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 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

Executive Director, Jessica's House

Jessica’s House offers Parent Loss, Sibling Loss and HeartStrings groups for families grieving a death. For more information on these groups call our main line at (209) 250-5395 or email us at [email protected].

The loss of a parent can be especially magnified on Mother’s and Father's Day. You may be grieving the loss of your partner alongside your child who has lost their parent. The dark cloud of their absence may loom over what was once a sunny occasion.

Remember that death ends a life, not a relationship. As a family, discuss how each person would like to remember your loved one on Mother’s or Father’s Day. You might want to listen to their favorite music, make their favorite meal, or have each family member share their favorite memory. Perhaps you want to take a day trip to a place they loved or volunteer as a family for a cause close to their heart. Even skipping this day altogether is understandable. You and your child can continue honoring your connection with your loved one for the rest of your lives in the way that best fits you.

As you face Mother’s or Father’s Day without your loved one, remember that Jessica’s House is here for your family as you face these significant days of missing your loved one. 

Write a letter to the person you and your child are missing this Mother’s or Father’s Day. Start by discussing a previous Mother’s or Father’s Day memory, then share something new that is happening in your life that you wish you could tell your loved one. Finish the letter by using these prompts: 

I wish_________

I will never forget_________

Thank you for_________

The ongoing support from our Heart Circle community truly makes the mission of Jessica’s House possible. It is estimated that 1 in 12 children in the United States will experience the death of a parent or sibling by age 18. With more children becoming bereaved each year, the need for support in our community continues to grow.

The generosity of our Heart Circle ensures a family in grief never needs to worry about paying for the support Jessica’s House provides.

In February we unveiled our new Heart Circle Drive Wall and gratefully welcomed several new supporters. We are so thankful for all 242 Heart Circle contributors.

Scarlet level

Jill Heath

Mike and Angelica Stanfield

Keith and Diane Landmeier

Modesto Irrigation District

CVAR Turlock Council

We are honored to do this healing work. For more information about the Jessica's House Heart Circle and other ways to get involved, call Natalie Henderson at 209-250-5395 or visit our website by clicking the button below.

Our 2022 Annual Report includes a detailed look inside Jessica’s House over the past year and the work we do each day to support families who are grieving. To read a full copy of the report, click the button below. 

Thank you to all of our incredible volunteers for standing by each other and the families we serve. You are truly the heart of Jessica's House.

To become a Jessica's House Volunteer, complete the Volunteer Application below. We are currently accepting volunteers for our summer training sessions.

Day 1 Training Dates (6-8:30 pm)

June 5th

July 24th

August 14th

September 11th (1-3:30 pm)



Weekend Training Dates (9 am-4:30 pm)

August 5th & 6th

September 16th & 17th

Our Heart Circle Open House was a success! Guests gathered to enjoy live music and to listen to Youth Ambassador, Mariah, who shared her Jessica's House story. We also unveiled our new Heart Circle Drive donor wall to recognize the generosity of our supporters, who make the mission of Jessica's House possible.

Our Youth Ambassadors loved judging the motorcycle category at Motors on Main. We are grateful for the support we receive from this event. A big thanks to the Medeiros Family for hosting a great event!

Thank you to the D.A. Wood Construction team for hosting another fun Baggin’ and Braggin’ Cornhole Tournament. We had so much fun cheering on all of the teams including our very own Jessica's House team, Baggin’ 4 Hope. We are so thankful for the ongoing support we receive from D.A. Wood Construction.

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