Question 1

What if there is a wait between my family’s application and the next program session?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes there may be a short wait between when your family applies and when the next group begins. Erin’s House is not a crisis care provider, and our groups start and end together so families can build trust and support one another throughout the experience. Because of this, we are not able to add new families once a group has started.
Our Phase 1 program, Healing Journey, typically begins January-March and again August-October. If you reach out after a group has already started, we will place your family in the next available session.
We know waiting can feel difficult, and we are always happy to stay in touch, answer questions, and share other programs or resources that may be available while you wait.

Question 2

Does Erin's House have counselors?

Accepted Answer

While we offer groups led by trained facilitators, Erin’s House does not have counselors. We believe in a peer support model where children, teens, young adults, and caregivers can connect with others who truly understand their grief. We also recognize that professional counseling can play an important role in healing. If a family is seeking therapy, we are always happy to connect them with trusted local resources.

Question 3

What can I expect during the orientation (step 3)?

Accepted Answer

During your family’s orientation, we will give your family a personalized tour of Erin’s House, show you our fun program spaces, and share more about the program. You will have time to ask questions and talk with us about your family’s specific needs.
Before you leave, we will choose a Healing Journey start date together. Each family member will receive a free Erin’s House t-shirt, and children and teens can pick out a prize on their way out!
Orientations typically last about one hour.

Question 4

How do you accommodate special needs?

Accepted Answer

We want every child and caregiver to feel comfortable and included at Erin’s House. Youth with special needs are placed in groups based on their developmental level and where they will feel most at ease during their healing.

Question 5

Who can come to the program?

Accepted Answer

After your family completes orientation, everyone who attended is welcome to join the group with consistent attendance. If a family member is not able to attend the initial orientation, that is okay. We simply ask that they schedule their own orientation before the first group night so they can feel comfortable and ready to participate.

Question 6

What can I do if my family has dietary restrictions?

Accepted Answer

We share a family pizza dinner at each program night. If anyone in your family has dietary restrictions or food allergies, please let us know before you start. We are happy to do our best to order something everyone can enjoy from our pizza provider, Pizza Hut. If you would feel more comfortable bringing your own meal, that is absolutely welcome too.

Question 7

What do the teen program groups look like?

Accepted Answer

Our teen groups, usually for ages 14 to 18, meet in their own space called The Wing, the newest addition to Erin’s House. It was created just for teens and young adults, so they have a place that feels comfortable, relaxed, and truly their own.
They share pizza dinner together in The Wing, with plenty of snacks, soda, and even a specialty coffee machine. Program nights include fun activities, creative projects, and time to talk and connect with other teens who understand what they are going through.
Learn more about The Wing here.

Question 8

Do you provide support for pet deaths, divorce of parents, or celebrity deaths?

Accepted Answer

Erin’s House provides support for children, teens, young adults, and families who are grieving the death of a significant person in their lives. At this time, our programs are designed specifically for death related loss, and we do not offer groups for divorce, separation, pet deaths, or celebrity deaths.
If you have questions about a specific situation, we encourage you to reach out. Our team is always happy to talk through your family’s needs and help connect you with additional resources if needed.

Question 9

What happens if I cannot attend my scheduled program night?

Accepted Answer

We know life happens, and we always appreciate you keeping us in the loop.
For Healing Journey, all participating children need to attend the first two program nights to help the group get started together. After that, up to two absences can be excused if you call ahead and let us know. If the first or second night is missed, we will gladly move your family to the next available Healing Journey session so your child can start with their group from the beginning.

For Connecting Hope, the first program night is required for all participating children. If that first night is missed, we will simply reschedule your family for the next available session.

Question 10

What if I feel my family needs more than peer support?

Accepted Answer

While our programs are based on peer support rather than professional counseling, we understand that some families may need additional help. If you are looking for individual or family counseling, we are happy to connect you with trusted local therapists and community resources.
Our goal is to support your family in whatever way is most helpful, and we are always here to talk through your options.

Question 11

Who is Erin?

Accepted Answer

Erin’s House is named in memory of Erin Farragh. Erin was almost six when she died suddenly in her home in Fort Wayne on January 5, 1989.

Question 12

How much do your services cost?

Accepted Answer

There is no fee for any of our services. Erin’s House receives no government funding and relies solely on the generosity of the community, foundations, service clubs, organizations and individual donations. We welcome children regardless of their family’s financial circumstances.

Question 13

What services are available?

Accepted Answer

Erin's House has Peer-Support Program Nights that give children and teens who are grieving the opportunity to be surrounded by others who have also experienced a death. This peer support helps them feel a sense of belonging and respect. To learn more, you can visit our Peer Support Program Nights page under Services.

Question 14

Where are your services available?

Accepted Answer

Our on-site facility is located at 5670 YMCA Park Drive West, Fort Wayne, IN 46835. Community Outreach services are provided at the request of schools all around Northeast Indiana as well as community organizations.

Question 15

Do kids live there?

Accepted Answer

No, although we’re called Erin’s House, no children actually live at Erin’s House. Families attend peer support groups once a week for 10 consecutive weeks. This takes place in the evenings for a few hours with pizza served.

Question 16

Who is eligible for your services?

Accepted Answer

Any child, youth, or young adult ages 3-18 who has experienced the death of a loved one. Parents/guardians are also welcome to attend peer support groups that meet at the same time during program nights.

Question 17

How do I use your services?

Accepted Answer

You will complete the Family Sign-Up form to enroll your child(ren) into our peer-support groups. Once you submit the form, you will receive a call within 3-4 business days from our Family Support Coordinator to schedule a family orientation at our facility.

Question 18

Are your services available in other languages?

Accepted Answer

Yes, programming is also available in Spanish.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What if there is a wait between my family’s application and the next program session?

Does Erin's House have counselors?

What can I expect during the orientation (step 3)?

How do you accommodate special needs?

Who can come to the program?

What can I do if my family has dietary restrictions?

What do the teen program groups look like?

Do you provide support for pet deaths, divorce of parents, or celebrity deaths?

What happens if I cannot attend my scheduled program night?

What if I feel my family needs more than peer support?

Who is Erin?

How much do your services cost?

What services are available?

Where are your services available?

Do kids live there?

Who is eligible for your services?

How do I use your services?

Are your services available in other languages?

The mission of
Erin's House is to provide support for children, teens, and their families who have experienced a death.

STAY CONNECTED

Sign up to get our digital newsletters and other news delivered directly to your inbox.

CONTACT US!

5670 YMCA Park Dr. W.
Fort Wayne, IN 46835

260.423.2466

Info@ErinsHouse.org

Monday - Friday
9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.

Copyright © 2026 Erin's House for Grieving Children | All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy
A 501(c)(3) Organization | Tax ID: 35-1884264

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What if there is a wait between my family’s application and the next program session?

Does Erin's House have counselors?

What can I expect during the orientation (step 3)?

How do you accommodate special needs?

Who can come to the program?

What can I do if my family has dietary restrictions?

What do the teen program groups look like?

Do you provide support for pet deaths, divorce of parents, or celebrity deaths?

What happens if I cannot attend my scheduled program night?

What if I feel my family needs more than peer support?

Who is Erin?

How much do your services cost?

What services are available?

Where are your services available?

Do kids live there?

Who is eligible for your services?

How do I use your services?

Are your services available in other languages?

The mission of Erin's House is to provide support for children, teens, and their families who have experienced a death.

STAY CONNECTED Sign up to get our digital newsletters and other news delivered directly to your inbox.

CONTACT US! 5670 YMCA Park Dr. W. Fort Wayne, IN 46835 260.423.2466 Info@ErinsHouse.org Monday - Friday 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.

Copyright © 2026 Erin's House for Grieving Children | All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy A 501(c)(3) Organization | Tax ID: 35-1884264

The mission of
Erin's House is to provide support for children, teens, and their families who have experienced a death.

STAY CONNECTED

Sign up to get our digital newsletters and other news delivered directly to your inbox.

CONTACT US!

5670 YMCA Park Dr. W.
Fort Wayne, IN 46835

260.423.2466

Info@ErinsHouse.org

Monday - Friday
9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.

Copyright © 2026 Erin's House for Grieving Children | All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy
A 501(c)(3) Organization | Tax ID: 35-1884264