We’re thrilled to introduce Four Questions with Friends of Valerie’s House, a new series that gives an inside look at the inspiring people who support our mission. Each segment highlights personal stories, connections to grief, and uplifting memories with Valerie’s House.
Read MoreValerie’s House recently held a special Prince & Princess Party at our Fort Myers Family is Forever Home, creating a night filled with joy, laughter, and magical memories for grieving children and families in Southwest Florida. This enchanted evening allowed our kids to feel truly special, celebrating childhood while being surrounded by a caring community. Thanks to our wonderful sponsors and donors, every detail—from crafts to treats—helped make this a magical experience.
Read MoreValerie's House is thrilled to announce that our Founder and CEO, Angela Melvin, has received the prestigious 2024 “Nonprofit Leader of the Year” award from The Community Foundation of Southwest Florida! At the same awards ceremony, our Board Chair, Mike McMurray, was honored as “Board Member of the Year,” recognizing their exceptional leadership and dedication to supporting grieving families in Southwest Florida.
Read MoreThe Calusa Sportsman Foundation has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to the children and families of Southwest Florida, raising an extraordinary $177,000 at the fourth annual Inshore Benefit held on September 6-7, 2024. This event, hosted at The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village, benefited both Valerie’s House and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County, helping these organizations continue their missions of providing essential services to children and families in need.
Read MoreAt Valerie’s House, we understand that grief is a deeply personal journey, and the ways people remember lost loved ones vary greatly. One meaningful way many express their love and remembrance is through memorial tattoos. In our Tattooed Grief episode of the Grieve Love Heal podcast, part of Season 3, we explore the powerful impact of grief-inspired tattoos as symbols of love, loss, and resilience.
Read MoreValerie’s House is thrilled to celebrate several of our key supporters being recognized as finalists in the 2024 Industry Appreciation Awards! This prestigious event, hosted by the Horizon Foundation, Horizon Council, and Lee County Economic Development Office, honors local businesses that contribute to the growth and success of Lee County.
Read MoreWe are honored to announce that Valerie’s House has received the Governor’s Faith and Community Initiative Certificate of Recognition, acknowledging our commitment to supporting vulnerable children and families across Florida.
Read MoreAt Valerie’s House, Omar and Rebecca Zucco are making a profound impact as group facilitators, helping grieving families find support and healing. Their shared commitment to the mission of Valerie’s House reflects the power of connection and the importance of grief counseling for both children and caregivers.
Read MoreGrief is a powerful journey, and for Heather Tharpe Moorhead and Hailey Tharpe, their world changed forever when they lost their beloved husband and father, Matt, to a sudden heart attack in 2014. Hailey was just six years old at the time, and their lives were turned upside down. Seeking grief support, they found hope at Valerie’s House, a children’s grief center that provides emotional healing for grieving families.
Read MoreAt Valerie’s House, healing and helping go hand in hand. One person who truly embodies this belief is Janette L'Heureux, President of the Fort Myers Chapter of the Ladies Executive Golf Society (#LEGS). After the loss of her son, Josh, Janette found her own healing through volunteering at Valerie’s House, supporting grieving families in Southwest Florida.
Read MoreIn October 2024, Valerie's House will unveil a new Heart Memorial at the Fort Myers Family is Forever Home. This unique memorial, designed by Marcy Turner, serves as a powerful tribute to those we've lost and offers grieving families a way to honor their loved ones.
Read MoreThe highlight of the weekend wasn’t just about reeling in fish. It was about the connections formed and the community that came together. As the sun set, participants gathered for the Awards Dinner to celebrate the day’s successes and honor the event’s mission to give back. The live auction and festivities provided additional opportunities to contribute to Valerie’s House and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County, with the funds directly supporting our efforts to help children heal.
Read MoreValerie’s House was honored to be one of the beneficiaries of the 2024 Calusa Sportsman Foundation Inshore Benefit, a weekend filled with incredible memories. One standout moment was when several of our teens had the opportunity to fish with world-renowned Captain James Marko, also known as Goliath Fishing. With a large social media following and his own ESPN show, Captain James is a household name in the fishing community.
Read MoreOn Friday, August 30th, Lennar presented Valerie’s House with a $50,000 donation, continuing their incredible support for grieving families in Southwest Florida. Lennar has been a major partner in making our Family is Forever Fort Myers Home a reality, and their contribution is helping us expand our programs and services.
Read MoreDiscover how Valerie’s House helped Aniyah Celestine find purpose after the loss of her mother. Aniyah’s story of resilience and her journey to become a nurse anesthetist is a powerful testament to the healing and support provided by Valerie’s House.
Read MoreDiscover a heartwarming art exhibit at the Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples, showcasing artwork created by children from Valerie’s House as they express their grief, memories, and hope for the future. Visit before the display ends in 2024.
Read MoreLosing a child is a heartbreaking experience, one that leaves parents grappling with immense grief. For many grandparents in Southwest Florida, this sorrow is deepened by the responsibility of stepping into a parenting role once more, raising their grandchildren. While this new reality brings its own challenges, it also reveals a remarkable strength and resilience that these grandparents possess. With the right support, they can find new hope and purpose in their roles.
Read MoreI'm in an all-moms group. And I remember leaving the first meeting of that group and kind of taking an exhale. When you're going through grief, those are really great moments because you're always feeling like you're holding your breath. I just remember going (breathes out)... And I remember thinking, ‘Oh my goodness, these are people who are having the same thoughts on a daily basis, moment to moment, that I’m having.
Read More"I can say that I was very scared three years ago", explained Hayden. "I felt very alone. And now – I'm not scared. I know that I'm not the only person going through this. I have a lot of friends who have gone through very similar things. And I'm a lot stronger."
Read MoreBefore my dad passed away, I would hope and look for those moments (rare at times) when I actually got to spend time with my dad. Just him and me… no bratty brother stealing his attention from me. It was just he and I. It was the same experience with my mom. Time was so awesome when It was just she and I. There was nothing that would make me feel more like I belonged.
Read MoreValerie's House provide grief support programs and services for children in Southwest Florida. No child should grieve alone.
VALERIE’S HOUSE, INC.
Fort Myers • Naples • Charlotte County • Pensacola
Phone 239-204-5804
Valerie’s House is a 501(c)3 charitable organization, registration # CH46827. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. For more information, contact the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs at 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) or visit www.freshfromflorida.com.
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