Dear Friends of Jessica's House,

November marks Children’s Grief Awareness Month, a time to recognize the unique needs of children who are grieving the loss of someone they love. At Jessica’s House, we know how important it is for children and families to have a safe space to express their feelings and find support, especially as the holiday season approaches.  

The holidays can be a bittersweet time for those grieving—a season of memories, love, and togetherness that also highlights the absence of those no longer with us. At Jessica’s House, we walk alongside families, helping them honor their loved ones while finding ways to cope with difficult days.  

During this season of gratitude, we want to express our heartfelt thanks to our remarkable donors and volunteers. Your generosity and kindness make everything we do possible. Thank you for believing in our mission and for being part of a community that ensures no family grieves alone.  

With heartfelt thanks always,

Erin Nelson

Executive Director, Jessica's House

In recognition of Children's Grief Awareness Month this November, Jessica's House is coming together with other members of the National Alliance for Children’s Grief to "flip the script" on grief. Throughout the month, we are collectively committed to providing essential tools and resources to foster a more grief-informed society. This initiative, created by NACG with support from national childhood grief organizations, Dougy Center, Eluna, Experience Camps, and Judi’s House, seeks to address the common challenges people face when supporting those who are grieving, aiming to replace potentially hurtful statements or silence with action-based responses.

Children's Grief Awareness Month serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of acknowledging and supporting children who are grieving and their families. According to the JAG Institute’s 2024 Childhood Bereavement Estimation Model Report, an alarming statistic underscores the urgency of this effort: 1 in 12 children, or approximately 6.3 million children, in the United States, will experience the death of a parent or sibling by the age of 18. The profound impact of this loss cannot be understated. In 2022 alone, nearly 1,100 children were bereaved every day, emphasizing the need for greater awareness and support for those navigating the complexities of childhood grief. 

Throughout November, we've shared actions we can take to support a young person who is grieving. By fostering a more grief-informed society, we can collectively help alleviate the pain and isolation that children who are grieving often experience. Be sure to follow us on social media to learn more.

Check out the first three episodes of When Grief Comes Home!

• Episode 4 - Honoring Your Grief through Ceremonies and Funerals
• Episode 5 - Grieving through the Holidays

New episodes air every other Tuesday! Please take a moment to write a review and rate our new podcast!

Listen and Subscribe

Grieving During The Holidays

Facing the holidays while grieving can be overwhelming. Allow yourself rest, quiet moments, and the freedom to decline or adjust plans. Talk with your children about traditions they value and how they'd like to honor your loved one.

Ideas include:

• Choosing a meaningful ornament
• Writing memories to create a paper chain
• Lighting a memory candle
• Making a favorite dish
• Writing a letter to place in a stocking

There’s no perfect way to grieve during the holidays. Be kind to yourself and trust your instincts to do what feels right for you and your family.

Materials: Origami paper, my color key (download below), markers, crayons, oil pastels, or colored pencils.

In 2024, we continue to welcome new members to the Heart Circle, our growing community of donors who pledge $1,000 or more annually for up to 5 years. These multi-year commitments ensure we can plan for the future and expand our programs to serve even more families. 

As we approach the end of the year, we invite you to join this incredible giving community or renew your pledge. Every gift makes a lasting impact, helping to turn heartbreak into hope for grieving families. 

This year, we are reopening the Heart Circle wall to honor those who make transformative commitments. Donors pledging at the Indigo level, giving $10,000 or more over five years, will be recognized on the wall with a lasting tribute to their incredible generosity and vision. 

On Giving Tuesday, we pause to reflect on the incredible generosity of our community. Your support—whether through time, resources, or simply spreading awareness—makes a profound difference in the lives of grieving children, teens, young adults, and their families. 

Every shared story, every moment of connection, and every step forward in healing is made possible because of you. Together, we create a safe space where those navigating grief can find hope and understanding. Thank you for believing in the power of compassion and community. You are the heart of this work, and we are profoundly grateful for you.

Self Compassion for the Helper with Jen Johnson

Jen Johnson, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, shared meaningful self-care strategies with our Jessica’s House volunteers and community. Her guidance helps us care for ourselves while continuing to provide a warm, supportive space for grieving families.

Wedding Chicken Drive-Thru Fundraiser at La Mo

We are deeply grateful to La Mo Café for hosting the Wedding Chicken Dinner Drive-Thru and to everyone who purchased a meal in support of Jessica’s House. Your generosity enables us to continue providing a safe and caring space for grieving families.  

A heartfelt thank you to this amazing community for your support—and to the Randy and Mandy Band for adding great music to the event!

Thank you to everyone who joined us at Dean’s Pizza for the Toy Drive supporting Jessica’s House! We’re so grateful for your toy donations and to Dean’s Pizza for donating 20% of pizza orders to Jessica's House. Your generosity brings hope and joy to grieving families.

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