A Place to Share, Grieve, and Grow Together
At Valerie’s House, we believe that no child should grieve alone. Our programs provide children ages 5 to 18 and their families a safe, nurturing environment where they can begin to heal after the loss of a loved one.
While we are not a formal counseling center - we are a community. Through open-ended peer support groups and healing activities, children and teens find comfort, connection, and strength from others who truly understand what they’re going through.
What to Expect
Twice a month, families gather at one of our warm, home-like locations from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. After free dinner and play time, children join small, age-specific groups to explore their feelings and memories in ways that feel natural to them.
Younger children often express their grief through play, art, and storytelling. We use child-friendly techniques, like therapeutic play and creative expression, to help them open up in ways that words sometimes can't.
Teens engage in deeper conversations about their loss, the challenges of daily life, and how grief shows up in school, friendships, and their future. Sharing these experiences with peers helps them realize they are not alone.
Healing Through Creativity
Art, music, and movement are essential parts of the healing process at Valerie’s House. Whether it’s making a grief bead bracelet—where each color represents a piece of their story—or writing a letter to a loved one, these hands-on experiences help children make sense of their emotions and feel seen and supported.
Types of Groups
We offer peer support groups in Fort Myers, Naples, Punta Gorda, and Pensacola for a variety of needs, including:
- Elementary, Middle, and Teen Groups
- Spanish-Speaking Groups
- Grandparents Raising Grandchildren After Loss
- Life Without Mom (for Dads and Children)
- Life Without Dad (for Moms and Children)
- Sibling Loss Group
- Young Adult Group
- Peri Natal Loss Group
Get Support for Your Family
If your family has experienced a death, we are here to walk with you. Valerie’s House is a place of hope, healing, and community, and we welcome you with open arms.
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.
