Volunteer Facilitator since 2018
Adrienne has been volunteering with Erin's House since 2018 and always brings a smile to everyone's face. Here's what she has to say about her time at Erin's House and some of her favorite parts about being a volunteer facilitator:
1) Why do you volunteer at Erin's House?
I started volunteering at Erin’s House while I was experiencing my own grief and wanted to find a way to go beyond myself and connect with others. Erin’s House is an incredible place for children and their families, and I am very passionate about walking alongside those who are grieving.
2) What’s your favorite part about volunteering at Erin’s House?
My favorite part about volunteering is watching the kids realize that while their grief and the person who died are unique to them, they are not the only ones who are experiencing a loss. They can sit around a table and say, “My dad died, too,” or “I used to bake cookies with my grandma, too.” I love being able to be silly and release emotions in the Volcano Room or outside. Also, there is a strong community among the volunteers and staff that makes Erin’s House a warm and welcoming place!
3) What have you learned while being here at Erin’s House?
I have learned so much about the grieving process in children, especially among younger ones. Children might work through their grief by sharing memories of their loved ones with their peers or simply listening to others in the group share. However, play is also essential for kids to work through their grief, which they can do by playing grief freeze tag, grief spoons, or a variety of other activities. If the kids worry about talking about their loved one at home because it makes someone else in their family upset or they don’t know how to name their emotions when they pop up in school, Erin’s House provides the space to release, reflect, listen and find support.
4) What is your favorite healing heart activity?
I like doing the popsicle stick questions during group time. We often get a lot of sharing and deep reflection as the kids answer things like “What was the funeral like?” and “What was your favorite activity to do with your person?”
5) What is your favorite room at Erin’s House?
I like the Quiet Room. It allows everyone to take a deep breath, gaze up at the stars on the ceiling, and remember their loved ones.
6) Lastly, what is your favorite event during the program year?
I love the Holiday Gathering in December! It is fun to see the kids with their families have a chance to be together during a season that can be particularly difficult after a death of a loved one. There are so many activities, goodies, and gifts from generous donors!
Erin's House is thankful to have Adrienne on our team of volunteer facilitators. We couldn't keep programs and camps going without the help of these amazing individuals!
If you feel motivated to walk alongside children and teens on their grief journeys as a volunteer group facilitator, we invite you to fill out a volunteer application. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to Ellen Roemke, Director of Volunteers, if you have any additional questions: Ellen@ErinsHouse.org or 260.423.2466.
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