The mission of Valerie’s House is to help children and families work through the loss of a loved one together and go on to live fulfilling lives. Our vision is that No Child Will Grieve Alone.
Watch a walk-through of the Valerie’s House Family is Forever Home
With locations in Fort Myers, Naples, Charlotte County, and Pensacola, Valerie’s House is a special place where children connect with one another and learn the tools to heal after they have experienced the death of someone they love.
At Valerie's House, children know others their age, and they learn that loss doesn't have to limit their dreams. In addition to our dedicated staff, many of our volunteers have lived this journey and are here to help you and your children find hope.
All of our resources go directly to providing children and their families a safe place to share, grieve, and grow. Hear from some of our families here.
Join Us for National Children’s Grief Awareness Month: Let’s #FlipTheScript Together
This National Children’s Grief Awareness Month, Valerie’s House invites you to join us in “flipping the script” on how we support grieving children. In Southwest Florida alone, the number of grieving kids could fill Hertz Arena four times over. Our Founder & CEO, Angela Melvin, shares why it’s crucial to walk alongside children in their grief and how small actions make a big difference. Follow us on social media as we share impactful tips from the National Alliance for Children’s Grief throughout the month. Together, let’s #FlipTheScript and help every grieving child feel understood and supported.
HELP AND HEALING ARE HERE
At Valerie's House, our children meet other children like them, and they create strong bonds as they begin to heal together and learn loss doesn't have to limit their dreams.
Hear from 11 -year-old Ryan on why he loves to attend Valerie’s House
Valerie's House programs also support parents and caregivers as they cope with the loss of a spouse or child. We provide our group support programs at no cost to your family.
At Valerie's House, children can enter our program one day, one year, or even ten years after their loss.
If your child needs Valerie's House grief support program, you are in the right place.
Please go here to learn more.
“I love to tell everyone how much Valerie’s House has helped us through this time. I felt so alone in my grief journey, but ever since I joined you guys, I feel like I can do this, and hopefully be stronger one day again. ”
THE STORY OF VALERIE'S HOUSE
Valerie’s House is named after Valerie Melvin, a nurse and a mother of two, who was killed in a car accident in Fort Myers in 1987. There were very few resources for Valerie’s family then, and grief support resources are still limited today. That is until Valerie’s oldest daughter, Angela, was inspired to bring this mission to grieving children and their families in Southwest Florida. Learn more>>
Valerie’s House on Nationally Aired
LIVE with Kelly Ripa & Ryan Seacrest Show
Valerie’s House is the only organization of its kind in the Southwest and Northwest Florida regions with the sole mission of helping children grieve the loss of a loved one.
The Impact of Loss
1 in 6 children will experience the death of a parent or sibling by age 25. Whether you are a family that needs help or a volunteer or donor who wants to share your time, talent, or treasure to help us grow, we want to hear from you! Contact us.
100% of your donations help Valerie's House to support grieving children and their families. Thank you!
