From Grieving Family to Guiding Light: The Morley Family’s Story in Collier County
When Valerie’s House first opened its doors in Collier County in 2017, the Morley family was among the very first to walk inside. Veronica and her daughters, Coral and Caprice, had just experienced the sudden loss of their husband and father, Scott. They came to Valerie’s House looking for hope, and they found a community that would walk beside them in their grief.
Finding Support After Loss
At Valerie’s House, the Morleys discovered a safe space where they could talk openly about their loss and meet other families who understood. “My daughters thought this only happened to them,” Veronica recalls. “At Valerie’s House, they realized it happens to a lot of kids. That was huge.” For Veronica, group nights became more than support — they became a lifeline, a place where she could step away from being the “strong mom” and simply be herself.
Giving Back Through Volunteering
As Coral and Caprice grew older and aged out of the program, Veronica wasn’t ready to let go of Valerie’s House. She returned as a volunteer in Collier County, helping guide younger children through the same peer support groups that once carried her own family. “I can never give back what I’ve received,” she says. “But if I can be there for a child who just needs a hug or someone to listen, that makes me happy.”
Living the Mission in Collier County
From being one of the first families in Naples to now giving back as a volunteer, the Morleys embody the mission of Valerie’s House: creating a community where grieving families can find connection, support, and healing. Their story is a reminder that no child should ever have to grieve alone.
You May Like
Volunteer Spotlight: Avi Dile
Avi Dile is a recent Florida Gulf Coast University psychology graduate with a heart for grieving children. His journey with Valerie’s House began seven months ago when he first stepped foot into the Fort Myers location. Since then, Avi has been a versatile volunteer, working with children in all age
“Everyone Else Had Their Dad”: How Briza Found People Who Understood at Valerie’s House
Before Briza walked into Valerie's House for the first time, she wasn’t sure what to expect. “I was very hesitant about it,” she says. “Coming to talk to people about a loved one that died…” At 13 years old, Briza had already experienced multiple heartbreaking losses. Her father died before
Myah Once Struggled to Walk Through the Door. Now She’s Helping Others Walk Through It Too.
When Myah first came to Valerie’s House after losing her dad, Jay, just two weeks before her 13th birthday, she couldn’t bring herself to go inside group. “I sat outside for my first three group nights,” she shared. “I just kind of didn’t want to accept the fact about everything.”