Erin's House provides support for children, teens, and their families who have experienced a death.

All of our services are provided to families at no cost.

 

About Erin's House

Erin’s House works with families to prevent the impact of unprocessed grief. Research has identified a link between experiencing an unresolved death during childhood with poor school performance, alcohol and drug abuse, depression, anxiety, and an increased risk for suicide. On-site and in conjunction with schools and community organizations, Erin’s House provides a safe environment for those who are grieving to learn and develop coping skills as they build hope for their future. All of our services are provided to families at no cost.

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Peer Support Program Nights

Families who have experienced a death are encouraged to enroll in our weekly programs tailored for youth aged 3 to 18. Following an orientation and a facility tour, families are enrolled in Healing Journey, our 10-week program. This program begins in the evening, where families eagerly gather at Erin’s House for pizza before being divided into their respective peer support groups.  

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Groups are...

•     Interactive and filled with age-appropriate activities about their person
•     Facilitated by at least two trained volunteers
•     A safe and intentional setting that promotes shared feelings and memories
•     An inclusive environment divided by developmental age

 

At the same time, caregivers are encouraged to participate in our adult support group which centers on how they can best support their child who is grieving. When continued grief support is needed after Healing Journey, families have the option to register for Connecting Hope, our 4-week program.

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Camps

Participation is open to a wider range than solely Erin’s House families.

  

Teen Retreat
AGES 14 – 18 • SPRING
While expressing and exploring their emotions, teens develop camaraderie, trust, and leadership with peers around them in this one-day retreat.

Camp Good Grief
AGES 8 – 13 • SUMMER
A two-day summer bereavement camp where children foster connections and relationships while enjoying rock climbing, swimming, outdoor water activities, sports, and crafts.

Family Camp
AGES 3 – 18 AND THEIR FAMILIES • FALL
At this overnight camp, families explore their grief journey while learning to adapt to their ‘new normal’ through outdoor adventures, campfire gatherings, and a memorial ceremony.

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School and Community Outreach

Classroom Companions
This 6-week program brings our peer-support services to the classroom for grades K-12. Each week focuses on a different topic encouraging students to explore their feelings and share memories related to their person who died through interactive activities and crafts.

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Crisis Response
Designed to be a one-time program, this service is for schools and community organizations that have been impacted by a death.

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Grief Backpacks
Provided as an additional grief resource for schools to lend to their youth, these backpacks are filled with age-appropriate books, national resources, and other support materials.

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Identity Outreach
Held at local youth centers for kids and teens who live in the central city zip codes and underserved areas of the Fort Wayne community.

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Education & Training

Erin’s House partners with area schools and local organizations to offer a variety of customizable training and resources to educators and professionals who work with children, teens, and families.

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How to Get Involved

Advocate​

You can help children and teens who are grieving by sharing the mission of Erin’s House with their caregivers. Plus, you can sign up with your email for updates on Erin’s House.

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Volunteer

The heart of our organization is the dedicated volunteers. From checking in families and serving pizza to facilitating group programs, hearts are healed when our community gets involved.

 

Gift Giving

The operation of Erin’s House relies completely on the help of in-kind and monetary donations, special events, and fundraising. Through the generosity of our community, we are able to keep our services free of charge to children and families who are grieving. All gifts are tax-deductible.

 

Events

We can’t wait for you to join in on the fundraising fun for our Common Bond event and one-of-a-kind Wine for the Spirit gala. Join us for Lights of Love to memorialize your person during the holiday season.