Valerie’s House Featured in WINK News Coverage of Heartbreaking Naples Family Tragedy
/Originally published by WINK News: Naples church supports sisters after loss of parents
On the evening of May 15, WINK News aired coverage of a truly heartbreaking tragedy—a murder-suicide involving a Naples family, leaving four young sisters, ages 6 to 13, to face life without both of their parents.
In the wake of this unimaginable loss, members of First United Methodist Church of Naples stepped in to support the children and reached out to Valerie’s House for help. When WINK News learned of the church’s involvement and the girls’ connection to our organization, they reached out to us as well.
Valerie’s House Founder and ceo, angela melvin, being interviewed by wink news
Our Founder and CEO, Angela Melvin, sat down with WINK News reporter Bianca Smith to talk about why grief support for children and families is so important—especially in traumatic situations like this. As someone who lost her own mother at age 11, Angela spoke about the waves of grief that can surface during major life milestones, and how critical it is to wrap grieving families in love, support, and resources.
We’re deeply thankful to WINK News, Bianca Smith, and reporter Maddie Herron for covering this difficult story with care and compassion—and for inviting Angela to share insight on how communities can support children and families through grief.
These moments of awareness create a ripple effect. When our local media partners include Valerie’s House in their stories, it often helps us reach others who are grieving—people who may not know there’s help available or that they’re not alone.
Thank you, WINK News, for being part of building a more grief-informed and compassionate Southwest Florida.
