October 2017 Newsletter
OUR HOUSE Happenings
Welcome New Staff!

Michelle Nelson,
Evening Receptionist & Administrative Assistant
Michelle has been a part of the nonprofit sector for nearly ten years, working directly with families and individuals in schools, shelters, and community centers. She recently completed her certification in Nonprofit Management with University of San Diego. Relocated from Texas, she is excited to join the OUR HOUSE team and serve the Los Angeles community. 
OUR Work at the Karsh Center
OUR HOUSE has grown from one to now FIVE groups at the Karsh Family Social Service Center in Koreatown! We're recruiting volunteers and offering grief support East of the 405. Learn more  here.
What People Are Saying About Us!
From a
Camp Erin-LA Mom: 
"Amazing!! I am beyond grateful for this priceless experience for my son. I do not know anywhere that these kids could go to and talk about so much grief and feel so happy. It is a paradox but true. When you think of how these kids are forever affected by their loss (and) you see the strength and hope in their spirit and faces, you know they will be okay after all. The way grief is processed here is absolutely remarkable. Thank you forever!"
Donate Leftover Halloween Candy!
OUR moments of sweetness rely on your generosity.  Thank you in advance for making OUR offices sweeter with your leftover candy donations.
Mark Your Calendar
-November 17

-January 20, 27 & Feb 3, 2018

Run for Hope
-April 29, 2018

OUR HOUSE will be celebrating OUR 
25th Anniversary 
in 2018!
Volunteer Opportunities
Adult Group Leader Training
3 Saturdays: January 20, 27, & Feb 3, 2018

Children & Teen Group Leader Training
3 Saturdays & 1 Wednesday: Jan 20, 27,  Feb 3, & Feb 7, 2018
Night for Hope on November 17!
Join OUR young professionals, the Associate Board, at their annual comedy event raising awareness and funds for grief support services. Last year's event raised over $40,000 and featured special guest Melissa Rivers, and bits from Bob Saget along with other noteworthy LA comedians.  Sponsorships & tickets available here .
When National Tragedies Strike
OUR HOUSE holds in our hearts and minds the victims and all those affected by the tragic shooting in Las Vegas this past month.  We continue our work to spread hope and healing while the nation mourns and reacts to this and every senseless act of violence.

Click here to read a letter from OUR Executive Director, Michele Prince, about our role in light of this national tragedy.
Día de Los Muertos
OUR Spanish              Satellite Program's    volunteers and          interns are actively    preparing for the        Hollywood Forever    Cemetery's Día de      Los Muertos festival    on  October 28th.  
  OUR HOUSE will        participate in this      18th annual festival to spread awareness about the agency, grief support, and our services.
To learn more about this event, click  here .
National Children's Grief Awareness Day on November 15
In the United States, 1 in 20 children experience the death of a parent by age 15.  November 15 marks Children's Grief Awareness Day, a national campaign to ensure grieving children and teens don't grieve alone.   Spread the message with a HOPE butterfly at our West LA & Woodland Hills offices. Together we can show grieving children that they're not alone. 
Save the Date for #GivingTuesday on November 28

On Tuesday, November 28, 2017, millions of people will demonstrate our common capacity to give.  Every act of generosity counts, and each means more when we give together.  This #GivingTuesday, j oin us and donate to OUR HOUSE. 
Melissa Rivers Hosted Salon About School Based-Program
Thank you to OH Ambassador Melissa Rivers who hosted the Fall School-Based Program S alon which raised over $14,000 and awareness of free grief support in schools throughout LA County.
After participating in an OUR HOUSE group, students are better able to concentrate and perform in school.  
$22,000 Raised at First Annual Valley Advisory Board Salon!
On Sunday September 24, the Valley Advisory Board hosted a magical evening under the stars at Rancho Amor, a gorgeous 1930's estate in Encino, generously offered  by owners, VAB member Penny Alpert and her husband, Glen. Three alumni of various ages spoke of their personal grief experiences  and the impact OUR HOUSE programs made in their lives: Ben Mitsevich, Troy Gabrielson, and Ellis Sorkin. We are so very grateful to our speakers and all of the VAB committee members, staff and generous guests who made all of this possible.