Where Empowered Teens Turn Grief Into Purpose
At Valerie’s House, our Teen Ambassadors are more than just volunteers: they’re role models, leaders, and friends. These teens have walked through their own grief journeys and now use their experiences to help others feel seen, heard, and supported. Whether planning events, mentoring peers, or sharing their stories, our Teen Ambassadors are a powerful reminder that healing is possible and no one has to do it alone.
Carter
This summer, Valerie’s House young adult Carter Koehler marked a milestone in his grief journey: his fourth year at Experience Camps, a nationally recognized nonprofit that provides free, transformative summer camp programs for grieving children and teens across the country.
Emely and Kealey
Ten years after losing their mother, sisters Emely, 20, and Kealey, 17, found healing and connection through Valerie’s House group nights. Today, they are Valerie’s House Ambassadors who help lead grief groups and support Spanish-speaking families, using their experience to help others feel less alone.
Ashley
After losing her mother last year, Ashley found support at Valerie’s House and is now a trained group night buddy for other grieving children. As part of her senior project at Canterbury School in Fort Myers, she also created welcome bags with journals and personal letters to help new kids feel supported.
Mackenzie
Mackenzie didn’t know what would happen after her mother died of complications from a stroke in February 2020. Her mother was a single parent, and after her death, 16-year-old Mackenzie moved across the state from Port Saint Lucie to Naples to live with distant family.
How You Can Get Involved
Contribute
Your financial gift will help Valerie’s House serve children and families. Donate and support our mission. Thank you.
Care
Join us. Volunteer your time and talents to Valerie’s House. Fill out the contact form today.
Connect
Like and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, TikTok, and LinkedIn. Help spread the word, follow our progress, and share with family and friends. We also produce a podcast called Grieve Love Heal, which you can follow and subscribe to on your favorite podcast apps.
