A message from our Executive Director
Dear Jessica's House Community,
June holds a quieter space at Jessica’s House, a gentle pause between seasons. As our peer support groups conclude and we prepare for our July Summer Sessions, we take time to reflect, regroup, and renew our commitment to the families we serve.
Over the past months, our rooms have been filled with courage: stories shared, connections formed, and small but meaningful moments of healing. This pause is an intentional step back to listen, learn, and strengthen the care we provide.
This month also brings Father’s Day, which can evoke both love and a deep sense of absence. For many in our community, Father's Day is a tender reminder of someone missed. However this day is experienced, we hold it with compassion.
Even as our groups pause, our work continues beyond our walls. This month, members of our team will attend the National Alliance for Children's Grief Symposium in San Antonio, TX, and the Covenant Ministries of Benevolence's Gather conference in Scottsdale, AZ, deepening our learning and connection with others committed to the important work of supporting children and families.
To our volunteers, donors, and partners: as always, thank you for making this work possible.
With warm appreciation,
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Erin Nelson
Executive Director
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The loss of a father or parent can feel especially present on Father’s Day. You may be grieving alongside your child, or carrying your own sense of loss as the absence of your loved one settles into what was once a familiar day. Their absence can feel like a quiet weight, changing the shape of moments that used to feel different.
Grief does not follow the calendar. Days like this can bring it closer to the surface, stirring memories, emotions, and the reality of what has been lost. It is natural for this day to feel heavy, or simply not the same as it once was.
Remember that death ends a life, not a connection. As a family, you might talk about how each person wants to remember your loved one, or you may choose to honor them in quieter, more personal ways. Listening to their favorite music, sharing a memory, or simply holding space for their absence are all meaningful. Choosing to let the day pass with little acknowledgment is also okay.
As you face Father’s Day without your loved one, we recognize the weight of your grief and hold space for all that this day may bring.
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When Grief Comes Home Podcast
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We’re currently on a short podcast break, but you can catch up on Seasons 1 and 2 wherever you listen to podcasts. Stay tuned, Season 3 is coming in September 2026!
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. | | Become a Volunteer at Jessica's House | | |
Have you ever thought about getting involved at Jessica’s House?
Our volunteers are at the heart of what we do—offering support to grieving children and families, showing up for school groups, and helping create spaces where children and families feel seen, heard, and not alone.
The presence you bring can make a lasting difference.
If you feel drawn to this work, we would love to welcome you. We are currently inviting new volunteers to join our upcoming training.
Day 1 Training (6:00 pm–8:30 pm)
August 10
Weekend Training (9:00 am–4:00 pm)
September 19 & 20
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2026 Grief
Education Training:
Supporting Children Who are Grieving
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Our July 2nd grief education training is currently at capacity, and we are now offering a waitlist for those who are still interested in attending.
This in-person training will take place at Jessica’s House on July 2, 2026, from 9:00am–12:00pm. During this time together, we’ll share practical, easy-to-understand tools and support strategies to help make a difficult topic feel a little more manageable.
Topics include:
• Sensory-based expressive activities
• Calming strategies
• Trauma-informed practices
This training is free to attend.
To join the waitlist, please register at the link below.
For questions, please email info@jessicashouse.org or call
(209) 250-5395.
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This summer, we invite principals, school counselors, and social workers to join us for a Tour of the Heart, offered in June and July.
These guided visits offer a chance to spend time in our space, learn more about how we support grieving children, teens, and families, and connect with the work that happens each day at Jessica’s House.
If you’re interested in joining us this summer, we would be glad to have you.
| | Outreach and Community Highlights | | We were honored to be part of this year’s Mayor’s Prayer Luncheon, where Adrienne Gillespie shared about the work we do at Jessica's House in supporting grieving children, teens, and families. This gathering brought together local pastors, ministry leaders, and community members, creating a space for connection and conversation around the role of faith communities in supporting those who are grieving. | | |
We recently had the opportunity to welcome Mountain Valley Regional Center for a Tour of the Heart. We are grateful for these moments of connection and for the chance to share more about our work with the community.
If you are interested in scheduling a Tour of the Heart for your organization or team, we would be glad to have you join us. To schedule a tour, please contact Adrienne at 209-250-5395 or email agillespie@jessicashouse.org
| | Afternoon Tea with Decor Darlings | | |
We enjoyed such a special afternoon at the Dragonfly Tea Room in Modesto celebrating our incredible Décor Darlings.
From beautiful centerpieces to thoughtful seasonal touches, they pour so much care into every detail of our Heart Circle events.
Much of what they create is generously donated, and their contributions help create a warm, welcoming space for everyone who attends. We are so grateful for their creativity, kindness, and the heart they bring to our community.
| | Dine & Donate at Texas Roadhouse | | |
Join us for a simple way to give back.
On Tuesday, July 21st, dine at Texas Roadhouse in Turlock and show our special flyer. A portion of your meal—10%—will be donated directly
to Jessica’s House.
Join us as we gather with family or friends, share a meal, and support grieving children and families in our community.
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