A place were children and teens can receive support after the death of a loved one.
The death of a loved one can be a life changing experience. Certainly adults are confused by all of the emotions going on after this happens. Adults can be traumatized by a death, but sometimes children have an even harder time comprehending it. Judi’s House gives the opportunity for children ages 3-18 to participate with other people who have had similar experiences of their own.
Judi’s House is located in 1741 Gaylord St, and is open to all families in need of help with grief. The well-trained volunteers and specialist who work in the house provide specialized counseling to those who need it. “The house provides grief counselors, grief groups, and many different activities and programs which help the children to be emotionally safe,” said Jason Stout, one of the coordinators in the House.
They have age appropriate settings for the children, and optional weekly meeting groups for any parents or guardians willing to join in. Here children and their families learn that hope and healing are still possible after a life changing event such as the death of a loved one. “When my dad died, I felt like I had no one to talk to. It’s very hard to express emotions at a young age, and life changing events like this one can be traumatizing for many children and their families,” said Stout who, as a little boy, experienced the death of his father. The environment of acceptance is what makes Judi’s House special. There the children can truly share their emotions with others. “Keeping emotions bottled in is what hurts after the death of a loved one. Sharing your feelings and your experience is a good way to let all of the emotion out,” said Mary Aynnes, a volunteer at the House.
The founder of Judi’s House, NFL Quarterback Brian Griese, decided to start this organization in memory of his mother, who died when he was only 12 years old. He believed that through the support of the community, “Judi’s House would bring into focus a vision of a community where no child is left alone in their grief.” The people who work at Judi’s try to create an environment were children and adults can freely share their experiences with loss. “We want to have a place where we can make grief a little bit better. Losing someone is extremely hard, but grief should be dealt with in the appropriate environment,” said Stout.
Since the opening of the house in 2002, more than 2000 children and their guardians have participated in the activities provided by the helpful organization.
All services are provided for free to the families who participate. The families are encouraged to make donations, but they are not discharged if they cannot contribute. “We don’t deny help to anyone. All of our group projects and the activities we do are just to help the children and their families. Most of our help comes from volunteers and corporations like Omega Marketing. Without them we wouldn’t be able to make Judi’s House happen,” said Stout.
Judi’s House provides a feeling of acceptance for anyone who has ever lost a special someone. “Overall, everyone here is taught that the time it takes to heal is different for everyone, and that we are here to help with this process,” says Aynnes.
For anyone suffering the death of a loved one, Judi’s House is just a phone call away. They provide scheduling for their activities by calling 720-941-0331 or sending an email through their website at Judishouse.org. For those who are interested in volunteering, you can download an application online and mail it to their offices. They also have many other ways in which to donate money, or things that will be useful to the children in the house.
