Parenting During a Pandemic
/Valerie's House Program Director Amy Strom shares her thoughts and tips on parenting during this stressful time.
Valerie's House Mothers Day Message
/Diana, Nayah, CJ and Stori provide us with a glimpse into Mothers Day in their life. They provide wisdom, love and advice to any willing to listen.
Teen Finds Comfort in Virtual Grief Support During COVID-19 Pandemic
/Valerie's House teen, Stori, is spending the last months of her senior year at home. Major end-of-year events are canceled, including prom and graduation. Stori wishes she was spending this time making lasting memories with her friends, because they are all going their separate ways in the Fall.
The one person who would be able to help Stori make sense of it all is not here, and that is one of the biggest challenges she's facing right now. When Stori's mother died in 2015, she lost the person she could rely on most. Stori is not alone. She and other Valerie's House teens were able to discuss their grief as it relates to the current pandemic in their new virtual support group. Stori is glad to have an outlet like Valerie's House where she can express her grief with others her own age and realize her feelings are normal and valid.
Valerie's House Launches Virtual Support Groups
/On Monday, March 30, 2020, Valerie’s House launched its first virtual grief support groups. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, groups are not able to meet at Valerie’s House’s three locations. In order to continuing supporting families through the crisis, Valerie’s House adopted policies and procedures to provide group support through Zoom for Healthcare. The HIPAA compliant software will help maintain each participants privacy that they’ve come to expect with their grief support groups at Valerie’s House.
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.
Podcast Aims to Reach Those Grieving in the Shadows
/Valerie’s House “Grieve Love Heal” Podcast on Apple, Spotify and Google
FORT MYERS, Fla. – February 18, 2020 – Valerie’s House, the first and only organization in Southwest Florida with the sole mission of helping children grieve the loss of a loved one, is now helping thousands more people struggling with grief through its monthly podcast, “Grieve Love Heal.” The Valerie’s House podcast is now listed on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts. Listeners can subscribe and receive alerts on their devices when Valerie’s House posts a new episode each month.
“For some, grief is not something they are ready to talk about, but they are ready to listen to someone else who has gone through it, and survived it,” said Angela Melvin, Valerie’s House Founder and CEO, whose own mother, Valerie, who the center is named after, died when Angela was a child. “The Grieve Love Heal podcast is a way we can reach those people grieving in the shadows.”
Valerie’s House families, and others in the community, who have walked the grief journey are often interviewed for the segments. Recent Grieve Love Heal podcast episodes have touched on topics like grieving as a young adult, losing a mother to breast cancer and going back to school after the death of a parent.
Produced by Valerie’s House Communications Coordinator and former NBC2 Executive Producer April Reilly, the Grieve Love Heal podcast also serves as a resource for those looking to support someone who is grieving.
“People are consuming information in a variety of ways today,” Reilly said. “With this podcast, we are giving those who are grieving a different way to share and relate so they realize they are not alone.”
Valerie’s House launched the Grieve Love Heal podcast in September 2019 and made it available to various public channels in February 2020. To listen to the Grieve Love Heal podcast, search for “Valerie’s House” or “Grieve Love Heal” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google.
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 First 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.
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Links to Grieve Love Heal podcast:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grieve-love-heal/id1497602393
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3GFLfSHmNxDMHsOpAY5poJ
Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/2SEvtcD
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.
Valerie’s House Launches Grief Support Program for Young Adults
/
FORT MYERS, Fla. – January 13, 2020 – Valerie’s House, the first and only grief support program in Southwest Florida focused solely on helping children grieve, has launched a program to help young adults work through their grief following the death of parent, sibling or friend. The program is a result of recent studies that show 1 in 3 college students have experienced the death of a family member or close friend within the last 12 months, according to 2018 research.
Read MoreValerie’s House Hires Grants and Advancement Manager
/
FORT MYERS, Fla. – January 7, 2020 – Valerie’s House, the first and only organization with its only mission dedicated to helping children grieve, has hired Jennifer F. Clark as Grants and Advancement Manager. Clark served as the Grants Manager for Conservancy of Southwest Florida, Naples for three years before accepting the position with Valerie’s House.
Read MoreUnderstanding Children's Grief: Training Guide
/In this video, we outline the universal realities of grief, the impact of grief by developmental age and how to talk to a grieving child.
Valerie's House Child Takes Reporter on a Tour
/9-year-old Sydney Emery has been coming to Valerie’s House for over a year with her older sister, father and grandmother. The family suffered a tremendous loss in January of 2018, when wife and mother, Jill, passed away following a long battle with breast cancer. Sydney is now able to open up to others about her grief and is helping to spread awareness for Valerie’s House.
On December 4th, 2019, Sydney volunteered to share her story of loss with a reporter who was covering a news story about Valerie’s House. When it came time for the reporter to take a tour of the Fort Myers home, Sydney was happy to show her around.
Sydney started the tour by taking WINK News Reporter Melinda Lee over to the Teddy Bear Library, a unit of shelves packed full of stuffed animals, blankets and journals. Sydney explained that children get to pick out one of the stuffed animals when they arrive at Valerie’s House for the first time.
Next up, Sydney walked Melinda over to the Memory Wall, a part of the house adorned with pictures of moms, dads, brothers, sisters and grandparents who have all passed away. Sydney pointed out a picture of her, her sister and her mother. The three of them were all smiling during a day at the beach. The picture was taken years before Jill passed away.
Sydney continued her tour with Melinda by showing her some of the artwork children at Valerie’s House have created. She explained the rules children follow during each group night. She demonstrated the colors of emotion painted on a cluster of cardboard masks. Sydney even enlightened Melinda on some of the feelings she carries on the inside related to the loss of her mother.
As Sydney walked Melinda outside to the memory garden, Valerie’s House Founder and CEO Angela Melvin joined them. Angela sat with Sydney as they both reflected on their own losses. They talked about how old they both were when they lost their moms, while Melinda grabbed video of the two of them sitting side by side on a bench, surrounded by flowers.
Sydney had to keep her visit short, as she and her family had to leave to pick up her older sister. But, Sydney was hesitant to leave, begging her grandmother to stay for just 15 more minutes. Of course, Sydney was welcome to stay as long as she liked. After all, once you come through the doors at Valerie’s House, you’re family.
View Melinda Lee’s story produced about Valerie’s House here.
Not Just a Girl Who Lost Her Mother
/Carl and Joslynn's lives were changed forever when wife and mother, Shoshana died in a car accident in 2016. When they found Valerie's House in 2018, they were able to connect with others who had also experienced a major loss. Through support received at Valerie's House, they can cope with this unimaginable loss.
Valerie’s House Plans to Build a New Home in Fort Myers
/Valerie’s House is one step closer to building it’s dream home in Fort Myers. On October 21, city council members unanimously agreed to lease a plot of land on Shoemaker Lane to Valerie’s House. The measure allows for Valerie’s House to pay 50$ to lease the land for 50 years. The agreement would then be renewable for an additional 49 years. Valerie’s House must clear the land off of Veronica Shoemaker Boulevard before building can begin.
Valerie’s House Founder & CEO Angela Melvin envisions a two-story home with a wrap-around porch. She says it will keep the style of a historic Fort Myers home. The features of the new home will differ from the current one. Melvin hopes to create a “volcano” room in the new home, similar to the one utilized in the Naples home. It’s a padded room equipped with punching bags and balls. Children use this room to release pent up anger or energy. Read about our Naples Home.
"The house is going to allow us to get real creative with how we work with the emotions of children," Valerie’s House Founder and CEO Angela Melvin said. Click here to read more from the News Press.
Comfort Bags for Grieving Children
/Austin Wolin's Eagle Scout project to help grieving children is complete. He's delivered dozens of bags stuffed with bears, blankets, and coloring books to Golisano Children's Hospital of SWFL. The bags also contain a personal letter from Austin about the loss of his father. He hopes these bags will provide a small amount of comfort to other children after they lose a loved one and let them know they are not alone.
Valerie's House Teen Donates Comfort Bags for Grieving Children
/In September, Valerie’s House assisted a graduate of its program in delivering dozens of “comfort bags” to Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida. The bags are stuffed with donated teddy bears, blankets, coloring books, crayons and letters from 18-year-old Austin Wolin.
When Austin was 12 years old, his father passed away. He was at the hospital when he heard the news. Austin remembers being offered a meal ticket and an informational packet in that moment. Through his efforts, children who lose a loved one will now have something to hold and somewhere to turn.
Austin has gathered 100 teddy bears, donated by Build-A-Bear Workshop, to give to grieving children. In August, he enlisted the help of his fellow boy scouts to stuff the bears into bags along with other donated items. Each bag contains a letter from Austin detailing his loss and his journey with Valerie’s House.
Austin and his mother, Tanya Wolin, were one of the first families to attend Valerie’s House in 2016. Austin has now graduated from the program and wants to give back to the organization. He’s including a brochure for Valerie’s House inside each bag.
“There’s no other way to get through that without support, I can tell you if I wasn’t in Valerie’s House, I would be on a totally different route than I am right now,” says Austin. He plans to continue working with Valerie’s House as a mentor to other grieving children.
Valerie's House Teen Participates in Community Conversation on Mental Health
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WGCU — Fort Myers — According to the Centers for Disease Control the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and behavioral problems among teens is growing in the United States, with more than 1 in 10 being diagnosed with anxiety, about 1 in 13 with behavior disorders, and about 1 in 17 with depression. Teens these days have a lot on their plates, and the pressures of school and life can often be magnified, or perhaps distorted by things like social media. WGCU spoke with organizers about “Normal Is Overrated,” a local effort to remove the stigma of talking about mental and behavioral health issues among teens.
Programa de Español
/Que es Valerie’s House
Valerie’s House (La Casa de Valerie) ofrece apoyo emocional a niños y familias que han perdido un ser querido. Los programas de Valerie’s House están designados para ofrecer a niños de edades 4 a 19 años y sus familias un lugar seguro donde ellos pueden expresar y procesar sus sentimientos relacionados con el dolor de haber perdido a su padre, madre, hermano/a, familiar, esposo/a o hijo/a.
Nuestros programas son gratis, gracias a generosas donaciones, subvenciones y apoyo voluntario.
Nuestros programas comienzan con una comida compartida y tiempo de juego para los niños. Después de ese tiempo, los niños se dividen en grupos según su edad. En estos grupos de apoyo, utilizamos actividades divertidas que incluyen arte, música, tiempo para jugar y compartir, y otros métodos que ayudan a los participantes a expresarse, todo bajo la supervisión de terapeutas clínicos licenciados y personal entrenado.
Mientras los niños se reúnen y se unen, sus padres o cuidadores adultos también se reúnen, comparten su propio dolor y se apoyan mutuamente.
Los niños de Valerie's House pueden ingresar a nuestro programa un día o un año, o incluso años después de la pérdida. No hay un tiempo establecido para que el niño entre, y pueden seguir viniendo todo el tiempo que quieran.
Para mas información:
Estamos aceptando aplicaciones para todos los niños y sus padres o cuidadores que deseen participar en grupos de apoyo.
Si su familia necesita ayuda, comuníquese con Frances Bustamante: (818) 284-1541, frances@valerieshouseswfl.org.
Ubicaciónes:
Tenemos grupos cada dos semanas en Fort Myers, Naples y Punta Gorda.
1762 Fowler St., Fort Myers
819 Myrtle Terrace, Naples
507 W. Marion Ave. (First United Methodist Church), Punta Gorda
Gracias a Noticias WINK
Haga clic aquí para leer sobre nuestros servicios en español.
Valerie’s House es la única organización sin fines de lucro en el suroeste de Florida con su única misión de ayudar a los niños afligidos. Nuestra visión es que ningún niño estará solo sufriendo el dolor de la muerte de su padre, madre o ser querido.
Valerie's House Teen Creates "Coping Bags" for Grieving Children
/Thanks to one special teen at Valerie’s House, families in Southwest Florida will get a lifeline after losing a loved one.
Austin Wolin created bags stuffed with items that will help comfort kids while they grieve. He said this is his way of giving back after Valerie’s House helped him through one of the most difficult parts of his life.
Read more and watch Austin’s story here.
Designers Transform Valerie's House Naples Home
/Meet Our Designers
Littles Room
Designed and Donated by Beverly’s Angels
Mural by Barbara Del Castillo
Prepare to be transported to the depths of the ocean when you walk into the Littles Room, designed by Beverly’s Angels. Children will be captivated by the colorful masterpiece of sea creatures covering the walls, painted by artist Barbara Del Castillo. They can gather on plush cushions for group discussions, express their thoughts on the chalkboard wall and tinker with various toys.
Facebook
@beverlysangelsnaples
Middles Room
Designed and Donated by Wilfredo Emanuel Designs
Mural by Barbara Del Castillo
You can almost smell the fresh air when you step inside the Middles Room. Designed by Wilfredo Emanuel Designs, children will feel like they’re spending a relaxing day at the park or campsite. The room is filled with whimsical foliage and garnished with outdoor lighting. It’s sure to set a child’s mind at ease.
Facebook
@wilfredoemanueldesigns
Instagram
@wilfredo_emanuel_design
Teen Room
Designed and Donated by L Design Studio
The complex mind of a teenager is projected into every corner of the Teen Room. You’ll find abstract artwork, lounge seating, a creative corner, and modern décor. L Design Studio’s carefully crafted space is sure to make a teen feel as though they’re hanging out at a friend’s house.
Facebook
@LDesignStudio1
Instagram
@l_designstudio
Caregiver Room
Designed and Donated by The Find Furniture Consignment
This serene space will provide comfort for caregivers who accompany children to Valerie’s House. Caregivers can sit back on couches and armchairs and let their feelings flow. The Find Furniture Consignment has created a calm atmosphere that will surround the adults as they navigate their grief.
Facebook
@thefindconsignment
Instagram
@thefindconsign
Imagination Room
Designed and Donated by Freestyle Interiors
Children can put their creativity to work inside the Imagination Room. Freestyle Interiors has transformed this open space into a magical play land. Equipped with a make-believe time machine, sand table and dress-up station, it’s the perfect place for children to relive precious memories, act out their feelings and play pretend.
Facebook
@freestyleinteriorsbonitasprings
Instagram
@freestyle_interiors
Volcano Room
Designed and Donated by Nancy Thalmheimer
and Erikka Thalmheimer
Mural by Logan Pattyson
Children can let their emotions erupt inside the Volcano Room. Nancy and Erikka Thalmheimer have provided the perfect arena for kids to blow off steam. The room comes equipped with padded floors and walls, punching bags and exercise balls. Whether children feel angry or simply want to let loose, they can channel their energy in a positive way in this secure space.
Chill Room
Designed and Donated by Seacoast Interiors
Dim the lights and crank up the soothing sounds of nature. Seacoast Interiors has captured a sense of calm in the Chill Room. Children can sit and reflect on comfortable cushions, unwind and rejuvenate on yoga mats, or reflect and let their thoughts flow in the cozy writing nook. It’s sure to be a retreat for the restless mind.
Facebook
@seacoastinteriors
Instagram
@seacoastinteriors
Art Room
Designed and Donated by Ecru & Ebony Design
It’s a painter’s paradise. The art room is a versatile space, ready for the messiest of tasks. Its spacious setting allows for larger groups to gather and get their creative juices flowing. The well-stocked stations will allow children to create countless works of art.
Facebook
@ecruebonydesign
Instagram
@ecruebonydesign
Gathering Room
Designed and Donated by Lisa Davenport Designs & Lovetto Design
A colorful tree adorns the corner of the Gathering room, where children will be able to hang a personalized leaf for the special person they have lost. This spacious area will provide a beautiful backdrop for the many meals Valerie’s House families will share.
Facebook
@LisaDavenportDesigns
@LovettoDesign
Instagram
@cashmereandbluejeans
@lovettodesign
Hallway Mural
Designed and Donated by Logan Pattyson
Exterior Landscaping
Designed and Donated by Lois A. Bolin, GRI, Ph.D
Interior House Painting
Designed and Donated by Innovative Design Solutions
Facebook
@www.naplesconstruction.net
