In Indiana, 1 in 10 youth will experience the death of a loved one by age 18. Grief impacts every person differently, but children experience it in unique ways, often not having the social-emotional capacity to understand or express their grief, leading them to process their feelings through expressive behaviors or emotions.
Furthermore, grief is not a linear experience. As children grow, their understanding of loss changes, and they may revisit their grief in different ways. Giving young people a dedicated space and the resources to work through those feelings is necessary to their development.
Providing that space is at the core of Erin’s House’s mission, a northeast Fort Wayne children’s grief center located near the intersection of St.Joe Center Road and Maplecrest. Named after Erin Farragh, who died at age 6 from unknown causes. The Junior League of Fort Wayne, led by Tracie Martin, a family friend, founded the program in her memory. Established in 1993, Erin’s House was the first of its kind in the state of Indiana and the 32nd in the nation.
Anna Freels, marketing specialist at Erin’s House for Grieving Children, says this specialized support matters and gives children the opportunity to meet others who understand what they’re going through…