Why Kellie and David Urban Support Valerie’s House: A Message of Hope and Healing

As we close an incredible 2024 and prepare for all that 2025 will bring, we’re reflecting on the remarkable journey of Valerie’s House and the people who have helped shape it into the compassionate community it is today. At Valerie’s House, our mission to support grieving children and families is sustained by the dedication of supporters who believe deeply in our cause.

This year, we’re reaching out to some of those amazing supporters to ask: Why do you support Valerie’s House? Their answers tell the story of how they connect with our mission and why they are inspired to give.

Today, we are honored to highlight one family whose support and generosity have been a true blessing to our community—the Urban family. Kellie and David Urban’s words reflect a profound understanding of what Valerie’s House offers to families on their grief journey. We invite you to read their message, shared directly with us, about why they choose to support Valerie’s House:

“Angela, you and your incredible team are doing something truly remarkable. You’ve created a place that not only helps souls heal but brings happiness and light back into lives that may feel overwhelmed by darkness. We are blessed to know you and to witness the beautiful work you do each day. Thank you for making so many souls whole again.

There’s something profoundly powerful in walking alongside others who have experienced the same heartbreak. It allows for a healing process that is deeper and more profound, grounded in compassion, understanding, and shared resilience. Through Valerie’s House, you offer a path forward that, while never easy, is filled with hope, comfort, and love.

From the bottom of our hearts, we want you to know how much we value and support the beautiful work you do at Valerie’s House. This special place provides not only safety and healing but also a sense of belonging for families facing unimaginable loss. For children and parents who have lost a loved one—a mother, a father, or another cherished family member—Valerie’s House becomes a refuge, where they are surrounded by others who truly understand the journey they are on.

That is why we support the incredible Valerie’s House.

With heartfelt gratitude,
David and Kellie Urban

At Valerie’s House, we are humbled by the love and dedication of the Urban family and so many others who make our work possible. Together, we provide a space where children and families feel understood, safe, and connected. We are grateful for this community of supporters who walk beside us and make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.

Thank you to the Urban family and all who support Valerie’s House. Your kindness and commitment help bring light into lives touched by loss.

#ValeriesHouse #WhyWeSupport #TogetherInGrief

Susie & Phil Bennet See the Value in Valerie's House

Valerie’s House has filled an unmet need in our community by providing a place for grieving children to release their emotions, speak with caring counselors and heal. I lost my own father when I was 25; my husband Phil lost his father a year later. We were old enough to process the grief, but it still hurt. We can only imagine what these children are feeling! That’s why we feel blessed to be able to help Valerie’s HOUse in its mission of no child grieving alone.

-Phil & Susan Bennett

Huseby Family Finds Support with Valerie's House

After Jill, our daughter & loving mother of three, died of brain cancer, we acutely felt the anguish our grandchildren faced. The paucity of programs addressing children who had lost a parent, were few and far between. When we found Valerie’s House, we knew it was the perfect way to honor our daughter’s life in a way that would both fill a need and provide a service of which Jill would be proud.

Valerie’s House was an ideal program for us to support, both financially and through volunteering. We especially love that there are no barriers for any child needing help during this dark time, as grief is not limited to those with financial means. Valerie’s House is free of charge, which necessitates donor support. The program is effective, loving, and given from the hearts of all the staff and volunteers.

While nothing can erase the pain of losing a loved one, Valerie’s House has given us peace knowing that others are being supported and loved during the most difficult and challenging times.

-The Huseby Family

Gerner Family Sponsors Family Welcome Center in New Forever Home

We started supporting Valerie’s House after finding out how many children needed support outside their family members after the death of a loved one. We believe Valerie’s House does a great job of helping them through this period of their lives and making them feel a part of the Valerie’s House family.

Our family is pleased to sponsor the Family Welcome Room in the new Lee County Forever Home.

-Gerner Family

Crowther Roofing Company Donates Roof to New Lee County Forever Home

CFS Roofing President David Crowther and his wife Karen have stepped up and agreed to provide the underlayment and labor to install the shingle and metal roof for the 7,000 – square-foot building.  Shingles for the roof will be provided at no cost by GAF & ABC Roofing. The CFS gift is valued at $15,000.

“Our success provides an opportunity for CFS and its employees to give back to organizations like Valerie’s House through money, skills and time,” Crowther said.

After 30 years in the family business, David Crowther stepped out on his own to open CFS Roofing Services in 2010.  The company is a full service, licensed and insured roofing and sheet metal contractor for both residential and commercial construction in addition to a full service mechanical division.

Recent projects include Cypress Cove at HealthPark in Fort Myers, Cape Coral Fire Station, the new GGG High School in Naples, and the Historic Punta Gorda Train Depot, to name just a few. 

“We are so thankful that David and CFS Roofing have joined our family of donors.  Valerie’s House exists because of the generosity of CFS Roofing and so many others who have made our dream a reality,” said Valerie’s House Founder and CEO Angela Melvin. “This home will always be a place for grieving families to call their own. Regardless of what happens in the future, having this home means no child will ever have to grieve alone in our community.”

A total of $2.5 million has been raised toward the $3 million cost of the new home.  Several room sponsorship opportunities for the community are available.