July 9, 2026
We’re grateful to our friends at WGCU for highlighting this year’s Valerie’s House Scholarship Program and the incredible young people behind it. This year, Valerie’s House awarded a record $70,000 in college scholarships to 34 teens and young adults who have experienced the death of a loved one and are continuing their education. The scholarships, […]
July 3, 2026
Valerie’s House is grateful to Florida Weekly and reporter/photographer Casey Bradley Gent for covering one of the most inspiring days of our year—our 2026 Valerie’s House Scholarship Ceremony. This year, Valerie’s House awarded $70,000 in college scholarships to 34 students who have participated in Valerie’s House peer support groups or received one-on-one counseling through our […]
June 29, 2026
When Gulf Coast News shared the story of Turn N Burn Food Truck, they highlighted more than a family business. They shared the story of a Valerie’s House family choosing to honor the life of a son whose dream continues to inspire those who loved him. After losing her son, Preston, unexpectedly last year, Shai […]
June 10, 2026
Children and teens from Valerie’s House were featured on ESPN through a special episode created by Southwest Florida native and ESPN fishing host Captain James Marko. The episode highlighted an unforgettable experience for children and teens in the Valerie’s House program, many of whom have experienced the death of a parent, sibling, or caregiver. For […]
May 31, 2026
When Ashley Wong lost her mom, Kelly, she was just 16 years old. One day, life felt normal. The next, everything changed. Like many grieving teens, Ashley found herself navigating a world that suddenly looked different. Milestones, celebrations, and everyday moments became reminders of someone she loved and missed. Through that journey, Ashley found support […]
May 18, 2026
Families at Valerie’s House recently spent the day baking Gator-themed cookies alongside members of the SWFL Gator Club during a special “Baking with Gators” event at the Fort Myers Family is Forever Home. The event celebrated International Gator Day, a worldwide day of service that brings together members of the University of Florida community to […]
May 8, 2026
During Children’s Grief Awareness Month, Valerie’s House Founder and CEO Angela Melvin was featured in The News-Press with a powerful opinion piece about the words grieving children hear — and why communities must do better in supporting kids after the death of a loved one. In the article, Angela shares how comments like “get over […]
May 8, 2026
Valerie’s House was recently featured in a heartfelt story by Britt Leoni and Gulf Coast News highlighting a special fishing day for grieving children and teens hosted by Captain James Marko from ESPN’s Goliath Fishing. The story, “Kids at Valerie’s House learn to ‘reel’ in joy,” followed Valerie’s House families during a mini inshore fishing […]
May 8, 2026
The 29th Annual Paul Sands Memorial Slaw Dog Invitational raised an incredible $59,000 to support Southwest Florida nonprofits, including Valerie’s House. As highlighted by Florida Weekly, the longtime charity golf tournament brought together golfers, sponsors, volunteers, and community members at Cypress Lake Golf Club for a day focused on generosity and community impact. Proceeds from […]
May 8, 2026
Valerie’s House was recently featured on CNBC as part of The American Dream TV, a nationally recognized lifestyle series that spotlights organizations and communities making a meaningful impact. The segment highlights the Valerie’s House Fort Myers Family is Forever Home and the thoughtfully designed spaces that help grieving children, teens, and families feel safe, supported, […]
May 8, 2026
WINK News Highlights Valerie’s House 10-Year Impact Supporting Grieving Families in Southwest Florida Valerie’s House is grateful to WINK News for highlighting our 10-year anniversary and the impact this community has made possible for grieving children and families across Southwest Florida. Watch the full WINK News story here:https://www.winknews.com/nonprofit-organization-recognized-for-its-decade-long-support-to-grieving-families/video_7b8a40ca-f7bd-5649-8d0a-b2d9e0a78640.html Founded in 2016, Valerie’s House was created […]
October 20, 2025
We are deeply honored that Valerie’s House has been featured in Eagle News at Florida Gulf Coast University. The article highlights how students and volunteers are helping grieving children and families find comfort, connection and hope through our programs. Eagle Media+1Being recognized in such a meaningful way — by a respected student-media outlet at a […]
View “Everyone Else Had Their Dad”: How Briza Found People Who Understood at Valerie’s House
20 May 2026
Before Briza walked into Valerie’s House for the first time, she wasn’t sure what to expect. “I was very hesitant…
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View “None of the Kids My Age Got It”: How Carter Found Connection After Losing His Dad
20 May 2026
When Carter first walked through the doors at after losing his dad, he expected grief support to feel uncomfortable, quiet,…
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View From Grieving Teen to Young Adult Ambassador: Kalicia’s Valerie’s House Journey
2 Jun 2026
Five years ago, Kalicia C. was a 16-year-old sophomore at Lehigh Senior High School trying to navigate life after the…
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