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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.