At Valerie’s House Pensacola, our mission to provide a safe space for grieving children and families just took a monumental step forward. Thanks to the incredible efforts of the Leadership Pensacola (LeaP) Class of 2024, we are thrilled to share the story of how our outdoor spaces have been transformed into a sanctuary of healing, connection, and comfort for those we serve.

On May 4th, during our Family Day, the LeaP Outside with Valerie’s House project was unveiled. What was once a simple backyard is now a vibrant, welcoming space designed to support the emotional well-being of grieving children. The project, led by the passionate leaders of the LeaP Class of 2024, included the installation of a beautiful astroturf lawn, easy-to-maintain flower beds, and stunning art murals. This newly transformed area is now a haven for children to engage in group activities, celebrate milestones, and share in moments of reflection.

Our team at Valerie’s House knows firsthand the importance of creating spaces that foster healing. For grieving children, outdoor areas can be a place of freedom and peace, a setting where they can begin to process their loss while connecting with others who understand their journey. Thanks to the vision and hard work of the Leadership Pensacola Class of 2024, we now have an incredible space to offer that vital experience to the families who come to us for support.

We are deeply grateful to the entire LeaP Class of 2024 for seeing the potential in our backyard and turning it into a reality. Their project, LeaP Outside, reflects a true commitment to the healing process and the needs of our children. As we reflect on this transformation, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to every individual and organization that made this project possible.

A special thank you to PenAir Credit Union, the presenting sponsor of the project, whose generosity played a crucial role in bringing this vision to life. We also want to acknowledge the additional sponsors and supporters who contributed their time, resources, and dedication: Lowe’s, Cat Country 98.7, News Radio 92.3, Baskerville-Donovan, Florida Power & Light, Hanto + Clark General Contractors, Zarzaur Law P.A., Cox Communications, and many others. Your support has created a lasting impact on the lives of the children and families we serve.

This reimagined outdoor space has already become a place of solace for our children. It’s a space where they can play, reflect, and, most importantly, feel safe and supported as they navigate their grief. Our vision has always been to offer a healing environment where grieving children can connect and grow, and the LeaP Outside project has given us the opportunity to do just that in an even more profound way.

At Valerie’s House Pensacola, we believe in the power of community. The LeaP Outside project is a testament to what can be achieved when individuals and organizations come together to support a cause. We are grateful for the ongoing support from our community and look forward to continuing to offer hope and healing to those who need it most.

To learn more about Valerie's House Pensacola or to find out how you can support our mission, visit Valerie's House Website. Together, we can continue to help grieving children find a path toward healing.