Jessica’s House is leading local efforts to recognize a national awareness campaign to educate, equip and honor grieving children and their loved ones who have died.

Children’s Grief Awareness Day will be observed across the country on Nov. 19. Locally, Jessica’s House is coordinating a virtual recognition by inviting the community to color ‘HOPE the Butterfly’ and wear blue on the nationally designated day. 

“This is a day to be intentional in thinking about the impact that a death has on children and the benefits of support for grieving children,” said Erin Nelson, executive director of Jessica’s House, a grief support program for children, teens, young adults and their families. “Before they graduate from high school, one child out of every 20 children will have a parent die. That number doesn't include those who experience the death of a brother or sister, a close grandparent an aunt or uncle, or friend.”

In observation of Children’s Grief Awareness Day, the community is invited to show their support by coloring and sharing ‘HOPE the Butterfly.’ This complimentary coloring page can be downloaded at https://www.jessicashouse.org/events. The coloring page can be dedicated in memory of a person who died or in honor of a child or adult who is grieving.

“We invite you to color and then snap a digital photo or have a close-up photo taken of you holding your butterfly page,” said Nelson. “Then, post your photo and tag @JessicasHouse with the hashtag #ChildGriefDay and #JessicasHouseHope.”

Individuals are also encouraged to join Jessica’s House staff and others across the country in wearing blue on Nov. 19. “Then post a photo of you in blue and tag @JessicasHouse with the hashtag #ChildGriefDay.”

To learn more about grief support for children, teens, young adults and their families, visit jessicashouse.org.