Year-End Giving: Warming the Hearts of Youth
- Erin's House for Grieving Children
- Nov 11
- 3 min read
When our kids’ uncle passed away in an unexpected accident, our world changed in an instant. Our kids were heartbroken and confused, and we felt helpless trying to guide them through such deep grief.
We were all a little nervous the first time we visited Erin’s House, but as we walked around, the kids quickly became excited by all the different rooms and were so excited to come back. Each week in program, they learned new ways to cope and express their emotions. Addison found comfort in art and using crafts as a creative outlet. Cooper and Emily have so much fun at the Erin’s House holiday parties. My husband, Eric, joined the adult group and discovered that he wasn’t alone in grieving his twin brother.
After just one evening, we saw a difference in the kids. Each time they attended, they came home more open and better able to express what they were feeling. When big emotions surfaced, we were able to use the tools they learned to navigate those moments together.
With Erin’s House, our family has been helped in ways we never imagined possible. We thank you for giving us a safe place to grieve, to talk, and to heal together as a family.
- Vanessa
At Erin’s House, we know that life can hand out some tough moments, no matter what age. That’s when we step in to bring hope and warmth back into their days after a death.
This holiday season, we’re setting out to raise $100,000 to provide the necessary resources families who are grieving need, exactly when they need them, and to start the New Year ready to help every child who walks through our doors.
Your donation helps weave together hope and comfort for youth, funding grief programs that provide peer support and activities to help children find independence, strength, and hope after a death. Because of you, children, teens, and young adults can face life’s toughest moments with Erin’s House right by their side.
Your gift, whether one-time or monthly, helps children, teens, young adults, and families find comfort and support throughout the year. Every donation touches the lives of youth in our on-site, camp, and outreach programs, guiding them on their journey with grief.
The Warmth of Community: Tim & Hudson
Erin’s House Family
When my wife first passed, people had told us about Erin’s House. I looked into it but didn’t think it was something we needed at that moment. Then my son, Hudson, started acting out. He was being disrespectful to teachers and mean to friends, which was so unlike him. I think he just didn’t know how to cope with the grief he was feeling. Once we started programs at Erin’s House, I noticed a change almost immediately. His behavior improved, but more importantly, he started opening up and talking about his mom again.
For me, being able to connect with others who’ve lost a partner has been incredibly healing too. There’s comfort in talking about grief, knowing you’re not alone, and that shared understanding makes a world of difference. - Tim
Together, we can help ensure that families facing grief find a comforting and safe place to heal around others just like them.
Your generosity helps us reach even more families, including young adults finding connection and healing through our new program at The Wing.
We need your help to raise $100,000 by December 31. With your support, we can continue wrapping children, teens, and young adults across Northeast Indiana in hope, warmth, and care.
Your donation is tax-deductible and giving before the year end ensures you can include it in your 2025 tax return. Please don’t wait—make your year-end gift today to help us reach our goal!
