Dear Friends and Supporters,

As May ends, I’m reflecting on all this group season has held at Jessica’s House. It’s an honor to witness how families show up for one another and invite us to walk alongside them through the best practices of grief support.

Earlier this month, our team celebrated the good work from this season with a cooking class at Gather. We laughed, learned, and deepened our connections. I’m so thankful for the heart each staff member brings to this work and for good friends from Gather and Greens on Tenth, whose continued support make moments like this possible.

We also enjoyed hosting our Heart Circle Garden Party, a beautiful evening filled with warmth, conversation, and deep gratitude. I am always so inspired as we gather with our circle of supporters who make this work possible with good food, live music, and heartfelt stories from the youth ambassadors who are finding hope and healing at Jessica's House.

May also marks Mother’s Day and Mental Health Awareness Month. Mother’s Day often carries layers of emotion. Whether holding memories, grieving, or longing for what could have been, we understand the tenderness of this day. And throughout Mental Health Awareness Month, we remember how vital it is to care for our well-being. Grief and mental health are closely woven, and we’re committed to holding both with compassion.

Thank you for being part of our community. Whether you’ve supported us, shared your story, or simply thought of us this season, we’re grateful you’re here.

Always,

Erin Nelson

Executive Director, Jessica's House

Caring for Mental Health in Grief

In honor of Mental Health Month, we're sharing our ABCs of Coping Skills—a simple, meaningful tool to support grieving hearts. Whether you're a child, teen, or adult, these everyday coping strategies offer gentle ways to care for your mental health while grieving.

Download and share—it’s a helpful resource to keep close.

Check out the latest episodes of When Grief Comes Home!

• Episode 18 - Honoring Your Connection as You Grieve
• Episode 19 - Grief and Belief - Part 1

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

Listen and Subscribe

See Us at the NAGC Symposium

We’re excited to share that we are hosting an exhibition table at the 2025 Annual Symposium on Children's Grief, June 3–6! We look forward to connecting with others worldwide who are dedicated to supporting grieving children and families. If you're attending, be sure to stop by and say hello! 

We are gifting a book for each grief center represented!

Introducing Our New Executive Assistant

We’re so happy to welcome Breanna, our new Executive Assistant, to the Jessica’s House team! Breanna brings a kind and steady presence to our office, and we’re already so grateful for the support she brings to our work.

We’re glad you’re here, Breanna! To learn more about her, visit our website at jessicashouse.org/staff

Art Activity: My Thumbprint

Materials: Paper, colored pencils, markers, paint sticks

Directions:

Uniqueness of you, uniqueness of grief. Everyone has their own story and unique experiences that make them who they are. Just like no one else in the world has your thumbprint, no one else is exactly like you. What makes you unique? What compliments have you received from others? Examples could be you’re kind, you’re artistic, you’re athletic, you’re brave, etc.

What experiences have helped you become who you are today?



• Place your hand on a sheet of paper and trace around it with a pencil or marker. Next, choose a paint stick and color your thumb with it. Press your painted thumb onto the paper and leave a fingerprint on each finger you traced.
• On the rest of the paper, write your personal traits and life experiences that make you unique. You can also add traits you have that remind you of your person.
• Compare your thumbprint to those around you. What do you have in common? What differences do you notice?

Celebrating Our Team at Gather

The Jessica's House team gathered for a special staff celebration to mark the end of our group season with a cooking class at Gather in Modesto! We are so grateful for our friends at Gather for creating such as warm, welcoming space to slow down, share a meal, and reflect together.

Gratitude in Full Bloom

This month, we hosted our Heart Circle Garden Party—a beautiful evening filled with connection, laughter, and heartfelt conversations. Surrounded by flowers, music, and our incredible supporters, we gathered to honor the heart of Jessica’s House.

A special thank you to Tonalli, our Youth Ambassador, for his courage in sharing his story. His words reminded us all of the strength and vulnerability that live side by side in grief—and the healing that comes when we speak from the heart.



It was a meaningful night, and we’re so grateful to everyone who joined us. Your generosity and presence continue to make this home a place of comfort and healing.

Thank you for being part of this community.

Community Resource Fairs Recap

Our team recently attended three important community events: the Golden Valley High School Mental Health Fair, the NAMI Stan & El Concilio Community Resource Fair, and the HSA Resource Fair. These gatherings provided valuable opportunities to connect with local organizations, share resources, and support families and individuals in grief. We’re grateful for the chance to be part of these events!

Golden Valley High School Mental Health Fair

NAMI Stan & El Concillo Community Resource Fair

HSA Resource Fair

Celebrating Our Graduates!

Congratulations to our incredible volunteers and interns who are graduating! Your kindness and commitment have made a difference in the hearts of so many.

Wishing you all the best in what’s next!

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