Welcome to Adam’s House
Allison Wysota (Adam’s House Founder) and Paola Benedetto (IAFM Founder) catching up inside the Adam’s House main living room.
Grief is defined as deep sorrow, usually in connection with the passing of someone special or a loved one. We all will have to face grief at some point in our lives. As adults, our age and experience have surely provided us with the tools to process our loss more practically. Yet, that’s not to say that we can, or should, skip the process of grieving. Losing a loved one will hurt every time, and it will leave a void that will never fully be filled. But we can learn to cope and find joy in the memories we hold dear; it can leave behind trauma, which we can learn to navigate in order to heal.
Knowing all of this, how do you think our youth will process their sorrow when they lose someone important to them? Will they at all? Will they hide it to stay strong for you? Will they internalize it and not face it simply because it’s scary, or they don’t truly understand what to make of it?
As parents and caregivers, we are always looking for the best ways to support our children and young family members. Which is why I feel so blessed to have been introduced to Adam’s House.
Adam’s House is a hidden gem, located just off Route 8 (exit 14) in Shelton, CT. It is a renovated 1918 home, which now welcomes children from all over Connecticut—Fairfield County and beyond—into an 8-week grief journey program, at NO COST. (<< Read that last bit again!) Established in 2015, Adam’s House utilized its first couple of years to fundraise and renovate, creating the inviting holistic space it is today. They officially opened their doors to their first group of grieving families in the fall of 2017. While the program is curriculum based, our trained volunteers, lovingly called “Friends in Grief” or FIGs, will customize strategies based on who’s in the group, so they are sure to assist the best way possible. Here, kids will draw support from their peers and gain new strategies for dealing with their loss. Consistency (not just in attendance, but in their peer group which remains the same throughout the course) creates strength, yields stronger bonds and support systems, and ensures a forward-moving program. Kids become accountable to themselves and to each other. They are committed to the program.
THE BEGINNING…
Back in May of 2012, Adam Wysota passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack, leaving behind his wife Allison and three boys, ages 18, 15, and 11. Adam was a beautiful human, and an even better Husband and Dad. When he and Allison met he was an astrophysicist, often the smartest guy in the room, though he’d never make you feel that way. His sense of humor was only bested by his great laugh. Being an avid sports fan (Jets, Mets and Knicks), he brought that passion to coaching his kids’ little league. Allison recalls Adam once telling her that in his entire career, he was most proud of his time coaching his sons and their friends! Mentoring was simply that important to him, so there is no doubt that he is beyond proud of what Adam’s House is doing today.
As Allison searched for services for her young children after Adam’s passing, she realized there was a major gap in how we assist our youth. Utilizing her background (Masters in Communication Disorders and a Bachelor in Early Childhood and Special Education), she decided there had to be a better way to provide support to her kids, and all others processing the loss of a loved one. So, as a family, the Wysota family created a space where kids could not only connect with each other, but also learn to understand their grief and have control of their feelings. Grief education and coaching them through their emotions—as many as they may have—is normal and necessary. It’s the process.
“Knowledge is power. you need to know that you’re doing just fine. You need validation. There is no one way to do grief.”
Adam’s House allows kids to find their way, and grieve through music, expression, and artistic outlooks, to name a few. The environment is home-like, cozy and inviting. As you walk in you are welcomed by a wall filled with pictures of those lost, but never forgotten. Program graduates are celebrated on an Alumni Tree located outside all of the meeting rooms. Comfy couches, art supplies, private reflection spaces, and even a room where you can reflect, leave your lost loved one a message, and feel connected.
“I was that family. I know how hard it is to make that first phone call to get help.”
How can I get started?
Simply call the office or fill out a short form online before booking your appointment. You can also reach Allison directly at allison@adamshousect.org
Adam’s House
241 Coram Ave, Shelton, CT 06484
(203) 513-2808
THE PROGRAM
8 weeks long
Groups are divided by age:
Parent Group
Littles 5-7
Middles 8-12
Teens 13-18
HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED?
Every year, Adam’s House hosts a fundraiser to keep this magnificent programming in action. This year, they are hosting the 5th Annual Dancing with the Stars Fundraiser for Adam’s House at the Fairfield Theater Company (FTC) on Oct 18, 2024 from 7pm - 11pm. This is guaranteed to be an incredible event! Lisa Lampanelli, a devoted supporter of Adam’s House, will be your MC. Tony Dovolani, a Pro Dancer from the Dancing with the Stars TV show and Co-National Dance Director for the Fred Astaire Dance Studios Network is scheduled to be a judge! Not only that, but all local volunteer dancers (participants will be announced in August) will be paired up with a professional dancer from Fred Astaire Studio! A true community event! Don’t miss this great opportunity to not only have a fun night out, but to support such a worthy organization.
Tickets will go on sale in August so STAY TUNED!!!!
Want to be a Sponsor and help spread the word?
What a wonderful organization, founded on trust, honesty and helping children (and their parents) work through devastating loss, to come out the other side as stronger, hope-filled individuals. WIth Adam’s House, kids can manage their grief and feel empowered to take the next step forward with their loved one in their hearts.