Valerie's House Receives Grief Reach Grant from the New York Life Foundation

FL, October 26, 2020 – Valerie’s House announced today a $25,000 Grief Reach grant from the New York Life Foundation to support their Virtual Peer Support Groups, which addresses the needs of bereaved youth and their families.

“We are grateful for the New York Life Foundation’s investment in this program, which will help us build our capacity in order to fulfill our mission,” said Valerie’s House Founder & CEO, Angela Melvin. “This partnership enables our organization to continue supporting the needs of grieving children and their families in our community.”

“For nearly a decade, the New York Life Foundation, through its Grief Reach Grant has provided funding to local organizations that provide support services to bereaved youth. The global pandemic has not only impacted our day to day life but also how we grieve and our access to grief support,” said Maria Collins, Vice President of the New York Life Foundation. “In order to ensure local bereavement nonprofits had the funding they needed to serve a growing population of grieving families; our investment shifted from a traditional funding structure to one that was more flexible to ensure bereavement support is available to all who need it.”  

Over 300 Grief Reach grants totaling more than $10 million have been awarded since the program’s inception in 2011. The New York Life Foundation has been one of the leading funders of the childhood bereavement field, investing nearly $55 million to date in support of grieving children and their families.  

About the New York Life Foundation

Inspired by New York Life’s tradition of service and humanity, the New York Life Foundation has, since its founding in 1979, provided nearly $360 million in charitable contributions to national and local nonprofit organizations. The Foundation supports programs that benefit young people, particularly in the areas of educational enhancement and childhood bereavement. The Foundation also encourages and facilitates the community involvement of employees and agents of New York Life through its Volunteers for Good and Grief-Sensitive Schools programs. To learn more, please visit www.newyorklifefoundation.org.

About Valerie’s House

As the first and only organization in Southwest Florida with the sole mission of helping children grieve, Valerie’s House has helped more than 1,000 children and their families since opening its doors in 2016. The nonprofit provides a safe, comfortable place to heal following the death of a loved one. Valerie’s House offers support groups and other activities at their home in Fort Myers at 1762 Fowler Street and Naples at 819 Myrtle Terrace. The organization also holds group meetings at First United Methodist Church in Punta Gorda. Valerie’s House is a United Way partner agency and is fully supported by community donations that can be made online at www.valerieshouse.org or by mail to Valerie’s House, Inc., P.O. Box 1955, Fort Myers, FL 33902.

Valerie’s House, WGCU Partner in Public Discussion on Grief

Live broadcast following premiere of the documentary on WGCU TV

Fort Myers, Florida – September 24, 2020 – Valerie’s House, a nonprofit organization in Southwest Florida with the sole focus of helping children grieve, and WGCU Public Media, a PBS and NPR affiliate and member-supported service of Florida Gulf Coast University, invite the public to take part in a community initiative to create a more grief-aware society. Tune in to WGCU PBS Sunday, September 27th, at 11 a.m. to watch the award-winning documentary, Speaking Grief, or watch it online at www.speakinggrief.org. Then, listen in on WGCU FM Tuesday, September 29, at 1 p.m. as Gulf Coast Life producer Mike Kiniry, Valerie's House Founder & CEO Angela Melvin and others tee-up for the for a virtual Zoom discussion later that day at 6 p.m. Speaking Grief explores the transformative experience of losing a family member in a death- and grief-avoidant society. This national public media initiative includes a one-hour television documentary, campaign and numerous community engagement events, all aimed at starting a national conversation about grief.

Moving away from the idea that grief is a problem that needs to be “fixed,” Speaking Grief validates the experience of grievers and guides those wishing to support them.

“There is no right way to grieve,” Melvin said. “Speaking Grief illustrates that grief is a universal, yet individual experience. Anyone who has ever lost someone close to them or knows someone who has experienced grief should watch this eye-opening film.”

Support for this project is provided by WPSU Penn State and The New York Life Foundation.

To RSVP for the September 29th Virtual Live Discussion, go to wgcu.org/events.

To Watch a free screening of Speaking Grief, visit www.SpeakingGrief.org

About Valerie’s House

As the first and only organization in Southwest Florida with the sole mission of helping children grieve, Valerie’s House has helped more than 1,000 children and their families since opening its doors in 2016. The nonprofit provides a safe, comfortable place to heal following the death of a loved one. Valerie’s House offers support groups and other activities at their home in Fort Myers at 1762 Fowler Street and Naples at 819 Myrtle Terrace. The organization also holds group meetings at First United Methodist Church in Punta Gorda. Valerie’s House is a United Way partner agency and is fully supported by community donations that can be made online at www.valerieshouse.org or by mail to Valerie’s House, Inc., P.O. Box 1955, Fort Myers, FL 33902.

About WGCU Public Media

WGCU Public Media is Southwest Florida’s source for PBS and NPR. WGCU provides quality programming 24 hours a day and is a trusted storyteller, teacher, theater, library and traveling companion. As a member-supported service of Florida Gulf Coast University, WGCU’s mission is to provide educational programming that inspires, informs and engages our community.

Serving all or part of 12 counties in South and Southwest Florida with five distinct digital TV channels, two FM radio channels, two HD radio channels and one subcarrier, WGCU delivers national and international programming and develops, produces and delivers relevant, informative and educational local programs to the Southwest Florida community.

Educational programs, community-based initiatives and informative and entertaining events make public media integral to the vitality of Southwest Florida. WGCU is reaching beyond its service area to the country and the world through web-based applications.

Many of its locally produced programs have been broadcast throughout the country. WGCU has received numerous national, regional, state and local awards for its locally produced television and radio programs.

Valerie’s House Cancels Annual Event, Launches Giving Campaign

Sunset theme will focus on shining light in the face of darkness

Fort Myers, Florida – August 31, 2020 – Valerie’s House, the only organization in Southwest Florida with the sole focus of helping children grieve, has decided to cancel its annual Sunset Soiree event, normally held in the month of October, due to ongoing COVID-19 safety concerns. 2020 would have been the fourth year hosting the Sunset Soiree.

In lieu of the event, Valerie’s House is launching the Every Sunset Brings the Promise of a New Dawn giving campaign. Various photos of children and families in the Valerie’s House program with the backdrop of the Southwest Florida sunset will be shown throughout the next few months over social media and other outlets reminding the community of the promise of a new beginning, even in times of darkness.  The goal of the campaign is to raise $100,000 from individuals and businesses for the children of Valerie’s House across Lee, Charlotte and Collier counties.

“Our families need to see that we are not letting this tough time stop us from doing everything we can to make sure Valerie’s House is always there for them,” said Founder and CEO Angela Melvin.  “When families walk into Valerie’s House, we are often the light during a dark time, and the sunset is a reminder to them that even with sadness, beauty awaits us in life.”

Since the start of the pandemic, Valerie’s House has experienced an influx of new children entering the program for help with grieving the death of a parent or sibling.  Since April 1, more than 230 children have attended a grief  support group, either virtually or in-person at either the Fort Myers or Naples houses. Valerie’s House has incorporated the wearing of face coverings and implemented social distancing during group nights to abide by CDC guidelines.

Dollars raised during the Every Sunset Brings the Promise of a New Dawn campaign will go directly to their mission of helping children and families work through the loss of a loved one together. Valerie’s House has a vision that No Child Grieves Alone. The campaign kicks off September 1 and will run through November 30, 2020. 

Supporters can learn more about helping Valerie’s House reach it’s $100,000 goal by visiting www.valeriehouseswfl.org and clicking the Sunset Campaign page. The organization’s Facebook page also has more details on supporting the organization.

Click HERE to donate to the Every Sunset Brings the Promise of a New Dawn campaign.

 About Valerie’s House

As the first and only organization in Southwest Florida with the sole mission of helping children grieve, Valerie’s House has helped more than 1,000 children and their families since opening its doors in 2016. The nonprofit provides a safe, comfortable place to heal following the death of a loved one. Valerie’s House offers support groups and other activities at their home in Fort Myers at 1762 Fowler Street and Naples at 819 Myrtle Terrace. The organization also holds group meetings at First United Methodist Church in Punta Gorda. Valerie’s House is a United Way partner agency and is fully supported by community donations that can be made online at www.valerieshouseswfl.org or by mail to Valerie’s House, Inc., P.O. Box 1955, Fort Myers, FL 33902.

Valerie’s House to Reopen August 3 with In-Person Support Groups

Face Coverings, social distancing required to bring grieving families together

FORT MYERS, Fla. – July 21, 2020 – Valerie’s House, the only non-profit organization in Southwest Florida with its sole mission to help children grieve, is reopening Monday, Aug. 3, with in-person support groups at its three locations in Lee, Collier, and Charlotte counties.

“Grief is already isolating. Having to do it alone is not who we are,” said Valerie’s House Founder and CEO Angela Melvin. "We have a solid plan in place. However, we also know that at any moment, things can change. We are moving forward, but with caution."

During the past 90 days, 67 new children joined the Valerie’s House program, including children who lost a family member to the virus.  Valerie’s House has been offering virtual support groups since March 29 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A survey sent to families indicated 80 percent wanted to come back to meeting in person.

Safety precautions will be enacted, including requiring face coverings, social distancing, and temperature checks of each person as well as a form that each person will sign attesting they have not been ill or associated with anyone who has COVID-19. Chairs and floor cushions the children sit on will be placed six feet apart. Some groups will be conducted outside under tents.

"We may not be on the hospital's front lines, but we're right behind them,” Melvin said. “That means we have to pivot and adjust. The important thing is that we're together.”

All children will receive a face covering at the first meeting that they can decorate in honor of their loved ones. Staff will clean all surfaces each night with a deep cleaning weekly by a professional company. Family dinners will no longer be offered.

Valerie's House has also added additional nights for grief support to allow for social distancing and increased demand. Groups now will be offered every night Monday through Thursday at each of the locations throughout Southwest Florida. Two additional counselors have been hired to accommodate the expanded schedule, bringing the total number of employees to 10, including three licensed clinicians.

“We are spending money that we had not planned for, but the work we are doing is crucial to helping children during this dark time," Melvin said.

Virtual groups will continue to be available for families who want to continue meeting online. In addition to providing grief support groups, Valerie's House also sends an e-newsletter to their families and focuses their efforts on connecting families with additional resources in the community.

Valerie's House is accepting appointments for new enrollments. Families in need of grief support for children can reach Program Director, Amy Strom by phone at 239-841-9186 or by emailing, amy@valerieshouseswfl.org.

“Our doors are always open to families in grief,” Melvin said.

About Valerie’s House

As the first and only organization in Southwest Florida with the sole mission of helping children grieve, Valerie’s House has helped more than 1,000 children and their families since opening its doors in 2016.  Valerie’s House provides a safe, comfortable place to heal together following the death of someone they love. Valerie’s House offers support groups and other activities at a home on 1762 Fowler Street in Fort Myers and a home in Naples at 819 Myrtle Terrace. Valerie's House also holds group meetings at First United Methodist Church in Punta Gorda. Valerie's House is a United Way partner agency and is fully supported by community donations that can be made online at www.valerieshouseswfl.org or by mail to Valerie’s House, Inc., P.O. Box 1955, Fort Myers, FL 33902.

Media Contacts:

Angela Melvin, Founder & CEO                               Susan Bennett, APR, CPRC

Valerie’s House                                                           Susan Bennett Marketing & Media   

239-204-5804                                                             (239) 277-5255

angela@valerieshouseswfl.org                              sbennett@susanbennett.biz

Valerie’s House to Launch Virtual Grief Support Groups

Staying connected more important than ever for those grieving

FORT MYERS, Fla. – March 23, 2020 – Valerie’s House, a non-profit organization in Southwest Florida with its sole mission to help children grieve, is launching virtual grief support groups for children and adult caregivers.  Using a secure and HIPAA compliant platform, the virtual support groups will be available to all children and families in the Valerie’s House program starting Monday, March 30th.

Due to restrictions brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, Valerie’s House families are not able to meet in-person for their regularly scheduled grief support group sessions. Valerie’s House locations in Fort Myers and Naples are currently closed to the public. However, staff members are working remotely to keep families connected to each other and to Valerie’s House during these uncertain times.

“Grief can be such an isolating experience by itself,” said Angela Melvin, Founder and CEO of Valerie’s House. “New protocols keeping families from group gatherings have our children and families feeling even more alone and anxious.  These groups will allow children to stay in touch with their friends and with the Valerie’s House team for ongoing support.”

Children and caregivers will meet on their regularly scheduled grief support night on the virtual platform, for the easiest transition. The peer support groups will be led by the trained group facilitator the children and families are already comfortable with and trust. Valerie’s House is also providing grief support activities for children to work on with their families at home.

In addition to providing virtual grief support groups, Valerie’s House has launched a weekly e-newsletter to families and is focusing its efforts on connecting families with additional resources in the community that are available to help them during this time.

Valerie’s House is accepting appointments for new enrollments. Families in need of grief support for children can reach Program Director Amy Strom by phone at 239-841-9186 or by emailing amy@valerieshouseswfl.org.

About Valerie’s House

As the first and only organization in Southwest Florida with the sole mission of helping children grieve, Valerie’s House has helped more than 1,000 children and their families since opening its doors in 2016.  Valerie’s House provides a safe, comfortable place to heal together following the death of someone they love. Valerie’s House offers support groups and other activities at a home at 1762 Fowler Street in Fort Myers and a home in Naples at 819 Myrtle Terrace. Valerie’s House also holds group meetings at 1st United Methodist Church in Punta Gorda. Valerie’s House is a United Way partner agency and is fully supported through community donations that can be made online at www.valerieshouseswfl.org or by mail to Valerie’s House, Inc., P.O. Box 1955, Fort Myers, FL 33902.

Talking to a Child About Death

Valerie’s House Program Director Offers Guidance for Parents

kobe bryant and daughter gianna (13) both killed in helicopter crash.
source: CNN

Fort Myers, Florida – January 27, 2020 – The death of basketball icon, Kobe Bryant and eight others in a helicopter crash, may bring up difficult questions from children about death. Valerie’s House, the first and only organization in Southwest Florida focused solely on helping children grieve, is offering tips on the best ways to approach a conversation about grief and loss with a child.

“It is normal for humans to grieve the loss of a celebrity or athlete such as Bryant,” said Valerie’s House Program Director, Amy Strom LCSW-QS, M.S.S.A., M.Ed. “Children and adults often create connections with celebrities by idolizing them or viewing them as mentors.”

Strom suggests having an open conversation with a child, while keeping in mind their developmental stage and level of understanding. Strom says experiencing feelings of grief after a connection is lost is normal, even if the grief is related to a person you never met. She’s provided the following suggestions for talking to a child about death.

Identify a child’s level of understanding

• Ask the child what they understand about death or grief.

• A younger child may not understand the permanence of death.

• Be sure to let them know they can speak openly with you and you’re there to answer their questions the best you can.

• Use language and content that is appropriate for your child.

Validate their feelings, without invoking anxiety or fear.

• Acknowledge that whatever they are feeling is okay, whether it be sadness or worry or shock.

• Oftentimes knowledge is power. The more knowledge you provide, the less your child will “fill in the blanks” with their imagination.

• If a child expresses fear of losing someone close to them, reassure them that mom or dad take safety precautions or maintain a healthy lifestyle, such as buckling up when traveling or eating healthy and exercising.

For more resources about children’s grief or to refer a child who may be grieving, visit www.valerieshouseswfl.org or call 239-204-5804.

About Valerie’s House

Valerie’s House opened in January 2016 in a cozy home in downtown Fort Myers and has grown to three locations and to help more than 800 grieving children and their families by providing a safe, comfortable place to heal together following the death of someone they love. Valerie’s House offers support groups and other activities at a home at 1762 Fowler Street in Fort Myers and a home in Naples at 819 Myrtle Terrace. Valerie’s House also holds group meetings at 1st United Methodist Church in Punta Gorda. Valerie’s House is a United Way partner agency and is fully supported through community donations that can be made online at www.valerieshouseswfl.org or by mail to Valerie’s House, Inc., P.O. Box 1955, Fort Myers, FL 33902.

Grieving Florida Everblades Player Visits Valerie’s House

Hockey player Hunter Garlent opens up about the loss of his father to children

Hunter garlent speaks with group of children and teens at Valerie’s house in fort myers, florida.

Hunter garlent wears number 65; the year his father was born.

FORT MYERS, Fla. – January 22, 2020 – Florida Everblades player Hunter Garlent is building connections with children of Valerie’s House, while at the same addressing his own grief. 24-year-old Garlent visited the organization’s Fort Myers grieving center located at 1762 Fowler Street on January 21 and shared his experience of losing his father six years ago to a heart attack.

“I have never been embarrassed about losing a parent, and you shouldn’t either,” Garlent told the children.  “It is good to keep their memories alive and find someone to talk to about your feelings.  Don’t keep it bottled up inside.”

Garlent met with a group of about 40 middle and high schoolers at Valerie’s House who’ve also suffered the loss of a parent. Garlent answered questions from the group about how he stayed strong when he was sad and how his father’s death has motivated him to be successful in hockey, a sport his father also played.

“Hunter’s presence during our group nights has enabled children to see that if he can rise out of his pain and loss, maybe they can too,” said Valerie’s House Founder and CEO Angela Melvin. “He’s a big deal to them and they listen to him.”

Garlent said he wants to provide opportunities for Valerie’s House families to attend Florida Everblades games regularly and go behind the scenes at Hertz Arena, where the Blades play. Garlent is going to be visiting several Valerie’s House group nights over the month, and is hopeful to become a volunteer and work directly with the children he identifies with.

“I’ve really grown from my grief,” Garlent told the children. “We learn to cherish every moment we have with the people we love.”

About Valerie’s House

Valerie’s House opened in January 2016 in a cozy home in downtown Fort Myers and has grown to three locations and to help more than 800 grieving children and their families by providing a safe, comfortable place to heal together following the death of someone they love. Valerie’s House offers support groups and other activities at a home at 1762 Fowler Street in Fort Myers and a home in Naples at 819 Myrtle Terrace. Valerie’s House also holds group meetings at 1st United Methodist Church in Punta Gorda. Valerie’s House is a United Way partner agency and is fully supported through community donations that can be made online at www.valerieshouseswfl.org or by mail to Valerie’s House, Inc., P.O. Box 1955, Fort Myers, FL 33902.