A message from our Executive Director
Dear Friends and Supporters,
As October comes to an end, we remember the babies who left this world too soon and hold space for the families who carry their love and longing for them every day. Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month reminds us that grief is real, often quiet and deeply felt, but no one has to face it alone.
We are also so grateful to celebrate our incredible donor community at our Harvest Dinner. It was a wonderful evening, filled with gratitude, connection, and generosity, showing just how much our supporters make this work possible.
This month, we also connected with the community through our outreach events, including the Carter Nelson Golf Tournament, Out of the Darkness Walk, Sienna’s Sunset, Light the Night, and the EMC Harvest Fair. We are also grateful to our friends at Lifestyle Realty, who generously hosted a Halloween Costume Party to benefit Jessica’s House. Each of these events reflects the care and support that surrounds the children and families we serve.
With heartfelt appreciation,
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Erin Nelson
Executive Director
| | Honoring Little Lives: Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month | | |
October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, a time to remember and honor babies who were gone to soon.
At Jessica’s House, we understand the quiet, deep grief families carry after the loss of a pregnancy, stillbirth, or infant. Our Heartstrings group offers families who have experienced this loss a space to share their grief, their memories, and love.
This month on When Grief Comes Home podcast, the team revisits the tender topic of pregnancy and stillbirth loss. In episode 3: Pregnancy and Stillbirth, we explore the grief that comes with losing a baby and offer support and understanding for families experiencing this pain. In episode 4: Cradled in Hope, we feature a heartfelt conversation with Ashley Oplinger, founder of Bridget’s Cradles and author of Cradled in Hope. Ashley shares how her organization provides cradles and meaningful support to families who have lost a baby, helping them honor and remember their little ones.
| | Listen to When Grief Comes Home on your favorite podcast platform. | | |
In our groups, we recently made beautiful sun catchers using tissue paper, cardstock, and personal memories. Each one reflected love, loss, and the light of the people we miss. Hung in windows, they serve as gentle reminders of the joy and warmth our loved ones brought into our lives.
Want to create your own at home? Download our sun catcher activity below and turn memories into a bright, meaningful tribute.
| | Families We Supported Last Month | | |
At Jessica's House, we honored 201 families—356 children, teens, and young adults and 230 adults—each carrying their own story of love and loss. Every group and conversation reminds us of the importance of having a safe place where hearts can be seen, heard, and supported.
If you or someone you know could use support, reach out to us at 209-250-5395 or info@jessicashouse.org
| | Outreach and Community Highlights | | |
We were honored to take part in Sienna’s Sunset and Light the Night, special evenings where families came together to remember babies who died too soon. At Sienna’s Sunset, families shared a quiet picnic and vigil at Our Lady of the Assumption. At Light the Night, held in the Healer’s Touch Garden at Doctor’s Medical Center, participants lit candles and spoke the names of their babies. One of our Jessica’s House families courageously shared their story, bringing hope and comfort to others in the community.
| | Connecting with Our Community | | This month, we connected with families across our community in meaningful ways. At the Out of the Darkness Walk at MJC, we stood together to honor lives lost and shine a light on suicide awareness. At the EMC Harvest Health Fair, the air was full of laughter, conversation, and delicious food as families explored activities, received free health screenings, and discovered ways to care for themselves and their loved ones. Being together, sharing stories, and offering support reminded us why community connection is so important. | | | | |
Our hearts are full of gratitude for everyone who made our Harvest Dinner so meaningful. Thank you to Decor Darlings and Ram Farms for the stunning decorations, Greens on Tenth, Dust Bowl, and E. & J. Gallo Winery for your generous contributions, and to our courageous youth ambassador Xadrien for sharing his story with such honesty and hope. And most of all, thank you to our incredible supporters—your generosity gives
families support, care, and
hope when they need it most.
| | Five years of honoring Carter and his love for golf while supporting families at Jessica’s House! A huge thank you to everyone who made the Carter Nelson Memorial Golf Tournament so special. Our team, Fore the Kids, enjoyed a beautiful day on the course, and we were deeply inspired by our Youth Ambassador, Tonalli, who courageously shared his story about his dad. Your support helps us continue bringing comfort and hope to the families we serve. Thank you for being part of this meaningful day! | | |
Spooky Fun for a Cause:
Halloween with Lifestyle Realty
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What a treat! Lifestyle Realty hosted a Halloween Costume Party in support of Jessica's House! It was an evening full of laughter, creativity, and community spirit. Our Youth Ambassador, Chase, shared his grief story about his sister, showing the real difference your support makes for
families facing loss.
We're thankful to Lifestyle Realty for hosting such a fun event! To all who joined, your support helps bring light and comfort to the children and
families at Jessica's House.
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| | Ameriprise Financial hosted a thoughtful Shred & Share event, welcoming clients to shred documents while giving back to our wishlist. Your generosity helps bring comfort and care to grieving families. | | | | |
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To celebrate her 18th birthday, Madison chose to give back, donating 18 of each item, including Warmies, art supplies, and office supplies. Her generosity will bring comfort and creativity to so many grieving kids and teens.
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Upsilon Kappa Delta at Stan State gifted these gorgeous handmade blankets bringing comfort and warmth in the sweetest way!
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We’re so grateful to Turlock High HOSA for donating coloring books and art supplies to our program.
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