Valerie’s House Receives $500,000 Challenge Grant To Kick Off Capital Campaign

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                          

 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

FORT MYERS, Fla. – December 9, 2021 – A $500,000 challenge grant has been awarded to Valerie’s House as the cornerstone of a $3 million capital campaign to help the non-profit organization build a permanent home and expand grief support services for children.

The challenge grant was awarded by philanthropists David and Linda Lucas, who have been long-time supporters of Valerie’s House.  The non-profit has one year to raise funds to match the $500,000, according to Valerie’s House Founder and CEO Angela Melvin.

“We are very grateful for the generosity of David and Linda Lucas, who are passionate about helping others.  David lost his own father at a very young age and would have been a Valerie’s House child himself, if our program had existed then,” Melvin said.

David Lucas and Angela Melvin

Valerie’s House is halfway toward its goal of raising $3 million, but Melvin said the $500,000 challenge grant is in addition to what has already been raised so any new monies collected between now and the end of 2022 will go toward the match.

“There is some urgency to have funds pledged as soon as possible so that we don’t lose this wonderful challenge grant opportunity.  End of the year giving is especially appreciated,” she said.

The new Valerie’s House location will be built on a one-acre parcel donated by the City of Fort Myers on Veronica Shoemaker Boulevard near Winkler Road.

The 7,000 square foot facility will include healing rooms, therapy rooms, and a volcano room with punching bags and other tools to allow children to release tension and anger in a healthy and safe way.  A memorial wall will commemorate loved ones who have died and outdoor space will be designed for both reflection and fun.

“The Valerie’s House Forever Home will be a special place for all grieving children in Southwest Florida to connect with one another and learn the tools to heal after they have experienced the loss of someone they love,” Melvin said.

The new home also will serve as the administrative headquarters for Valerie’s House and will allow the non-profit to expand and reach the growing number of children who need help.

Sponsorship and room-naming opportunities are available throughout the two-story home, ranging from $5,000 to $100,000.  To review the sponsorship opportunities and see a 3D animation of the new home, visit https://valerieshouse.org/capital-campaign

One in nine children in Florida is predicted to lose a parent or sibling before the age of 21, according to the 2020 Childhood Bereavement Estimation Model.

Since its opening in 2016, Valerie’s House has helped almost 2,000 children grieve the loss of loved one.

Valerie’s House currently 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.  More information can be found at www.valerieshouse.org.

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Valerie’s House receives large donation, hopes to build new home

WINK News

Reporter: Amanda Hall

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A Southwest Florida nonprofit received a large donation on Thursday.

Valerie’s House was given a $500,000 check to help them serve the children in the area who could be grieving the loss of a loved one.

The donation is from Creighton Construction and Development.

Dan Creighton presented the check to Valerie’s House’s Angela Melvin.

“When I lost my mom in 1987 I was only 10 years old and there was nothing in this community,” Melvin said. “I was very alone. I went back to school alone and it’s just the last thing we ever want kids to go through so, with Dan’s help, they’ll never have to be alone in this community.”

The nonprofit has outgrown its house on Fowler Street and they plan to build a bigger and better home at Veronica Shoemaker and Winkler Road.

“There’s going to be awesome rooms where they can express themselves,” Melvin said. “For example, there’ll be a room with just a bunch of punching bags and kick and punch their anger out because a lot of kids do feel angry and that’s OK.”

Melvin plans to name a room after Creighton’s mother.

Creighton hopes his donation will encourage others to donate for Valerie’s House, which hopes to raise $3 million.

Link: https://www.winknews.com/2021/12/16/valeries-house-receives-large-donation/

Valerie’s House Hosts Podcast, Open House In Honor of National Children’s Grief Awareness Day

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                          

Valerie’s House Hosts Podcast, Open House

In Honor of National Children’s Grief Awareness Day

FORT MYERS, Fla. – November 9, 2021 – Valerie’s House, a nonprofit organization in Southwest Florida helping children grieve, is hosting a podcast and two open houses Thursday, Nov. 18, in honor of National Children’s Grief Awareness Day.

The podcast, which will become a monthly event, will feature Angela Melvin in the debut episode with a personal interview in which she shares her own experience of childhood grief after losing her mother in a tragic car accident.  Melvin will reveal details never before shared and the challenges of making her dream for Valerie’s House a reality as well as what she has learned along the way. Listen to the episode here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/571363/9558526

The podcast “Grieve. Love. Health” can be heard on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

“November is also National Children’s Grief Awareness Month so we will be posting several stories, videos and podcasts to help others understand the plight grieving families face,” Melvin said.  “It is an exciting national movement and we are relieved there are others who are finally joining with us in this conversation, when for so many years, children’s grief was not something people acknowledged.”

Valerie’s House is encouraging residents on social media to change their profile image during the month to the Children’s Grief Awareness ribbon.

“Even if for just a day, a week, or the entire month, it will no doubt cause people to pause and question what it may be like to lose someone you love when you are a child,” Melvin said.

To commemorate National Children’s Grief Awareness Month, Valerie’s House is inviting professionals and others who work with children to tour the two locations in Fort Myers and Naples during Thursday, Nov. 18.  The Fort Myers open house will be from 9 a.m to 5 p.m.at 1762 Fowler Street.  The Naples open house will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 819 Myrtle Terrace.

During the open houses, guests will meet the Valerie’s House team, tour the different healing rooms, learning about the referral process and find out how to best comfort a grieving child.  To attend either open house, please RSVP to Amy@valerieshouse.org

One in nine children in Florida is predicted to lose a parent or sibling before the age of 21, according to the 2020 Childhood Bereavement Estimation Model.

Since its opening in 2016, Valerie’s House has helped more than 1,000 children grieve the loss of loved one.

Valerie’s House provides a safe, comfortable place for children and their families 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.  More information can be found at www.valerieshouse.org.

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Community Foundation announces Southwest Florida's top 30 nonprofit executives of 2021

News-Press

Michael Chatman - The Community Foundation

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The Community Foundation, previously known as the Cape Coral Community Foundation, is a global center for generosity, and one of Southwest Florida’s most active grantmaking charitable foundations. The Community Foundation is the voice and the choice of 4,700 nonprofits in Southwest Florida with a combined workforce of 32,500 employees that generate $3.6 billion in annual revenue.

Every year, the Community Foundation honors and celebrates the top 30 nonprofit executives in Southwest Florida. The influential and inspiring leaders are some of the region’s most effective decision-makers and power influencers.

Managing a nonprofit, let alone innovating new ideas, is a tall order. Mastering that balance between sustainability and change is why these top 30 nonprofit CEO power influencers need to be recognized and honored.

Each of the influencers has been identified and confirmed by peers as being a top achiever and community builder who performs their duties with integrity and honesty and makes a substantial impact in Southwest Florida.

These exceptional achievers have a proven track record in the charitable sector while also dedicating their time, talent, and treasure to leading transformational change to enrich the community. This honor was established by the South Florida CEO Network, an initiative of The Community Foundation, and the Nonprofit Education Grantmaking Fund, as part of a larger vision of nonprofit leader appreciation, recognition, and cultivating a culture of regional generosity.

More: Commentary: Cape Community Foundation helps small nonprofits build greater Southwest Florida

The nonprofit executives highlighted here have distinguished themselves as initiators, innovators, and leaders. One important standard to be selected is the honoree must be a working day-in, day-out executive. In many cases this year day-in, day-out was 24/7/365 and still going.

The 2021 honorees were selected from a group of roughly 200 top executives. Surveys were sent to business and community leaders to determine who should make this year’s list. This is not a lifetime achievement award. The executives must have had an impact during the previous 12 months. Each honoree will receive a special award of appreciation, featured in media releases and news outlets, as well as attend a private VIP reception, sponsored by Regions Bank.

Wendy Fullerton-Powell, News Director, News-Press/USA Today, will share an informative presentation on how to get the attention of newsroom decision-makers to promote their organizations, which can lead to more visibility, credibility, and charitable donations.

The private, invitation-only awards ceremony will be held on Dec. 9 from 4-6 p.m. at the Luminary Hotel, 2200 Edwards Drive, Fort Myers.

Here is the complete list of The Community Foundation's Top 30 Nonprofit Executives of 2021:

• Dr. Michael Martin, President, Florida Gulf Coast University

• Dr. Roger Nutt, President, Ave Maria University

• Paul Hiltz, President, NCH Health System

 • Dr. Larry Antonucci, President, Lee Health

 • Dr. Samira Beckwith, President, Hope Healthcare

 • Dr. Carol Rae Culliton, Founder, Brotherhood of Heroes Resource Center & Museum

 • Erin McLeod, President, Senior Friendship Centers

 • John Nadeau, President Goodwill Industries of SWFL

• Norma Adorno, President, Area Agency on Aging of SWFL

 • Dawn Montecalvo, President, Guadalupe Center

 • Noemi Perez, President, Immokalee Foundation

 • Richard Leber, President, Harry Chapin Food Bank

 • David Erickson, President, ECHO

 • Jeff Metzger, President, New International

 • Lara Fisher, President, Grace Place for Children & Families

 • Jaime Suanez, Executive Director, Rist Family Foundation

 • Lee Ellen Harder, Executive Director, Big Arts Sanibel Island

 • Maggi Feiner, President, F.I.S.H. of SANCAP

 • Megan McCarthy Beauvais, President, Boys & Girls Club of Naples

 • Dan Shoemaker, President, Reciprocal Ministries, International

 • Abdul Muhammed, President, Quality Life Center

 • Laura Ragain, Executive Director, Ronald McDonald House of SWFL

 • Ryan Orgera, President, Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation

 • Linda Oberhaus, President, Shelter for Abused Women & Children

 • John Martin, Managing Director, Florida Repertory Theatre

 • Stefanie Ink Edwards, President, Community Cooperative

 • Angela Melvin, President, Valerie’s House

 • Angel Cerritos, Executive Director, Bonita Springs YMCA

 • Lynne Thorp, Executive Director, The Dubin Center

• Jennifer Cellitti, Executive Director, PACE Center for Girls, Lee County

Michael Chatman is president & CEO of The Community Foundation, the global center for generosity, and can be reached at cccf@capecoralcf.org, on Twitter @michaelchatman. The Community Foundation is located at 1405 SE 47th Terrace, Unit 2, Cape Coral. For information, call 239-542-5594.

Link: https://www.news-press.com/story/news/local/cape-coral/2021/11/15/community-foundation-announces-southwest-floridas-top-30-nonprofit-executives-2021/6386397001/

Valerie’s House hosts podcast, open house for Children’s Grief Awareness Day

Florida Weekly

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Valerie’s House, a nonprofit organization in Southwest Florida helping children grieve, is hosting a podcast and two open houses Thursday, Nov. 18, in honor of National Children’s Grief Awareness Day.

The podcast, which will become a monthly event, will feature Angela Melvin in the debut episode with a personal interview in which she shares her own experience of childhood grief after losing her mother in a tragic car accident. Ms. Melvin will reveal details never before shared and the challenges of making her dream for Valerie’s House a reality as well as what she has learned along the way.

The podcast “Grieve. Love. Heal.” can be heard on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

“November is also National Children’s Grief Awareness Month so we will be posting several stories, videos and podcasts to help others understand the plight grieving families face,” Ms. Melvin said. “It is an exciting national movement and we are relieved there are others who are finally joining with us in this conversation, when for so many years, children’s grief was not something people acknowledged.”

Valerie’s House is encouraging residents on social media to change their profile image during the month to the Children’s Grief Awareness ribbon.

To commemorate National Children’s Grief Awareness Month, Valerie’s House is inviting professionals and others who work with children to tour the two locations in Fort Myers and Naples during Thursday, Nov. 18. The Fort Myers open house will be from 9 a.m to 5 p.m. at 1762 Fowler Street. The Naples open house will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 819 Myrtle Terrace.

During the open houses, guests will meet the Valerie’s House team, tour the different healing rooms, learning about the referral process and find out how to best comfort a grieving child. To attend either open house, RSVP to Amy@valerieshouse.org

One in nine children in Florida is predicted to lose a parent or sibling before the age of 21, according to the 2020 Childhood Bereavement Estimation Model.

Since its opening in 2016, Valerie’s House has helped more than 1,000 children grieve the loss of a loved one.

Valerie’s House provides a safe, comfortable place for children and their families 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 is a United Way partner agency and is fully supported by community donations. More information, visit www.valerieshouse.org.

Link: https://naples.floridaweekly.com/articles/valeries-house-hosts-podcast-open-house-for-childrens-grief-awareness-day/

Valerie’s House Resumes In-Person Group Meetings; New Support Groups Added in Schools

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                          

FORT MYERS, Fla. – October 7, 2021 – Valerie’s House, the non-profit organization that helps children grieve the loss of a loved one, has resumed in-person group therapy sessions after a six-week hiatus due to the spike in COVID-19 cases.

“The number of new families seeking grief counseling is increasing every week. About 20 percent of them are families that have lost a loved one to COVID-19,” said Valerie’s House Founder and CEO Angela Melvin.

Valerie’s House is implementing safety precautions at all of its locations, including requiring all employees to be vaccinated and wear masks during group therapy sessions.  Families, however, will not be required to be vaccinated.

“We don’t want anything to stand in the way of a child that needs grief counseling, especially since vaccination isn’t available for most children right now,” she said.

About 400 children and family members participate in the group therapy sessions at the three Valerie’s House locations in Fort Myers, Naples and Punta Gorda.  Sessions are held Monday through Thursday evenings.

In addition, Valerie’s House is now providing grief support groups for students, teachers and staff at several Lee County schools that requested the help.  Counselors are conducting grief support groups at Cypress Lake High School, Franklin Park Elementary School and Harns Marsh Middle School in Lee County; Immokalee Middle School in Collier County; and Punta Gorda Elementary in Charlotte County.

Valerie’s House provides a safe, comfortable place for children and their families 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.  More information can be found at www.valerieshouse.org.

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Anglers reel in $120,000 for Valerie’s House

Florida Weekly

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Hooked by the collective work of the Calusa Sportsman Foundation, anglers came together recently and raised $120,000 for Valerie’s House. The nonprofit is working toward a new forever home where children and families can receive comfort and care as they cope with the loss of a loved one.

The brainchild of Calusa Sportsman Foundation founders Mark Wiles, Jeff Richards and Mike Dannenhauer, the Inshore Fishing Tournament attracted 191 anglers, 57 teams and 37 sponsors. It was a virtual event, where boats could fish in many local waterways, catch the required fish, measure, and then submit their catches using an app.

The donation was one of the largest ever for Valerie’s House and important for the new home that will be built near Veronica S. Shoemaker Boulevard in Fort Myers. Groundbreaking is scheduled for December.

Valerie’s House opened in January 2016 and since then has helped more than 700 individuals, including children, parents, and grandparents.

The goal is to raise $3 million and open the new house in December 2022. For more information and to make a donation, go to www.valerieshouse.org.

Link: https://fortmyers.floridaweekly.com/articles/anglers-reel-in-120000-for-valeries-house/

Community in the Know: Valerie’s House receives $50,000 grant

Florida Weekly

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Valerie’s House founder and CEO Angela Melvin has announced that the organization has been awarded a $50,000 grant from Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association, to help in its mission of helping children grieve the loss of a loved one.

Major League Baseball (MLB) and the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) recently announced the fifth round of recipients for the joint Healthy Relationships Community Grant program. The current distribution of more than $500,000 is going to 11 nonprofit organizations, marking nearly $2.5 million donated to more than 50 organizations so far in this program. The focus areas for the organizations receiving funding include support for survivors of domestic violence, mental health resiliency and developing positive relationship skills in youth as a preventive measure to breaking the cycle of violence.

This initiative is intended as a prevention strategy to empower the next generation to understand the components of a healthy relationship. Organizational efforts supported by grant funding may include public education, with a preference for youth populations, on the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships as it relates to interpersonal violence (e.g., intimate partner, family or teen dating). Examples of education efforts include creating, producing and distributing public service announcements with relevant content and call to action, as well as conferences or events focusing on awareness. Funding can also go toward supporting existing, or introducing new, programming on how to break the cycle of violence.

The joint donation for the Healthy Relationships Community Grant represents an ongoing commitment by MLB and the MLBPA to provide support to causes that assist vulnerable populations, which has historically included financial assistance toward disaster relief and recovery as well as human trafficking prevention.

Valerie’s House provides a safe, comfortable place for children and their families 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 St., 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. For more information, visit www.valerieshouse.org.

Library in North Port continues Food Truck Fridays

Food Truck Fridays is a fundraising event at the Shannon Staub Library, sponsored by Friends of Shannon Staub Public Library Inc. From 11 a.m.-2 p.m. each Friday, a different food truck will be stationed just outside the main entrance of the library, 4675 Career Lane, North Port (on the Suncoast Technical College campus). Scheduled vendors will be posted on the Facebook page for Friends of Shannon Staub Public Library www.facebook.com/friendsofshannonstaubpubliclibrary as well as on its website at www.friendsofsspl.org. Participating food vendors include British Open Pub, Savor 100 x 35, Jersey Shore Crab Cake Company, Uncle Frank’s Hot Dogs, Grace’s Taste of Poland and Wally’s BBQ.

“This fundraiser generates funds to support the programs and events at the Shannon Staub Library,” said Liz Napoli, president of the organization. “In addition, more people become aware of this amazing relatively new facility in North Port. We want everyone to know that North Port has two public libraries within the city. Shannon Staub Library offers innovative events for all ages, wonderful children’s programming and great resources such as the Creation Station for teens as well as adults. This rotation of food trucks allows for a variety of local vendors to participate and to provide a varied menu for our library patrons and visitors.”

Bookings have been confirmed through April 2022; however, sometimes changes in the schedule are necessary due to truck breakdowns, weather, etc. For updated information each week, visit the Facebook page. Food vendors interested in participating in this event should contact Ms. Napoli at 941-876-3586.

Link: https://charlottecounty.floridaweekly.com/articles/community-in-the-know-103/

Valerie’s House Halts Group Meetings; Founder Pleads with Younger People to Get Vaccinated

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                          

Valerie’s House Halts Group Meetings;

Founder Pleads with Younger People to Get Vaccinated

FORT MYERS, Fla. – August 16, 2021 – The growing number of COVID deaths among young people has led Valerie’s House to suspend group meetings until the numbers recede, founder and CEO Angela Melvin announced Sunday. Although Valerie’s House has not seen a COVID outbreak within the organization, Melvin says the virus is still hitting close to home with new families entering the program because of a COVID death, as well as a young volunteer who died over the weekend after contracting the virus.

“We have had a growing number of heartbreaking calls and emails this week from families where a parent has died from COVID, leaving children behind. In almost all cases, the words are the same, ‘He was so healthy and young, we never expected this.’ They have all been unvaccinated,” Melvin said.

Valerie’s House conducted a news conference Monday (today) from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. to address reporter’s questions, share more on the grief that has occurred as a result of the new variant, and reinforce the need for everyone older than age 12 to be vaccinated. The news conference was at Valerie’s House at 1762 Fowler Street in Fort Myers.

“When the first round of COVID occurred a year ago, we had only a handful of children enter our program because their parent died from COVID. The number of families now grieving the loss of a parent because of the virus is gut-wrenching for the entire Valerie’s House family,” she emphasized.

The nonprofit organization that helps children grieve the loss of a loved one, is also seeing a growing number of their own teen and young adult volunteers contract the virus. 

“We tragically lost one of our own volunteers this weekend who was a young man, healthy, and a beloved group buddy in our Val’s Pals Mentoring Program. He was unvaccinated,” she said.

Valerie’s House will continue with individual counseling and family care in person. In the meantime, Melvin said support groups may become virtual until the COVID numbers come down.

Valerie’s House provides a safe, comfortable place for children and their families 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. More information can be found at www.valerieshouse.org.

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Valerie’s House Receives $50,000 Grant From Major League Baseball and the Players Association

FORT MYERS, Fla. – August 9, 2021 – Valerie’s House has been awarded a $50,000 grant from Major League Baseball (MLB) and the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) to help in its mission of helping children grieve the loss of a loved one.

Major League Baseball (MLB) and the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) on Friday announced the fifth round of recipients for the joint “Healthy Relationships Community Grant” program. The current distribution of more than $500,000 is going to 11 nonprofit organizations, marking nearly $2.5 million donated to more than 50 organizations so far in this program. The focus areas for the organizations receiving funding include support for survivors of domestic violence, mental health resiliency, and developing positive relationship skills in youth as a preventive measure to breaking the cycle of violence.

Organizations were encouraged to apply for funding to cover general operating expenses, allowing them to respond to their greatest needs, or program support. The recipients are as follows:

This overall initiative is a $3 million commitment to provide funding in 2020 and 2021 to organizations that support healthy relationships through programs designed to strengthen and provide critical services to survivors of domestic violence, improve mental health resiliency among vulnerable populations and build and improve relationship skills of the next generation.

U.S.-based nonprofit and global non-governmental organizations (NGOs) can still apply for localized support at MLB.com/HealthyRelationships and MLBPLAYERS.com/HealthyRelationships through-out the year, with proposals reviewed on a quarterly grant cycle. Nonprofits and NGOs may apply for grants of up to $50,000 for general operating or programmatic funding for one or more of the following categories: Healthy Relationship Practices/Education, Support for Survivors of Domestic Violence, and/or Mental Health Resiliency. Grant applications will be evaluated quarterly based on assessment of the population served, organization strength, impact, partnerships, sustainability of the programs, and more. Additionally, MLB Club charities and Major League Players have been encouraged to apply directly for up to $25,000 as part of a gift matching component of the initiative, with grant evaluations based on documentation of direct funding and commitment to the issue.

This initiative is intended as a prevention strategy to empower the next generation to understand the components of a healthy relationship. Organizational efforts supported by grant funding may include public education, with a preference for youth populations, on the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships as it relates to interpersonal violence (e.g., intimate partner, family or teen dating). Examples of education efforts include creating, producing & distributing public service announcements with relevant content and call to action as well as conferences or events focusing on awareness. Funding can also go toward supporting existing, or introducing new, programming on how to break the cycle of violence.

Strengthening and providing services to survivors of domestic violence is of critical importance to this grant initiative. Efforts may include (a) capacity building in support of the organizational mission of the nonprofit or NGO; (b) mental health support; (c) professional and life skills workshops as well as Eleven Organizations Named Recipients of the Latest Round of the "Healthy Relationships Community Grant" Programadditional education and materials to improve employee readiness and workplace development; or (d) advocacy efforts to reduce domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.

Efforts toward building and improving mental health resiliency for vulnerable populations may include providing greater access to (a) quality mental health services and wellness programs; (b) preventative programs designed to reduce suicide, suicidal ideations and self-harm; (c) training programs for mental health professionals; or (d) school or community-based interventions.

The joint donation for the “Healthy Relationships Community Grant” represents an ongoing commitment by MLB and the MLBPA to provide support to causes that assist vulnerable populations, which has historically included financial assistance toward disaster relief and recovery as well as human trafficking prevention.

About Valerie’s House:

Valerie’s House provides a safe, comfortable place for children and their families 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.  More information can be found at www.valerieshouse.org.

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Valerie’s House Announces $30,000 in Inaugural College Scholarships

FORT MYERS, Fla. – August 4, 2021 – Valerie’s House, a nonprofit organization in Southwest Florida helping children grieve, has awarded $30,000 in college scholarships for graduating high school seniors who have participated in its program.

It’s the first year that Valerie’s House has offered the scholarships of $1,500 per year for four years for a total of $6,000 per student. Five local students were chosen based on an essay they each wrote about their personal grief story and how their loss shaped them as the person they are and the person they want to become.

The scholarship recipients are:

●          Marcel Garcia of Naples, who graduated from Gulf Coast High School and plans to attend Florida Gulf Coast University;

●          Stori McDougall-Eva of Fort Myers, who graduated from Canterbury School and attends Boston College;

●          Shane Spotz of Cape Coral, who graduated from Cape Coral High School and plans to attend the University of Florida in Gainesville;

●          Austin Wolin of Punta Gorda, who graduated from Island Park High School and plans to attend Florida SouthWestern College in Fort Myers; and

●          Ashley Zimmerman of Naples, who graduated from Naples High School and plans to attend Southern Union State Community College in Opelika, Ga..

“This is the next step in the grieving process to help these young adults who have lost a loved one,” said Valerie’s House Founder and CEO Angela Melvin.  “We are very grateful to our donors who have made this inaugural scholarship program possible.”

The scholarship funds may be used for classes, materials, or anything they need during the school year.

“The students are to check in with us every semester, show us transcripts with a GPA of 2.5 or higher, and tell us something that they worked through that was challenging during the semester, how they worked through it or something great that they accomplished, “ said Staci VanSlambrouch, mentor and family support coordinator who is in charge of the scholarship program.

Valerie’s House first opened its doors with 20 children and their caregivers on the evening of January 11, 2016 in a small house in downtown Fort Myers.  Since then, the organization has grown to help more than 1,000 children and expanded into three locations across Southwest Florida, including one in Naples and Punta Gorda.

One in nine children in Florida is predicted to lose a parent or sibling before the age of 21, according to the 2020 Childhood Bereavement Estimation Model.

Valerie’s House provides a safe, comfortable place for children and their families 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.  More information can be found at www.valerieshouse.org.

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Marcel Garcia

Austin Wolin

Stori McDougall-Eva

Shane Spotz

Ashley Zimmerman

Grief Questions Starburst Activity | Helping Grieving Children

In our latest peer grief support group activity, children choose from a group of colored cards that coordinate with the four flavors of Starburst candies. After they answer the question on the card, they will get a Starburst candy that matches their colored card to eat! Our “Littles” have the option of playing a version of Candyland if the grief questions are too difficult for them. They will discuss a time they experienced different emotions based on what color on the board they land on and our Colors of Emotions chart.

Valerie’s House is the only organization of its kind in Southwest Florida with the sole mission of helping children grieve the loss of a loved one. Learn more and help us support grieving children and families at valerieshouse.org.

Music: "Perception," Bensound.com

Naples Open House Preview: You're Invited to Valerie's House-Naples

Valerie’s House is the only organization of its kind in Southwest Florida with the sole mission of helping children grieve the loss of a loved one. The mission is to help children and families work through the loss of a loved one together and go on to live fulfilling lives. Our vision is that No Child Will Grieve Alone.

With locations in Fort Myers, Naples, and Punta Gorda, Valerie’s House is a special place where children connect with one another and learn the tools to heal after they have experienced the death of someone they love.

This video is an invitation to the community to come see Valerie's House's location in Collier County during our open house on Thursday, June 3 from 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. See full details at https://fb.me/e/1iRkVuoLa.

Self-Esteem Building Mantra Activity | Helping Grieving Children

In our latest peer grief support group activity, children, teens, and caregivers are focusing on their own self-esteem. After the loss of a loved one, many struggle with their self-image or their self-esteem, so activities like these can help our families remember what's great about them. Our group buddies provide a list of prompts to help them get started on thinking about things that are good about themselves and/or that they would like to focus on improving. Then, they create mantras - words or short phrases to repeat - that they can practice and refer to when they need them.

Valerie’s House is the only organization of its kind in Southwest Florida with the sole mission of helping children grieve the loss of a loved one. Learn more and help us support grieving children and families at valerieshouse.org.

Music: "Tenderness," Bensound.com

Family Peer Grief Support Group Activity - Mandalas

In this activity, our families have an open discussion about mindfulness and the importance of learning techniques/skills to help us cope with stress and anxiety. We work together as a family to enhance unity and better understand each other’s stressors, how we manage them, and the things we are grateful for. During the discussion, they are going to work on creating their own mandalas using nature themed items. Everyone’s mandala will be different and can be very simple or more complicated based on what they members of the family decide to include.

Valerie’s House is the only organization of its kind in Southwest Florida with the sole mission of helping children grieve the loss of a loved one. Learn more and help us support grieving children and families at valerieshouse.org.

Class of 2021: Silvia E. Garcia from Gulf Coast High School

How has Valerie’s House helped you with your grief journey?

“Valerie’s House has helped me realize that I’m not alone in my grief process, and others are willing to help.”

What advice would you give to another grieving child/teen?

“I’d advise other grieving children/teens to reach out to one another and connect. Sometimes it’s easier to heal when you’re with someone who is going through something similar.”

If you had to describe yourself to a stranger in three adjectives, what would they be?

“Eccentric. Self-Aware. Bold.”

What are your future goals? What’s next for you?

“My future goals are to get my master’s in art. Then, an education certification and become a high school art teacher.”

Class of 2021: Marcel S. Garcia from Gulf Coast High School

How has Valerie’s House helped you with your grief journey?

“I don’t let it bother me as much as it used to.”

What advice would you give to another grieving child/teen?

“You shouldn’t let obstacles stand in your way of achieving your goals.”

If you had to describe yourself to a stranger in three adjectives, what would they be?

“Reluctant. Sincere. Motivated.”

What are your future goals? What’s next for you?

“I plan on attending college and getting a bachelor’s degree. Then, going to law school. I would like to specialize in the area of criminal justice.”

Class of 2021: Madison Austin from Mariner High School

How has Valerie’s House helped you with your grief journey?

“Valerie’s House has helped me in so many ways. I was able to control my anger and understand my grief.”

What advice would you give to another grieving child/teen?

“Find a way to express yourself in whatever it may be. Do not bottle up your feelings. Talk about it.”

If you had to describe yourself to a stranger in three adjectives, what would they be?

“Caring. Respectful. Honest.”

What are your future goals? What’s next for you?

“I am going to enlist in the US Army. I want to get an education to be a pediatrician.”

Class of 2021: Marissa Jean Blackburn from Lee Virtual School

How has Valerie’s House helped you with your grief journey?

“Valerie’s House has helped me so much to figure out the best way for me to grieve. I had to admit some very hard things to myself that I never thought bothered me. Now that I have, it’s a little easier, but it’s hard to do things I like because it just reminds me of why I’m grieving.”

What advice would you give to another grieving child/teen?

“I would let another grieving child/teen know that it’s not their fault. Their person is in a better place and, even though it may take time, Valerie’s House will help you find things that make you happy.”

If you had to describe yourself to a stranger in three adjectives, what would they be?

“Happy. Outgoing. Strong.”

What are your future goals? What’s next for you?

“My future goal is to have a career in criminal justice. I am going to a community college for two years and then a university for the last two.”

Class of 2021: Freya Turner from Lehigh Senior

How has Valerie’s House helped you with your grief journey?

“It has helped me be able to talk about it and finally accept my sister’s death. It has also helped me help others with their grief journeys. I help them feel welcome and have them realize that they are not alone in their journey.”

What advice would you give to another grieving child/teen?

“The advice I would give to another person, any age, is that you are not alone. There is not one instance in this world where someone is not going through something similar. It may take you a while to find it, but you will. And, they will be there for you. Take your own steps, mark your own journey and carve your own path. We will get through this all together. And, no matter how you see it- your loved one will always be with you.”

If you had to describe yourself to a stranger in three adjectives, what would they be?

“Kind. Open. Caring.”

What are your future goals? What’s next for you?

“What’s next for me is hopefully moving to Orlando and working for Disney and pursuing my art career.”