A Message From Our Executive Director | | |
Dear Friends and Supporters,
As August winds down, we’ve had a busy month at Jessica’s House preparing for fall groups. This transition season brings reflection and renewal as we reconnect with volunteers during reorientation to prepare families to return for our group year.
With children and teens returning to school, it’s a time of new routines and opportunities to support families adjusting to the school year. We have a helpful resource on supporting a grieving student, helping teachers, parents, and caregivers provide comfort and understanding as they head back into the classroom.
With National Grief Awareness Day on August 30th approaching, we pause to honor those experiencing loss. At Jessica’s House, we provide compassionate care, connection, and resources for children, teens, young adults, and their families. Let’s come together to raise awareness and support one another.
Always,
Erin Nelson
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Erin Nelson
Executive Director, Jessica's House
| | Supporting a Student Who is Grieving | | |
Grief can show up in the classroom in many ways. In the quiet moments, in the lunch line, on the playground. It can look like a quiet stare out the window, a sudden burst of emotion, or simply feeling tired. It can shift a student’s focus and change their mood. School can be a steady place in the middle of so much change, but it can also be where the grief feels especially close.
If you are an educator, talking with the parent and student about what they feel comfortable sharing with classmates helps everyone feel understood. Listening and reflecting without judgment allows students to express emotions that can be hard to express. Checking in regularly, taking breaks, and offering flexible ways to approach schoolwork can give grieving students steadiness in the middle of change. Small gestures, such as simply being present, noticing when they’re struggling, and affirming their feelings, remind students that they are not alone.
For more tips, check out our Supporting a Student Who is Grieving resource.
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In honor of National Grief Awareness Day, we pause to recognize the ways grief touches us and those we care about. Each year, more than 2.5 million people in the U.S. experience the death of a loved one. Grief can affect physical, emotional, and mental health, and everyone experiences it differently—there is no right way to grieve.
At Jessica’s House, we provide children, teens, young adults, and families with safe spaces to share their feelings, honor loved ones, and find support through loss. Whether through our grief group support, school groups, or community events, we walk alongside families as they process grief in their own way.
Let’s honor grief by raising awareness, fostering understanding, and creating compassionate spaces where everyone feels seen, supported, and not alone.
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We honor the pain of those grieving the loss of a loved one to accidental overdose.
This type of loss can carry deep pain and complicated questions. Our Hope After Accidental Overdose support group provides a safe space for those grieving to connect, share experiences, and find comfort in others who understand.
In our latest episode of When Grief Comes Home, we explore the unique weight of grief after an overdose and the importance of compassion, understanding, and support.
Listen on your favorite podcast platform
| | Art Activity: Blending Emotions | | |
Materials: Washable markers, 2 cups of water and a paper towel
Directions:
1. In the center of the paper towel, write down what makes you feel gray.
2. May a color key and select colors that represent your connection with your person.
Example below:
· Red/Pink = Love + Hugs
· Orange/Yellow = Memories + Smiles
· Blue = Calm + Safe
· Green = Guidance + Growth
(Use any colors that feel meaningful to you.)
3. Color 1-2 inches along the edges of the paper towel.
4. Place each end of the paper towel into the cups of water. Watch as the water soaks up the colors, blending them across the paper towel.
5. Watch your feelings mix with love, comfort and memories you hold.
Activity from: @kidsgriefsupport
| | This past month, we were thrilled to welcome several groups to Jessica's House! Visitors included KW Recovery Lab, Public Health, and Livingston Unified School District. Each group had the opportunity to see our programs in action, learn more about our services, and engage with our team. We’re grateful for these partnerships and for the chance to share our mission with the community! | | |
Supporting Our Community This
Back-To-School Season
| | We had the privilege of attending the “Back to School Bash” in Riverbank, Garrison Elementary’s “Round Up,” and the Convoy of Hope event in Modesto. These events provided families with backpacks, school supplies, snacks, and access to valuable community resources—helping children start the school year prepared and confident. We’re grateful for the opportunity to support our community alongside so many amazing nonprofit organizations! | | Our team recently gathered at Mission de Oro in Santa Nella for a staff retreat to ready us for our group year. Sheryl Fleisher led team-building and personal development activities, giving us time to connect, recharge, and reflect on our work at Jessica’s House. It was a meaningful two days to strengthen our team, share ideas, celebrate our mission, and prepare to support children and families as we head into the fall group season. | | We were excited to begin Day 1 of training with our new volunteers! This first session introduced them to Jessica’s House, our programs, and the many ways they will make a meaningful impact. Next month, they will complete their weekend training to further prepare for supporting our families. | | We also welcomed our dedicated volunteers to this year’s Reorientation sessions. These gatherings provided an opportunity to refresh knowledge, review new procedures, and reaffirm our shared commitment to offering exceptional support to the families we serve. We are deeply grateful for the energy, dedication, and compassion of every volunteer who gives their time to Jessica’s House. | | |
Hear Us on These Podcasts!
Erin and Colleen had the pleasure of joining three wonderful podcasts recently, sharing insights and stories that resonate with anyone experiencing grief.
Tune in to hear these conversations and find encouragement, connection, and understanding in every episode at the links below:
| | On Friday, September 19th, $1 from every drink sold at participating Dutch Bros locations will be donated to Jessica's House. Grab your favorite drink and support kids in grief - every cup makes a difference! | | Follow us on social media! |
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