A message from our Executive Director
Dear Jessica's House Community,
You never imagine grief will touch you. When my husband died in an accident, my children were five and three years old. They were too young to understand why our world had changed, but old enough to feel it. As we say at Jessica's House, if a child is old enough to love, they're old enough to grieve.
What I didn't know then was how healing it would have been for our family to be surrounded by people who understood. Grief often shouts that you're alone, that no one else could possibly feel what you feel. But at Jessica's House, families find themselves in a circle of others who say, yes, I feel that way too.
That's the heart of peer support, and it's why this work inspires me every day. Sixteen years in, I watch it happen every week: grievers taking such good care of each other, showing up for one another, and it makes all the difference.
This August, we invite you to join us as we recognize Grief Awareness Month and the families who walk this path every day. We are grateful to join CovenantCare Home Health and Hospice and Covenant Living in remembering those who are walking the difficult path of loss. I hope you can join us at La Mo Café on August 31 for a free specialty coffee and a chance to connect with our Covenant community.
With HOPE always,
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Erin Nelson
Founding Executive Director, Jessica's House
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Going Back to School:
Supporting Grieving Students
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The start of a new school year brings fresh routines, new teachers, and new expectations. For students who are grieving, however, this transition can feel especially challenging.
Childhood bereavement is more common than many people realize. Current estimates indicate that 1 in 11 children in the United States will experience the death of a parent or sibling by age 18, affecting approximately 6.6 million children nationwide. Research also shows that 97% of teachers believe grief negatively impacts a student's ability to learn and succeed in school.
As students return to the classroom, simple acts of support can make a meaningful difference. Checking in regularly, maintaining open communication, and recognizing that grief may affect academic performance, behavior, or social interactions can help grieving students feel understood and supported. It is also important to remember that grief looks different for every child and may resurface throughout the school year, especially around milestones, holidays, and special events.
To learn more about supporting children and teens after a loss, we encourage you to explore our How to Support a Grieving Student brochure. This resource provides practical information for caregivers, educators, and other adults who want to better understand and respond to the needs of grieving students.
You can also listen to our podcast episode, Going Back to School After Loss, where we discuss the unique challenges grieving students may face during the transition back to school and share insights for creating supportive environments both at home and in the classroom.
| | For questions about school groups, please contact Marlen Duran, Director of Outreach and Interns, at mduran@jessicashouse.org | | |
Find Support Through Jessica's House
at Your School
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We are proud to partner with four local district schools to provide on-campus grief support groups for students who have experienced the death of a loved one.
Sign-ups are now available. To learn more or enroll your student, please contact your school's counselor.
We look forward to supporting students and families throughout the school year.
| | Heart Circle Impact Update | | |
We are excited to welcome our new 2026 Heart Circle Donors and extend our sincere gratitude for their generosity and commitment to our mission. Thanks to the support of both our new and returning donors, we have reached over half of our 2026 goal!
Every contribution helps strengthen our programs and expand our impact in the communities we serve. Thank you for being part of our Heart Circle and helping us make a difference.
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Scarlet Level
Bob and Cathy Baker
Ronda Tinley
Indigo Level
Jordan and Lisa Amarant*
The Zenith*
Connie Fairchilds
Daniel and Angela Warren
Gloria Smallwood*
Brett and Yvette Steves
Central Ag Products
Poppy Level
Julie Burke*
| | Jessica's House is so grateful to all 310 Heart Circle contributors! | | Catch up on When Grief Comes Home on your favorite podcast platform. | | |
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And if you're looking for even
more guidance, be sure to pick
up a copy of When Grief Comes Home
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During our summer groups, participants explored their grief through a special terrarium making activity. Using meaningful colors, symbols, and objects, each child created a peaceful space that honored the memory of their person.
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We need compassionate volunteers to join our team. We are especially in need of those who can support our parents who have lost a spouse, partner, or child.
If you are a warm and steady presence, someone who knows how to listen and help others feel less alone in a circle of shared grief, we would love to meet you.
You can apply to be a volunteer by filling out our volunteer application.
Our next volunteer training weekend is Saturday, September 19, and Sunday, September 20. Please join us!
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Jessica’s House is currently looking for compassionate individuals to join our team as a Group Support Coordinator and a Part-Time Grief Support Facilitator.
If you’re passionate about walking alongside children and families through grief and creating spaces of connection, healing, and hope, we’d love to hear from you.
Apply today through our website at jessicashouse.org/careers
| | Outreach and Community Highlights | | Grief Awareness Day: Come, Sip & Connect | | |
Join CovenantCare Home Health & Hospice, Covenant Living, and
Jessica's House, in recognition of National Grief Awareness Day.
We invite you to pause, connect, and learn more about the grief resources available in our community while enjoying a complimentary specialty coffee at La Mo Cafe, generously provided by EMC Health Foundation.
Monday, August 31
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
La Mo Café, 310 E. Main St., Turlock
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Dine & Donate at
Texas Roadhouse
| We are so grateful to Texas Roadhouse for hosting the Dine to Donate fundraiser and to everyone who came out to support. | | D.A. Wood Construction and Dying Breed | | |
We are over the moon with gratitude for the team at D.A. Wood Construction and Dying Breed Brewery! Their annual cornhole tournament raised $40,000 for Jessica’s House. This wouldn’t be possible without the tremendous show of support from the participants, sponsors, community and all the work that goes on behind the scenes. Thank you for making a lasting impact on our families. We’ll be practicing our tosses, getting ready for next year’s tournament!
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On Friday, September 18th,
$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!
At participating locations:
Turlock
Ceres
Patterson
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