly with a hammer, breaking the tile into several pieces.
• Unwrap your tile and remove the pieces. Now, reassemble the pieces on the backing as desired and glue them in place. After decorating your tile or breaking it and gluing it back together, share your mosaic with the group. 

Program Highlights

A Warm Welcome to Our Newest Volunteers

This month, we welcomed a wonderful group of 23 new volunteers for our weekend training at Jessica’s House. Together, they learned about supporting grieving children and families, the heart of our mission and the importance of creating safe, caring spaces. We are so grateful to each person who gave their time to be part of this training.

If you are interested in volunteering at Jessica’s House, we’d love to connect with you. Visit our website jessicashouse.org/volunteer to apply and learn more about upcoming training opportunities.

Outreach and Community Highlights

Merced Children's Summit

Our outreach team had the privilege of participating at the Children's Summit in Merced. We joined parents, caregivers, and other community members to connect and share resources for children. It was inspiring to see so many come together to support families and children in our community.

Dutch Bros and Set Free Movement Event

We are grateful for two recent, incredible fundraising events that have supported our mission.

On September 19^th, our local Dutch Bros partnered with us for the third time this year through the Dutch Bros Foundation® Buck for Kids. For every drink sold at the participating locations, $1 was donated to Jessica’s House. Thank you to everyone who stopped by for their favorite drink and showed their support!

We also want to highlight the Set Free Movement—Central Valley 10th Annual Fun Walk/Run. We are so grateful for their commitment to our mission and the families we serve. This event raises awareness about human trafficking and supports local causes. 

The Heart of Giving