Grief and Gratitude: Connecting Through Emotions at Valerie’s House
Join Bobbie Santiago, volunteer group manager at Valerie’s House, as she guides through an activity called ‘Grief and Gratitude.’ Designed for different age groups, the activity includes reading the book ‘Grief is an Elephant’ for younger kids, and a true or false game for middle schoolers, teenagers, and caregivers to discuss common beliefs about grief. The session also involves sharing feelings of grief and gratitude on sticky notes to foster connection and emotional expression.
Learn how to balance difficult emotions with thankfulness and support one another through the journey of grief.
You May Like
Jackie Zaragoza Named Full-Time Collier County Program Coordinator
Valerie’s House is celebrating Jacqueline “Jackie” Zaragoza as she transitions into her full-time role as Program Coordinator for Collier County. Jackie began interning with Valerie’s House in August 2025 and later joined the team part time as a group night assistant. She graduated from Florida Gulf Coast University in May
Valerie's House Family Featured by Gulf Coast News for Keeping Son's Dream Alive
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,
Letting Go and Looking Up | A Healing Grief Activity at Valerie’s House
In this video, Bobbie Santiago, Volunteer and Group Manager at Valerie’s House, walks us through a special grief activity called “Letting Go and Looking Up.” T his meaningful session helps children release the heavy parts of grief and focus on hope for the future. Using dissolvable paper, the group writes