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IMPACT REPORT
A YEAR APART… TOGETHER
OUR HOUSE was born in 1993 to meet a need. Jack, a young widower with two daughters, was grieving the death of his wife. Our founder Jo-Ann worked at their pre-school and was also a volunteer at the Cedars-Sinai hospice program in Los Angeles. Jack’s need and Jo-Ann’s vision created OUR HOUSE 27 years ago and we’re still growing strong!
2020 started with so much promise. Two months later, we found ourselves caught in a terrifying pandemic that would close our physical doors. All our programs successfully shifted to remote platforms. While we were not directly feeding people or fighting the disease, we were and are today feeding souls and addressing COVID’s inescapable aftermath: GRIEF. We were able to be there for those who needed us because of YOU.
Thanks to Cedars Sinai’s grant for Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, awarded to OUR HOUSE in 2020, our story comes full circle. We are focused on ensuring that every person who needs help to grieve their loved one gets support in a way that is accessible and meaningful to them. Sadly, our original inspiration, Jack, succumbed to COVID-19 in 2020, and we are once again here to support his daughters during this tragic time.
YOU make this work possible. We are thankful for the difference you make – yesterday, today and always.
The OUR HOUSE mission is to provide the community with grief support services, education, resources, and hope. Since 1993, OUR HOUSE has helped thousands of grieving children, teens, and adults as they embark upon their journeys towards hope and healing.
PROGRAMS & SERVICES
GRIEF SUPPPORT GROUPS
Safe places for children, teens and adults to experience grief with other grievers who are similar in their age and the relationship to a loved one who died.
SUMMER CAMPS
Free weekends where children ages 6-17 participate in traditional sleepaway camp activities and form relationships with other grieving children.
PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION
Education for medical and mental health professionals, clergy, teachers and other professionals who work with grievers.
ON-SITE GRIEF RESPONSE
Short-term customized grief guidance and support for organizations after the death of a co-worker, student, or colleague.
“As we transitioned to virtual sessions, the safety transcended the computer and they continued to honor our grief just as if we were at OUR HOUSE in person.”
– Susan, Midlife Group Member
MEETING THE CHALLENGE
23,135
Zoom hours in support of grievers
7,761
Therapists, clergy, school personnel, medical and hospice professionals trained
4,969
Number of people served through On-Site Grief Response and Community Workshops
3,679
Referrals made
“With each griever sharing, my co-facilitator and I could feel and see the support and bonding that was occurring; the power of the connection, care and support was felt through the computer.”
– Steve, Volunteer
OUR VOLUNTEERS
11,325
Hours of service
222
Number of volunteers
= 5.6
Fulltime positions
An estimated value of
$339,184
(based on the CA gov’t rate of $29.95/hour)
83 CENTS
of every dollar goes to direct services
2020 Operating Expense Budget: $2,137,807
2020 Donor and Partner Contributions: $2,250,156
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