Erin’s House for Grieving Children invites the community to celebrate the grand opening of The Wing.
Erin’s House news release:
Erin’s House invites community to celebrate the Wing Open House on National Children’s Grief Awareness Day
Fort Wayne, Indiana (November 3, 2025) — Erin’s House for Grieving Children invites the community to celebrate the grand opening of The Wing, a new space designed for teens and young adults ages 18–25 who have experienced a death and are looking for support.
The Open House Celebration will take place on Thursday, November 20, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at The Wing, located at 5608 YMCA Park Dr W, Fort Wayne, directly behind the Erin’s House main building. Guests are welcome to tour the space, enjoy light bites and refreshments, and learn about the newest programs created specifically for young adults navigating grief.
The event coincides with National Children’s Grief Awareness Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the impact of grief on young people and the importance of community support.
“What started as a vision in 2019 has now become a reality,” said Debbie Meyer, Executive Director of Erin’s House. “It’s especially meaningful to open The Wing on National Children’s Grief Awareness Day. This space will allow young adults to connect with others who understand their grief and to find hope and healing together. We are deeply grateful to our community for helping bring this dream to life.”
The Wing represents an important expansion of the Erin’s House mission to ensure no young adult has to face grief alone. This new building provides a welcoming, age-appropriate environment for young adults to share their stories, form connections, and build resilience as they move through life after a death. Services for young adults at The Wing have soft launched and the organization is accepting contacts for the interest form when programs open up. All services will continue to be provided at no cost.
“The Wing was designed with young adults in mind,” said Cindy Maldonado-Schaefer, Director of Operations at Erin’s House. “When our programs officially launch, participants will be able to bring a support person with them and connect with others their age who may have gone through a similar death or experience. We’ve intentionally designed and created a space that feels fun and inviting complete with pizza dinners, an epic coffee bar, games and activities, and a lounge area we think the 18-to-25 crowd will really love. It’s all about making sure young adults feel comfortable, supported, and at home while they navigate their grief.”
This Open House event is free, open to the public, and for all ages. All are invited to join Erin’s House in celebrating this new chapter of community support and compassion for youth and young adults who are grieving. Guests are encouraged to wear blue in recognition of National Children’s Grief Awareness Day.
About Erin’s House for Grieving Children
For 32 years, Erin’s House for Grieving Children has delivered programs to help support grieving youth in our regional community. To date, the organization has served more than 32,000 individuals throughout northeast Indiana and northwest Ohio. All Erin’s House services are offered at no cost to families.
Together, we can build hope and heal hearts. Learn more at ErinsHouse.org.