Our story
Born from loss. Built on love.
The Erika Robinson Foundation Corp exists because of one woman whose light was taken too soon — and a family that refused to let that light go out.
In memory of Erika Robinson
A life taken. A legacy begun.
In 2013, we lost our beloved Erika Robinson to gun violence. She was just 26 years old — taken from us in a mass shooting, a senseless act that shattered our family and left a void no words can fill.
But Erika was not defined by how she was taken. She was defined by how she lived. She was a light in every room she entered — warm, generous, and deeply loved by everyone who knew her. At 26, she had already given so much of herself to the people around her.
Erika had a gift for caring. When she could help, she made sure people did not go without. She showed up for her community, for her neighbors, for anyone who needed her. That was simply who she was.
In the wake of that loss, something unexpected happened: our community showed up for us the same way Erika had always shown up for others. Neighbors, friends, and even strangers wrapped us in support, comfort, and care. That outpouring of love carried us through our darkest days.
"We were held by our community in our darkest hour. Now we hold others in theirs.
— The Robinson Family
Why we started
Turning grief into giving.
When we experienced that kind of community support firsthand, we knew we had to find a way to give it back. We asked ourselves: how do we honor Erika's memory in a way that helps others the way we were helped?
The answer was the Erika Robinson Foundation Corp — an organization dedicated to supporting families who have lost loved ones to gun violence, beginning with something tangible, something warm: a grief basket delivered with love.
We started with grief baskets because we believe that in the immediate aftermath of loss, small acts of comfort matter enormously. A weighted blanket. A warm cup of tea. A journal to hold the words that are too hard to say out loud. These are not just items — they are messages that say: you are not alone.
Formerly known as Erika's Dream Team Inc., a Connecticut nonprofit organization.
Our mission
Comfort, community, and healing.
The Erika Robinson Foundation Corp is dedicated to providing comfort and support to families grieving the loss of a loved one to gun violence — and to building a community of healing that honors every life lost.
Compassion first
Every family we serve is met with genuine care, dignity, and respect in their most vulnerable moments.
Community rooted
We were built by community support and we exist to give that same support back — neighbor to neighbor, family to family.
Healing centered
We believe healing is possible. Our programs are designed to create pathways from grief toward growth, connection, and hope.
What we provide
What goes into a grief basket.
Each basket is carefully designed to meet the emotional and practical needs of families grieving the loss of a loved one to gun violence. Every item is chosen with intention — to bring comfort, warmth, and a sense of being held by community.
Weighted throw blanket
A soft, comforting blanket to wrap around you on the hardest days.
Comfort tea and mug
A warm ritual to anchor the mornings and quiet the evenings.
Journal and pen
A private space to hold grief, memories, and the words that are hard to say aloud.
Comfort cookies
A small, sweet reminder that people are thinking of you.
Fresh flowers
Beauty in the midst of sorrow — a gentle reminder that life continues.
Tissues
Because tears are part of healing, and we want you to have what you need.
Local grocery gift card
Practical support for the days when cooking feels impossible.
If you know a family who could benefit from a grief basket, or if you would like to sponsor one, please reach out to us. No family should grieve alone.
Join us in honoring Erika's legacy.
Whether you want to support a grieving family, volunteer your time, or partner with us — there is a place for you in this community.