Jo-Ann Lautman, OUR HOUSE Founder

"To accomplish great things, We must not only act.
But also dream, Not only plan. But also believe"

The seeds for OUR HOUSE were planted in 1991, and with water, food, sunlight and dreams it grew. We harvested our crops from fields of knowledge and needs and in October 1993 we opened our doors.

On behalf of children, adults, parents, siblings, schools, and doctors in training we provide our community with grief support services, education, resources and hope.

We have made room for new passages in life, with the promise of keeping memories and dreams alive.

From a dream to a reality

We are in our second decade and have moved from the 20th to the 21st century with a strong foundation built on research, trust and commitment. OUR HOUSE continues to stand tall and grow, never moving from our foundation. We are about loss, change, life and the future. We started with 1,000 square feet and we now have two offices with a combined 6,000 square feet.

We were a staff of 2, and now we are 11 plus 193 volunteers. Our clients come from all parts of the city and the valley. They are all races, religions and ages, from 4 to 84. We started with one runner in the marathon and now we have our own Run for Hope with over 500 participants. We have moved and grown. Our children now have a summer Camp to share their grief.

In my 18 years at OUR HOUSE I have made new friends, grown , learned, had personal losses, shared in weddings amongst group members and welcomed new babies...from Death to Life.

We have all been gifted by the knowledge that OUR HOUSE is truly a part of each of us, and with your continued support we will grow and grow. Maybe even become a National organization.....

I will never stop dreaming.

With Love,
Jo-Ann Lautman

The Founder of OUR HOUSE