Tuesday night volunteer Kaylin Cole started with Valerie’s House as an intern in January 2023. After her semester was over in May, she decided to continue volunteering as a group facilitator and work with grieving children who have lost a loved one.

“Volunteering at Valerie’s House has taught me how to listen and speak to someone who is grieving,” Kaylin said. “My favorite part about volunteering is knowing that I can make families feel heard and cared for.”

Kaylin learned about Valerie’s House through a class at Florida Gulf Coast University. She figured it would be a great place to volunteer her time due to her background in psychology and love for children.

Kaylin currently works with the teen group on Tuesday nights at Valerie’s House in Fort Myers. She also has experience working in groups with younger children, including those ages 8-12.

“I have experienced a death in my own family, and that helps me connect with the kids,” Kaylin said. “It helps to let them know that they are not alone.”

Kaylin’s presence in peer grief-support groups at Valerie’s House allows grieving kids to see that loss doesn’t have to limit their dreams.

“Deciding to volunteer was one of the greatest decisions I’ve ever made,” Kaylin said. “It’s very rewarding knowing that you are helping these kids through their grieving process.”