Leaving Your Mark at Valerie’s House — A Growing Mural of Healing

Something beautiful is growing at the Fort Myers Family is Forever Home. Thanks to a talented professional artist who wishes to remain anonymous, we now have a stunning mural near the basketball courts that symbolizes growth, healing, and connection.

The mural features vibrant trees and plants waiting to bloom. But the most special part of this project is that our Valerie’s House kids and teens are adding their handprints as leaves and flowers on the mural, symbolizing their time and growth here. Each handprint tells a story—a lasting reminder of the connections they’ve built and the healing they’re experiencing.

The artist behind the mural is no stranger to Valerie’s House. She has completed several art projects throughout the home, including the inspiring words "hope" in the Hope Room and "not alone" in the Not Alone Room. Her work is a quiet yet powerful presence that helps shape the comforting environment we strive to create.

If your child or teen hasn’t placed their handprint yet, don’t worry—we’re planning more group nights so that every child and teen can leave their mark on this special wall. This is more than just an art project; it’s a living, growing mural that reflects how the connections made at Valerie’s House blossom into something powerful and lasting.

This mural is a symbol of hope, growth, and community—a testament to the healing that happens here every day. Thank you to the families and kids who are making this project so meaningful and to the artist whose creativity and compassion brought it to life.

At Valerie’s House, no child grieves alone—and this mural is proof of that truth.