Erin's House: A Legacy Lasting Beyond a Lifetime

By René Robers, JLC President

The Junior League of Cincinnati’s vision statement includes, “Partnerships with the community strengthen our ability to make an impact on the lives of those we serve.” Our President, René Robers , recently received an email that embodied this statement in a very special way.

The note read:

“Thirty-four years ago I was President Elect of the Junior League of Fort Wayne attending the annual ALJI conference where the Junior League of Cincinnati made a presentation about Fernside, a children’s grieving center they’d help establish.

As my friend’s daughter, Erin, had died 6 months earlier, I approached one of the women who presented to learn more about the possibility of opening a center in Fort Wayne. The JLC said, ‘We’ll help you. I’ll give you everything we have.’ And she/JLC did - including introducing me to Rachel Burrell, the founder of Fernside.

I brought the idea of a children’s grieving center back to the JLFW and their response was – “let’s do this!” The League stepped up in a big way initiating a feasibility study. When the study determined that a center for grieving families was a necessity and not just be a luxury for our community, the League donated 3 years of funding and amazing volunteers.

Thirty years ago in September 1993, Erin’s House for Grieving Children opened its doors with Fernside as a major inspiration. This never would have happened if it hadn’t been for the Junior League of Cincinnati doing what we do best – identifying a need, addressing the issue with well trained volunteers (let’s face it – no one runs a meeting better than a Junior Leaguer!) and making change happen.

Today, Erin’s House is thriving with a great slew of volunteers, board, staff and ever-evolving programming. As a 30-year volunteer with the 10-13 year old kids, I see healing happen whenever I facilitate.

So, thank you Junior League of Cincinnati for helping make Fort Wayne a safe place to grieve the death of a loved one. And please know, whenever anyone asks, or I’ve made a presentation about Erin’s House, I have told the story about that AJLI conference so many years ago where the Junior League of Cincinnati gave an impactful presentation and a generous offer to help.

On a personal note, after Erin died, I remember her mom Gail saying she was worried no one would ever remember Erin lived, inhabited this earth for almost 6 years. While there was nothing I could do to take away her family’s pain or reverse the awful tragedy, I/JLFW could do something about making sure everyone knew Erin Farragh lived, her life had meaning and continues to impact this world.

The Junior League of Cincinnati was the beginning of that journey. On this 30th anniversary of the opening of Erin’s House I thank you.

All my very best,

Tracie Martin”

JLC past Presidents from this time, J.J. Wales, Ellie Berghausen, and Saralou Durham, have remained in contact as close friends. They reflected after reading the letter, and shared how heartwarming it is to hear about this legacy: of Erin’s life, and how our work as JLC volunteers, within the network of AJLI and in our local communities, can leave a lasting impact. Barb Coe, then Co-Director of Fernside, gave a presentation about our partnership at the AJLI conference in Toronto, which sparked a personal connection to a JL leader, to leverage the connections and best practices to establish this incredible organization that has provided support for children, teens, and their families who have experienced a death.

“It is so heartwarming to know that an organization that I helped found – all those many years ago! – IS STILL serving those children (and their parents) who grieve the loss,” shared Ellie. “I still can see in my mind’s eye those youngsters as they peeled off their layers of grief, shared their memories, and then bounced around in a room filled with plastic balls -- just kids being kids in a safe place.”

Victoria Ott, MA, LPCC-S | Executive Director, Grief Services of Fenside, shared that it is the second oldest grief center for children, at almost 38 years strong. “We still include the significance of the help Rachel received from the Junior League of Cincinnati when sharing Fernside’s history. To know that our partnership with the JLC was the inspiration behind the creation of Erin’s House is gratifying.” They have shared their gratitude to the JLC for the contributions that have resulted in so many grieving children across the country getting the support they need.

This example of our vision coming to life, through a partnership with the community that has strengthened our ability to make an impact on the lives of those we serve, now has a legacy of 30 years. We are honored that Tracie shared her story, and that our JLC leaders paved the way.

Learn more at erinshouse.org