Why I Give: Roy Wilson

Donor and Volunteer since 1996 

For over 29 years, just three years after Erin’s House first opened, Roy has been a dedicated Volunteer House Parent and donor. He first got involved in the 1990s when a coworker invited him to volunteer for just one evening. From that moment on, “I was hooked,” Roy recalled. Over the years, Erin’s House has become more than just a place to serve; it’s become Roy’s “family of choice.” With his biological family living in Southern Indiana, Roy says he’s found a deep sense of belonging among the staff, volunteers, and especially the children. 

Roy says the impact Erin’s House has had on his life has been profound. “I always say I get back more than I give,” he shares. Whether it’s seeing a grieving child open up over time or receiving a surprise hug from a former participant at the grocery store, those moments remind him why he gives and why he continues to support Erin’s House. 

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Q: Do you remember how you first heard about Erin’s House? 

A: Oh, my goodness—yes, it was back in 1996. One of my coworkers invited me to come volunteer with her and her son, who needed high school community service hours. I had never heard of Erin’s House, but I decided to tag along one evening and I was hooked from that very first night. I hadn’t lived in Fort Wayne long and was looking for ways to meet people and get involved in the community. Erin’s House ended up being the perfect place for that. 

Q: What drew you to want to stay involved, both volunteering and donating? 

A: First, it’s the kids. I just love them. They’re incredible, and it’s impossible not to bond with them. Second, it’s the staff. Everyone is so positive, devoted, and genuinely care about the children and families. Over the years, they’ve become like family to me. And third, it’s the volunteers; especially the House Parents like myself. There’s a deep sense of connection among us, and many of them have even experienced Erin’s House as families themselves. Being surrounded by such caring, like-minded people makes it feel like home. I live alone and have family down in southern Indiana, so this community has truly become my family of choice. 

Q: What's a moment with Erin's House that really stands out to you? 

A: Hearing families’ stories and seeing the impact; it’s powerful. One experience that really stuck with me happened just a couple months ago at Sam’s Club. I was shopping, and suddenly felt something around my leg. It was one of the girls I had gotten close with at Erin’s House. She just saw me, ran over, and hugged me! We had bonded over little things like making sure she got her special gluten-free pizza at program, and it meant so much to her. Her mom told me later that she talks about me all the time. Moments like that remind me why I’m involved with Erin’s House. I always say, I get back way more than I give. 

Q: Why did you decide to start donating to Erin’s House?  

A: I believe so deeply in the mission, I know it’s run with care and integrity, and I can truly see the difference my donation makes. I would tell anyone considering a gift: you won’t find a more meaningful or deserving organization to support. The impact is real and long-lasting. 

Q: What do you wish more people knew about Erin’s House? 

A: I wish more people knew about the positive impact of Erin’s House. I think the organization does a good job of getting their name out there, but if more people really understood what happens here—how the kids grow, how their spirits lift week after week—I think more people would want to be involved, whether as donors or volunteers. I’ve seen kids come in shy, quiet, and overwhelmed with grief, and then transform into confident, smiling kids again. That growth is what it’s all about. Erin’s House is 100% committed to these children, and it shows in everything they do.