Roberta's House

07/27/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 27, 2026

Roberta’s House Calls for Sustained Support for Children Affected by Violent Loss

BALTIMORE, MD — Our hearts are with the family of Dominic Rhames, a 42-year-old father and Maryland transit supervisor who was fatally shot on July 20 in Northeast Baltimore. This tragedy is particularly heartbreaking because, according to published reports, Mr. Rhames was killed in front of his youngest daughter.

As a community, we must recognize that homicide affects far more than the individual whose life was taken. Its impact reaches children, families, schools, workplaces, neighborhoods, and future generations. When a child witnesses the violent death of a parent, that child experiences not only a profound loss but also a deeply traumatic disruption of their sense of safety, stability, and trust.

As Roxanne Fuentes, LCSW-C, MSW, RPS, SAP, ACS, Roberta’s House Director of Homicide Survivor Advocacy and Family/Youth Programs, emphasized:

“No child should have to witness the violent death of a parent. Children affected by violent loss need honest, age-appropriate information, reassurance that they are safe and cared for, consistent routines, and trusted adults who will listen without pressuring them to speak. They must also be reminded that what happened was not their fault.”

Grieving children have needs that are distinct from those of adults. They may not have the words to describe what they are feeling, and their grief may emerge through changes in behavior, sleep, school performance, appetite, concentration, or relationships. Some children withdraw, while others express fear, anger, guilt, or confusion. Many revisit the loss throughout their development as they gain a new understanding of what happened and what the death means for their lives.

Support cannot end with the funeral or when public attention moves on. Children may carry the effects of traumatic grief for months or years. Their healing requires patience, stability, trauma-informed care, and a community willing to remain present for as long as needed.

If we are serious about interrupting cycles of trauma and violence, we must ensure that children who experience violent loss are seen, protected, and supported. This includes making grief and trauma services available early, sustaining them over time, and helping caregivers, schools, and community institutions understand how to respond.

On behalf of Roberta’s House, I extend our deepest condolences to Mr. Rhames’ children, family, colleagues, and everyone who loved him. We hold them in our thoughts as they face this unimaginable loss.

H. Alexander Satorie-Robinson, Ed.D., MBA, CPM
Director of External Affairs
Roberta’s House
www.robertashouse.org

About Roberta’s House

Roberta’s House is committed to transforming grief into healing through trauma-informed care for children, adults, and families. Recognizing that unaddressed grief is a silent public health crisis, Roberta’s House provides education, advocacy, peer support, therapeutic services, and community-centered programs that build resilience, restore hope, and help communities heal, grow, and thrive.

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07/27/2026

Sometimes, pain can feel like the last remaining connection to the person we lost. But healing does not mean forgetting, letting go of love, or leaving them behind. It means finding new ways to carry their memory while continuing to live.

If you are grieving a miscarriage, stillbirth, infant loss, or the death of a child, HALO Maryland’s monthly support groups offer a compassionate space to connect with others who understand. You do not have to navigate this journey alone.

Learn more and connect with HALO Maryland: https://halomaryland.org/

07/27/2026

Grief can feel isolating—but you do not have to face it alone. 💜

Registration is now open for Roberta’s House Fall 2026 Peer Support Groups, beginning September 10. Our free, trauma-informed groups provide compassionate spaces where children, teens, adults, and families can connect with others who understand the impact of grief and loss.

Upcoming groups include:

Families Healing Together
A Time of Sharing
Changing the Game
Men of Loyalty and Dignity
Homicide Transformation Project
Rays of Hope
Resilience Circle
HALO Virtual Support Group
Monthly Virtual Drop-In Group

Most groups meet weekly for approximately 10 weeks. Space is limited, and advance registration and an intake are required.

To learn more or register, call 410-235-6633 or email Robin Cash, Family Services Manager, at [email protected].

Learn more: robertashouse.org/peer-support-groups

I care for you. You care for me. We care for each other. 💜

07/27/2026

Sometimes, we can give our very best and still not receive the outcome we hoped for.

Grief often leaves us wondering whether we could have done more. But love does not make us all-powerful, and an outcome we could not change does not erase the value of our care, presence, or efforts.

In my latest reflection, I consider the guilt that can accompany grief, the pain of unrealized hopes, and the courage it takes to continue. You may not have been able to prevent the loss, but your love was not wasted. You may not yet feel healed, but you are not failing.

Read “When You Try Your Best, but You Don’t Succeed”:

https://robertashouse.org/when-you-try-your-best-but-you-dont-succeed/

July 27, 2026When You Try Your Best, but You Don’t SucceedrobertashouseBlog by Dr. H. Alexander Satorie-Robinson Grief often begins at the intersection of love, hope, and helplessness. We do everything we know to do. We show up. We provide care. We make the telephone calls, attend the appointments...

07/08/2026

Too often, we think of overdose prevention as treatment alone. But healing requires more than medical care—it requires connection.

Grief, trauma, and social isolation can leave people feeling disconnected from family, friends, and hope. At Roberta's House, we believe that building supportive relationships and connecting people to compassionate care are essential parts of preventing overdose and supporting long-term recovery.

Our newest blog explores why community connection must be part of Baltimore's overdose response and how programs like HOPELine are helping create pathways to hope and healing.

We invite you to read, share, and join the conversation.

Read the full article here:

https://robertashouse.org/beyond-treatment-why-community-connection-must-be-part-of-baltimores-overdose-response/

Together, we can build a community where no one has to face grief, addiction, or recovery alone.

06/25/2026

🦀🎶 Get ready to dance, dine, and make a difference!

The countdown is on for the 8th Annual Roberta's House Crab Feast, and we're bringing the energy with the one and only DJ Big Kerm spinning all your favorite hits! Whether you're a seasoned line dancer or just ready to hit the dance floor, this is the summer celebration you don't want to miss.

Enjoy:
🦀 All-you-can-eat Maryland crabs
🍗 Delicious buffet favorites
🍺 Open beer & wine bar
🛍️ Vendor Mart
🎁 Door prizes
💃 Nonstop dancing with DJ Big Kerm
❤️ An afternoon of fun supporting the healing work of Roberta's House

📅 Sunday, July 19, 2026
🕐 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
📍 Patapsco Arena

Gather your family, friends, and coworkers and join us for an unforgettable afternoon—all while helping children, families, and communities heal from grief and loss.

🎟️ Get your tickets today: https://robertashouse.org/event/8th-annual-crab-feast-2026/

06/24/2026

What does it take to move beyond simply telling families what to do and instead create the conditions that help them do it?

Our latest article, *Beyond Guidelines: Reframing Safe Sleep Through Community Communication and Care*, explores a critical question facing public health professionals, healthcare providers, policymakers, and community organizations: how do we improve infant safe sleep outcomes by building trust, strengthening communication, and addressing the real-life challenges families face?

Drawing on key themes from the 2026 Maryland Infant Safe Sleep, Equity, and Prevention Summit, the article highlights the importance of community voice, culturally responsive messaging, caregiver support, and cross-sector collaboration in reducing preventable infant deaths. The discussion challenges us to move beyond awareness campaigns and toward approaches grounded in relationships, equity, and care.

I encourage colleagues working in maternal and child health, public health, healthcare, and family support services to read and share.



Read the full article here:

June 24, 2026Beyond Guidelines: Reframing Safe Sleep Through Community, Communication, and CarerobertashouseBlog By Tracy Turner, Ph.D. Ensuring every infant has a safe start remains one of our most urgent, yet preventable, public health priorities. While safe sleep guidelines have been widely estab...

06/18/2026

We're Hiring!

Are you passionate about nonprofit fundraising, communications, and community impact? Roberta's House is seeking a Development and Communications Manager to help advance our mission of providing grief support, healing, and hope to children, families, and communities impacted by loss and trauma.

This leadership role combines fundraising, donor engagement, grants management, marketing, communications, and community outreach. We're looking for a strategic thinker who is also ready to roll up their sleeves and make a difference.

Join a dedicated team working to transform lives through compassionate, trauma-informed support and innovative community programs.

Learn more and apply today:
https://robertashouse.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Dev-Mgr-6.26.pdf

Please share with your networks and help us find our next great team member!

06/15/2026

Please join us in congratulating Mrs. Dorenzer Thomas, MSW-CRCCPA, Youth Services Program Manager at Roberta’s House, on being recognized by the Circuit Court for Baltimore City with the Woman of Impact Award.

This distinguished honor recognizes Dorenzer’s steadfast dedication, selfless service, and unwavering commitment to Baltimore City youth. Through her leadership, advocacy, and compassion, she has helped create safe spaces where young people and families can heal, grow, and thrive.

Dorenzer is an accomplished social worker and youth development professional with extensive experience supporting children, adolescents, and families impacted by grief, trauma, and adversity. As Youth Services Program Manager at Roberta’s House, she leads programs that promote resilience, emotional wellness, and positive youth development while ensuring that young people have access to the support and resources they need to succeed.

This recognition reflects the passion, professionalism, and care she brings to her work every day and the lasting impact she continues to make throughout our community.

We are proud to have Dorenzer Thomas as a member of the Roberta’s House team and grateful for her leadership and commitment to our mission. Please join us in celebrating this well-deserved achievement and congratulating her on this outstanding honor.

06/04/2026