Jessica’s House open to honor children’s grief day

Jessica’s House, a grief-support center for kids, will hold an open house on National Children’s Grief Awareness Day, Nov. 17.

The event will include light breakfast fare and an espresso bar, from 7 to 10 a.m. at the center, 741 E. Main St., Turlock.

One in seven people experience the loss of a parent or sibling before age 20, notes the center, laying out its role in supporting children who are going through grief to prevent damage to their emotional health and behavior.

Participants express themselves through art and play, meeting others suffering a similar loss to counter the common sense of isolation children feel after a death. It also helps them find coping skills and comfort with others who understand.

The nonprofit center provides support to local schools, as well as offering a safe place for children, teens and families grieving the death of a loved one, at no cost to participants. Find more at its website, www.jessicashouse.org, by calling 209-250-5395 or via email at info@jessicashouse.org.

This story was originally published November 6, 2016 at 5:23 PM with the headline "Jessica’s House open to honor children’s grief day."