Valerie's House

Meet StarLord – Our Newest Therapy Dog! StarLord isn’t just a cool name—he’s a retired greyhound racing dog who competed in three states before finding his forever home. Now, at seven years old, he’s traded the racetrack for comforting kids and families at Valerie’s House. A huge thank you to his owner, Lisette, from United Way, for sharing him with us! We’re so grateful for StarLord and all our therapy dogs who bring smiles to those who need them most. Welcome to the team, StarLord! ???? #GrieveLoveHeal #TherapyDog

Kids Helping Kids ?? Huge thanks to the amazing students at Cypress Lake Middle School’s Kiwanis Builders Club! ?? Your kindness, hard work, and passion for giving back mean so much. The meal you prepared for our grieving families was made with love, and they could truly taste it. We’re grateful for your support and can’t wait to work together again! #GrieveLoveHeal #CommunityCares

A Leaf for Her Dad, an Army Veteran Local high school senior Molly took a meaningful step in her grief journey at Valerie’s House. After a year of attending support groups, she was finally ready to write her dad’s name on a leaf and place it on our memory tree—a tribute to the man she loves and misses. “I love this place,” Molly said as she hung the leaf in his honor. Grief isn’t about moving on—it’s about keeping our loved ones close in new ways. Every leaf tells a story, and we’re honored to share Molly’s. ?? #GrieveLoveHeal

Every paver tells a story. ?? At Valerie’s House, we honor our special people in many ways. One of the newest and most meaningful is through customized pavers in our backyard—creating a space filled with love, remembrance, and connection. Recently, we unveiled a special paver for someone dear to the Valerie’s House family—Ray Kershaw from Lennar. Ray and his sister, Sandra, placed a paver in memory of Col. Joshua Camara, Ray’s nephew and Sandra’s godchild. Col. Camara dedicated over 20 years to military service, most recently stationed in Poland, and was still serving when he died. His paver is also the first in our backyard to feature an American flag—an emotional and powerful tribute. Our goal is to one day fill this space with stories of love and remembrance. If you'd like to add a paver in honor of your special person, you can learn more here: https://loom.ly/EOZcTbA. #GrieveLoveHeal #HonorAndRemember #ValeriesHouse

?? "The issue has now reached epidemic proportions." – News-Press Road fatalities are impacting more families than ever. We see the heartbreak firsthand. Read more: https://loom.ly/jnf9ruk. If your family has been affected—Valerie’s House is here for you. You are not alone. ?? #GrieveLoveHeal

?? What’s the song that instantly takes you back to your person? The one that makes you turn up the volume and feel connected—or the one you have to turn off because it’s just too much to hear? Music is woven into our lives—including our grief. In our latest group activity, Grief Album Covers, our kids are exploring the songs and genres that remind them of their special people. The conversations have been powerful, filled with memories, emotions, and connection. Check out their personalized album covers—each one a tribute to the love that never fades. ?? #GrieveLoveHeal #MusicAndMemories

Valerie’s House Charlotte County: Looking Back, Moving Forward ?? Our first-ever Cocktails for a Cause: Sunset Soirée was more than a fundraiser—it was a celebration of how far we’ve come and the future ahead. From hosting support groups in a church in 2019 to opening our own home in Punta Gorda, this community has been with us every step of the way. And at this event, we felt that love more than ever. A highlight? Tera, who is raising four children as her own after they lost both of their parents—her own family members. She and two of her girls shared how Valerie’s House has given them the support they need to heal and connect with others who understand their grief. See the moments that made the night so special: ?? https://loom.ly/XiHYKCU Thank you, Charlotte County—we’re just getting started! ?? #ValeriesHouse #NoChildGrievesAlone

Big thanks to the Fort Myers Police Department! ???? Recently, members of FMPD joined us on group night to talk with our caregivers about bullying and cyberbullying—a topic that, unfortunately, impacts many grieving kids and teens. This was especially meaningful during Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Night. These grandparents have stepped into the role of primary caregivers after a loss, and they truly appreciated the extra support and guidance. We’re also grateful they could join us for the closing circle, where we all come together at the end of the night. It takes a village, and we’re thankful for ours. ?? #GrieveLoveHeal #ThankYouFMPD #ValeriesHouse

People often think Valerie’s House is always sad—but that couldn’t be further from the truth. ?? While grief can be heavy, our kids still get to just be kids. From Jenga battles to punching bags in the Volcano Room to playing outside before group—these moments of connection matter. They remind us that no one should have to grieve alone. Grief is part of their story, but so is joy, friendship, and finding a place where they belong. #GrieveLoveHeal #HealingTogether #LetKidsBeKids

So much love and generosity coming our way! ?? We’re beyond grateful for three special donations that will bring comfort to the kids and teens at Valerie’s House: ?? Rosa Mathews (with a little help from her husband!) donated holiday-themed stuffed animals—she loves shopping after the holidays to find the best deals and give back! ?? First Christian Church, with Connie Hamilton dropping off beautiful handmade teddy bears, ensuring our kids and teens have something to hold onto when they need it most. ?? Pam Simon donated an incredible collection of Beanie Babies, which are already displayed on our Teddy Bear Wall at the Fort Myers Forever Home for kids to take whenever they need extra support on group nights. A huge thank you to everyone who continues to think of Valerie’s House and the grieving children and families we serve. Your kindness makes all the difference. ?? #GrieveLoveHeal #CommunitySupport #ThankYou