A Voice for the Good: Erin's House for Grieving Children

^{3Rivers is proud to support so many of the non-profit organizations that are committed to making our community a better place to live, work, and play, and we want to help spread the word about the difference they're making in our region. We’ve teamed up with 97.3WMEE to bring you A Voice for the Good, a series in which we feature local organizations on our website in the form of an informative articles as well as on-air segments highlighting the non-profits’ missions.}

This article features Erin’s House for Grieving Children, a local non-profit with a mission dedicated to providing support for children, teens, and their families who have experienced a death.

We talked with Erin’s House to learn more about how their organization is making a difference in our region.

How did Erin’s House come to be? What’s the history/story behind how the organization initially got started?

Erin’s House for Grieving Children was established in 1993 to honor the memory of Erin Farragh, who died in 1989 just before her sixth birthday. Her death left a deep void in the lives of her family and friends. Erin’s parents were able to find grief support groups for themselves but were unable to obtain adequate support for her younger siblings. Her family and community recognized the profound impact grief can have on children and wanted to create a space where young people could process their emotions in a safe, nurturing environment.

Since its founding, Erin’s House has offered children a place to learn how to express their feelings, share their experiences, and reinvest in their lives. In 2024 alone, Erin’s House served over 2,000 individuals in need of grief support, all at no cost. For 32 years, the organization has grown to support children, teens, and families throughout Northeast Indiana, helping young people transform grief into resilience and compassion.

What is the official mission of Erin’s House, and how is it currently being put into play?

Mission Statement: Erin's House provides support for children, teens, and their families who have experienced a death.

We put this mission into action by offering free peer-support programs where children and teens can safely share their feelings with others who understand their grief. Through these programs, participants learn healthy coping skills, gain emotional support, and connect with a community that helps them navigate their grief.

Are there any exciting new developments, updates, or changes that have recently taken place at Erin’s House?

Our new Young Adult Program is in a soft launch with current Erin’s House teens and will soon welcome 18–25-year-olds from across the community. This program gives young adults a safe space to process grief, build community, and strengthen coping skills that fit their stage of life. Together, they’ll connect through games and conversation, share pizza dinners, and find support among peers who truly understand.

Just like all Erin’s House programs, the Young Adult Program is completely free of charge. If you or someone you know is interested in this new grief support for ages 18–25, you can fill out our interest form to receive updates and enrollment details here.

This November, we’ll officially introduce The Wing, our new building designed for this program, during a special Open House. Located just a few steps from our current space, The Wing represents an exciting new chapter, and we can’t wait to celebrate it with the community!

How do you see the mission and vision of Erin’s House evolving in the future in the Northeast Indiana community? Where do you see your organization a year from now, or even five years from now?

Erin’s House will continue to expand its reach while deepening the quality of support provided. Over the next year, we aim to fully launch The Wing’s Young Adult Program for ages 18-25, providing an important next step for teens aging out of traditional programs which were for ages 3-18. Within five years, we envision Erin’s House as a central hub for grief support and training across Northeast Indiana, offering a full spectrum of programs from children to young adults. We will continue engaging community partners, volunteers, and families to ensure every young person who is grieving has access to the support they need.

Could you share a standout story or two that really illustrates the impact of Erin’s House and/or its programs has on those in our community?

We recently had a young boy join us at Camp Good Grief, one of our special programs. He had already completed our 10-week Healing Journey program and knew our staff and volunteers well, but being away from family was still difficult, especially while coping with separation anxiety after the death of his family member. Thanks to the supportive environment at camp, the engaging activities, and the encouragement from peers, he gradually overcame his fears and was able to fully take part in the Erin’s House experience. When tears came, his group offered comfort, and a quick call home gave him reassurance. By the end of the weekend, he shared that it was one of the best experiences he had since his person died, and he even left with new friends to lean on!

How can those interested in your services get the process started or get in touch?

Families interested in Erin’s House programs can learn more by visiting our website and fill out an application. Then, we can schedule an orientation with a tour and assign a program start date. Each evening program night starts at 6:00 p.m. and includes free pizza dinner!

For any other questions about programs, volunteering, donating, or more, give us a call at 260.423.2466 or fill out a Contact Us form on our website.

Are there other local non-profit organizations that Erin’s House works/partners with to enhance their programs?

Erin’s House partners with several local organizations to extend grief support beyond our walls. One key program is the Identity Outreach Program, which brings Erin’s House programming into inner-city organizations such as the Jennings Center and Euell Wilson Center. This allows children who cannot always attend on-site programs to still receive grief support in their own neighborhoods. Without these partnerships, many children and families would not have access to these essential grief services, still provided at no cost.

Are there opportunities for community members to volunteer at Erin’s House—and if so, how can they go about learning more?

Volunteers play a vital role in helping Erin’s House provide a safe, supportive, and fun environment. All our volunteers, from Group Facilitators co-leading groups of activities to House Parents serving pizza, play a critical role in ensuring every participant feels welcomed, supported, and heard. Learn more at our website and if it’s the right role for you, you can go ahead and apply now!

In what other ways can community members support Erin’s House? Do you have any kind of wish lists or are you tied to any donation giveback programs (Kroger Community Rewards, etc.)?

Community members can support Erin’s House through:

• Monetary donations made directly online: ErinsHouse.org/give
• Program supply donations through our Amazon wish list.
• Raising awareness by sharing Erin’s House programs and stories within your networks.
• Joining us at a fundraiser. From Common Bond in the spring with a featured speaker, our new Healing Heart Hustle 5K Run/Walk in September, to the Wine for the Spirit gala in the fall, we’d love to have your support at these local events!

Every contribution helps provide free programs to children, teens, and families who are grieving in Northeast Indiana.

What’s the best way for our readers to learn more about Erin’s House or about getting involved?

The best place to start is our website: ErinsHouse.org. There, you can learn about programs, volunteer opportunities, upcoming events, and ways to donate. It’s all there! You can also connect with us on social media for stories, updates, and community highlights. For personal questions or to discuss involvement, reach out directly through our contact page. We always welcome new supporters and friends ready to make a difference. 

Special thanks to Volunteer Facilitator Sam Rockwell for voicing the Three Rivers Radio Ad for Erin’s House!

Interested in featuring your non-profit on our website and on 97.3WMEE’s A Voice for the Good? Text "VOICE" to 46862! Please note that this may lead you to incur standard text messaging rates or other applicable charges consistent with your wireless carrier/mobile phone plan.