Newsletter

February 2026

A message from our Executive Director

Dear Friends and Supporters, 

February is Donor Appreciation Month, and I want to begin with a heartfelt thank-you to all our donors! Because of you, Jessica's House continues to be a place where grieving children and families are met with compassion, understanding, and steady support. Your generosity makes our groups possible and reminds families they are not alone in their grief. 

This month also brought Valentine's Day celebrations and school breaks, but for those who are grieving, these moments can carry a particular heartache. When the world seems focused on love and connection, the absence of someone you've lost can feel especially sharp. At Jessica's House, we walk alongside families and children as they learn to face these moments, holding both love and grief. 



February also marks one year since the release of When Grief Comes Home. What began as a dream and a reflection of the work we see every day at Jessica's House has now reached families far beyond our walls, and we're grateful to continue this conversation through our podcast and the resources we share. 

From all of us at Jessica's House, we are so grateful for each of you. Thank you for believing in this work and in the children and families we serve. 

With warmth and gratitude, 

Erin Nelson

Executive Director

The Heart of Jessica's House

There's no better time to celebrate the incredible generosity of our Heart Circle donors than during Donor Appreciation Month! These dedicated supporters truly embody the spirit of Jessica’s House. Their compassion ensures that grieving children, teens, young adults, and families find a safe, nurturing place to heal.

Heart Circle donors make more than a gift; they make healing possible. Their commitment sustains our free peer support groups and ensures every family who walks through our doors is met with warmth, understanding, and hope. Because of them, we can continue offering grief support at no cost, removing barriers for those who need us most.

As we pause this month to reflect on gratitude, we are deeply thankful for those in the Heart Circle who believe so strongly in our mission. Their steady support strengthens the foundation of Jessica’s House and helps create a community where comfort, connection, and hope can flourish.

To our Heart Circle donors, thank you for being the heart of

Jessica’s House.

One Year of When Grief Comes Home

This month marks one year since When Grief Comes Home: A Gentle Guide for Living Through Loss While Supporting Your Child was released into the world. 

What began as a labor of love by co-authors Erin Nelson and Colleen Montague has now found its way into homes, grief centers, and communities across the country. Since its release, we have loved hearing from grieving parents, counselors, and educators who've found comfort and practical guidance in its pages. 

Published by Baker Books, When Grief Comes Home reflects what we've learned from the resilient children and families we serve: that grief and love coexist, that there's no single "right way" to grieve, and that being with your grief and expressing it honestly is essential for your healing. 

If you haven't picked up a copy yet, we'd love for you to explore it. And if it's been helpful to you, consider sharing it with someone who might need it.  

Thank you for supporting this work and for helping us reach families who need to know they're not alone. 



Grab your copy of When Grief Comes Home and explore even more reflections on grief

and healing.

Amazon

Target

Barnes & Noble

Baker Book House

ChristianBook.com

When Grief Comes Home Podcast

Check out our latest episodes of When Grief Comes Home!

· Episode 11 – Grieving Your Disenfranchised Loss

· Episode 12 – Saying Goodbye - After a Long Term Illness

New episodes air every other Tuesday!

We’d love your support! Take a moment to write a written review and

rate our podcast.

Listen to When Grief Comes Home on your favorite podcast platform.

Grief Support Resources

At Jessica’s House, we offer a growing library of grief support resources available on our website – including 21 resources in English and 18 in Spanish. These tools are created to help families talk with children about grief, understand what they may be feeling, and find support during difficult seasons.

Whether you are facing a recent loss or looking for guidance along the way, our resources are available anytime at jessicashouse.org/resources.

Art Activity: I Wish I Could Tell You

There may be times you wish you could tell your person who died something. When those thoughts come up, write them down and place them in a jar.

You might include a memory, something from your day, feelings you’ve had, questions you wish you could ask, or words you wish you had shared. Decorate your jar however you like and add notes anytime.

Watch this video to make your own at home!

Program Highlights

Families We Supported Last Month

Last month, Jessica's House supported 190 families— 453 children, teens, and young adults and  218 adults. Behind every number is a story of deep love and real loss.

If you or someone you know could use support, reach out to us at 209-250-5395 or info@jessicashouse.org

BEE Positive Fun Run & Walk

Each year, the BEE Positive 5K Fun Run and Walk brings our community together to honor Kayla Bernardi’s legacy. This special annual event continues to reflect the heart of the Kayla Bee Foundation — generosity, kindness, and commitment to supporting others.



We are grateful for their ongoing partnership and for everyone who participates each year in support of grieving children and families at Jessica’s House.

Community Tours at Jessica's House

This month, we welcomed Vice Mayor Jeremiah Williams of Modesto and friends from Century 21 to Jessica’s House.

It's always a pleasure to share our space and the heart of our mission to support grieving children and families.