Dear Friends and Supporters,

As we move through June, our thoughts remain with the families we serve, especially during difficult summer days. Summer often brings the pain of loss on days like Father's Day for those who have lost a dad, and we see this reflected in our parent loss support groups, where children, teens, and young adults gather to process the loss of their fathers. These young people are at the center of our mission, and we remain committed to walking alongside them for as long as they need our support.

We're grateful to share the completion of first season of our podcast, When Grief Comes Home. Over these past months, we've heard from parents who are finding hope through this ministry. This past season explored topics from the intricate nature of grief to the profound experience of losing a child. The response from listeners is inspirational, and we're currently recording season 2 featuring special guests which will launch this September.

June brought an incredible opportunity for professional growth when six team members and I attended the National Alliance for Children's Grief (NACG) annual Symposium in Kansas City, Missouri. These few days were filled with learning as we connected with fellow professionals from across the nation and around the world who share in this meaningful work. The knowledge and connections we gained will directly benefit the families we serve.

As summer continues, we're grateful for your ongoing support and the trust you place in our mission. Together, we're making a difference in the lives of grieving children and families in our community.

Always,

Erin Nelson

Executive Director, Jessica's House

Summer Grief

As the school year ends and summer begins, the sunny season can bring mixed emotions for many families and children experiencing grief. A new season can uncover new aspects of your loss, which might make bright days feel darker. Summer traditions like camping trips, family barbecues, days at the beach, and 4th of July celebrations can often bring difficult reminders of loved ones no longer with us. The additional lack of a structured school day might be difficult for grieving families but can also provide some relief.

As you face this summer without them, reflect on what traits, habits or activities they enjoyed during this season. Perhaps slower days give you a chance to journal your grief and what you miss about them. If they enjoyed gardening, maybe plant or tend to a garden in their honor. Curate and listen to a playlist of their favorite songs, or share memories around a campfire. Remember, there is no right or wrong way to experience these warmer days as you grieve your loss.

Join us for a Tour of the Heart

Experience our space where grieving children and families are met with care and connection-at not cost to them, thanks to the generosity of our Heart Circle donor community. During your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to:

Engage in hands-on learning about our program

Explore our comforting therapeutic spaces

Take home free grief support resources

Interested in a tour? Click the link below to sign up. 

We’re so grateful to everyone who listened, shared, and reviewed When Grief Comes Home over the past several months.

Season 1 is now complete!

We’ll be back in September with Season 2 with special guest appearances and we can’t wait to continue these meaningful conversations. 

Catch up on our latest episodes:

• Episode 20 - Grief and Belief - Part 2
• Episode 21 - The Weather of Your Grief

Please take a moment to write a written review and rate our podcast! Your reviews help put this podcast in the hands of those who need it most.

Listen, review and subscribe

Art Activity: Color of my Heart

Materials: Heart Template and oil pastels

Priming:

You can feel more than one emotion at the same time. You could feel sad that your person is gone, but also happy about something fun you are looking forward to. No feeling is wrong or bad, but sometimes it’s hard to understand them.

• How have your feelings changed since your person died?
• What types of feelings do you feel now that you didn’t feel before they died?
• What types of feelings do you still feel that you felt before they died?



Directions:

• Use pastels to color your heart with all your different feelings.
• You can create a color key on the front or back explaining what each color represents.
• Discuss the emotions you included on your heart and share what helps you when your emotions feel overwhelming.

Learning, Growing, and Connecting at the

 NACG Symposium

Six of our team members recently traveled to Kansas City, MO for the National Alliance for Children's Grief (NACG) Symposium. Over three days of sessions and workshops, we deepened our knowledge, gained fresh perspectives, and connected with peers from across the country. We returned energized and full of ideas to strengthen our work with grieving children, teens, young adults, and families. We’re excited to put that learning into action. 

A Sweet Morning at Jessica's House

Our Young Professional Council recently hosted a family-friendly Coffee & Donuts event to welcome new faces into Jessica’s House.

While kids played and enjoyed fun activities, parents toured our space, met staff, and learned more about the heart behind our mission.

We're so grateful to this group of dedicated Heart Circle donors for creating a space where connection, curiosity, and community could thrive. 

Gratitude for the Turlock Garden Club 

We’re so grateful for the ongoing support of the Turlock Garden Club! These amazing ladies generously volunteer their time and expertise to care for our therapeutic garden, refreshing flower beds, planting seasonal color, and helping us create a peaceful, welcoming space for families. Their work helps ensure that our garden continues to be a place of beauty, calm, and quiet reflection for all who visit. Thank you for helping us grow so much more than plants! 

Community Baby Shower

Jessica’s House was honored to participate in a large community baby shower sponsored by First 5 of Merced County and New Faith Tabernacle Church. The event, held at the Boys and Girls Club in Merced, aimed to raise awareness about birth disparities and promote community resources for parents and children.

It was a day to celebrate expectant and new parents. 

Dine to Donate – July 8 at Texas Roadhouse!

Join us for a delicious way to give back!

On Monday, July 8, dine at Texas Roadhouse in Turlock and show our special flyer.

10% of your meal’s proceeds will go directly to Jessica’s House. Bring your family, invite your friends, and enjoy a great dinner while supporting grieving children and families in our community. It’s a win-win! 

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