STORY: From Hesitant to Hopeful

When new families first connect with Erin’s House, they are welcomed into our facility for a one-on-one tour and orientation. Leading these introductions is one of my favorite parts of the job because I get to witness a transformation in just a single hour. Families often arrive overwhelmed and heavy with emotion. Older children especially may feel reluctant, unsure, or even uninterested in talking about “grief” or “feelings.” For many, talking about their feelings at Erin’s House is the last thing they want to do.

That’s why I tell the guardians of the children, “If you can just get them through the door, I’ll take it from there.” And once the kids see the bright and inviting spaces, the fun activity rooms, and are met with the warm smiles of our staff, something shifts. A hesitant “Do we have to go?” turns into an eager “So... can we come back tomorrow?” That spark of hope and joy is what makes all the difference and is also what carries me through the hardest moments with our families. 

- Emily Mock, Director of Family Services