In conjunction with Children’s Grief Awareness Day, Jessica’s House will host an open house to share with the public how they help children and families through their grief.

Children’s Grief Awareness Day is recognized across the country on Thursday. It is designed to help people become more aware of the needs of grieving children and the benefits they obtain though the support of others. People show their support by wearing blue and sharing messages of hope.

Jessica’s House is a grief support program for children, teens, young adults and their families. The facility gives them a place to come together and express their grief with others who have had similar experiences. The open house is open to the public. Attendants are welcome to tour the building and take part in activities.

“Jessica’s House is based on the model of peer support,” explains Erin Nelson, the executive director of Jessica’s House. “It creates a safe place where children learn they are not alone in their experience.”

Jessica’s House is named in memory of Jessica Everett, who was born April 5, 1995 in Turlock, to Michael and Danielle Everett. She was diagnosed with leukemia at the age of six and died in 2004, at the age of nine. Throughout her illness she showed compassion for families dealing with loss and other children dealing with illness.

The open house will be from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday at 741 E. Main Street.