Why We Support Valerie’s House

A person they love. A loss they remember. A belief that children shouldn’t have to face grief alone.

Everyone has a reason for supporting Valerie’s House. We asked some of our supporters to share theirs. Maybe you’ll see a little of your own story in their words.

Kellie and David Urban: A Place to Belong

For Kellie and David, it’s the connection families find with people who understand.

“This special place provides not only safety and healing but also a sense of belonging for families facing unimaginable loss,” they shared.

They support Valerie’s House because children and caregivers can find comfort, friendship and hope here.

Susan and Phil Bennett: Remembering Their Own Losses

Susan lost her father at 25. Phil lost his a year later.

“We were old enough to process the grief, but it still hurt,” they shared. “We can only imagine what these children are feeling!”

Those experiences connect them to our vision: No Child Will Grieve Alone.

The Huseby Family: Honoring Their Daughter

After their daughter Jill died of brain cancer, the Husebys saw the grief her three children carried.

Supporting Valerie’s House became a way to honor Jill while helping other families. They especially value that support is available at no cost, so a family’s finances never have to be a barrier.

The Gerner Family: Helping Children Feel Part of a Family

The Gerners began supporting Valerie’s House after learning how many children needed support beyond their own families after someone died.

They wanted to help children feel connected and cared for. Their family sponsored the Family Welcome Room in our Fort Myers Forever Home.

David and Karen Crowther: Putting Their Skills to Work

David and Karen Crowther helped make our Fort Myers Forever Home possible through CFS Roofing’s gift of roofing materials and installation work.

“Our success provides an opportunity for CFS and its employees to give back to organizations like Valerie’s House through money, skills and time,” David said.

Their story shows how sharing what you do best can help grieving families.

Kelly Fayer: Keeping Her Grandmother’s Memory Close

Kelly was 17 when her grandmother and best friend, Grace, died.

Today, Grace’s Garden at Valerie’s House honors her memory and gives children a place to remember their own people. Kelly also shares her legal skills to help grieving families with challenges that can follow a death.

Donna and Peter Verrill: Care That Stays With You

Donna shared that she and Peter lost people they once shared a wedding table with. Years later, she still thinks about the families left behind.

That concern for others is part of what connects her to Valerie’s House. Donna and Peter support our work in many ways, including cooking dinner for our families alongside their son. We’re thankful they’re part of our family.

Bob Lowe: Everyone Has Something to Give

For Air Force veteran Bob Lowe, supporting grieving children isn’t only about giving money.

“Anyone can be a supporter, in some way, for free,” he said.

A meal, a few volunteer hours, a skill or an introduction can all make a difference.

What’s Your Why?

What connects you to Valerie’s House?

Share one reason in the comments or send us a message. We’d love to share more of your stories and welcome more people into the work of supporting grieving children and families.