“Valerie’s House Gave Me Back Some of the Family I Had Lost”—Valerie’s House Scholarships in the News
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Kitty Hughes, scholarship recipient
📰 Read the full News-Press story with interviews and photos:
Valerie’s House awards scholarships for the fourth year to fourteen students
Local SWFL nonprofit awards over $30k in scholarships to grieving children
📰 Also featured in Gulfshore Business:
Valerie’s House awards $37K in scholarships to grieving students
📰 And featured in Bella Magazine:
Caught in the Act of Kindness July 2025 | eBella Magazine
Valerie’s House was recently featured in The News-Press, Naples Daily News, Gulfshore Business, and Bella Magazine for awarding $37,000 in scholarships to 14 local students who are part of our grief support programs.
Their stories are powerful reminders of why we do what we do.
Cal Rimes, Scholarship recipient
“I wanted to give up many times but decided I had to keep going. Valerie’s House gave me something to look forward to and gave me back some of the family I had lost.”
—Kitty Hughes, scholarship recipient
“Valerie’s House has helped me by showing me I’m not alone, and it has given me a space to express myself in a healthy way.”
—Cal Rimes, scholarship recipient
Each of these young adults submitted essays reflecting on how the loss of a parent, sibling, or caregiver shaped their lives. Many have been part of Valerie’s House for years—growing in confidence, finding their voice, and building a strong foundation for the future.
The Valerie’s House scholarship program is now in its fourth year, with awards ranging from $1,000 to $2,500, renewable for up to three years based on academic progress. These scholarships are made possible entirely through private and community donations.
We are so grateful to our media partners for helping shine a light on these inspiring students—and to our generous supporters for making it all possible.
To our 2025 scholarship recipients: congratulations. Your Valerie’s House family is proud of you.
