As Valerie’s House marks 10 years of supporting grieving children, teens, and families, our community paused to recognize not just a milestone, but a movement built on compassion, commitment, and care.

Over the past week, both Lee County and the City of Fort Myers formally honored Valerie’s House through proclamations recognizing a decade of service and the lasting impact of grief support programs across our region. These moments were deeply meaningful reflections of how far this work has come and how many people have helped make it possible.

Recognized by Lee County

During a meeting of the Lee County Board of County Commissioners, Valerie’s House was recognized for 10 years of service to grieving children and families throughout Southwest Florida.

The room was filled with community members, supporters, and leaders, including commissioners who have believed in this mission since the earliest days. Many were present back when Valerie’s House began with just 20 children in a small historic home in downtown Fort Myers.

Members of the Valerie’s House team and youth and parent ambassadors were proud to be there to accept the proclamation. We were also grateful for the presence of Kevin Anderson, Mayor of the City of Fort Myers and Valerie’s House board member, who joined in recognizing the significance of this moment.

Honored by the City of Fort Myers

Soon after, Valerie’s House was also recognized during a City Council meeting by the City of Fort Myers.

This proclamation carried special meaning. The City of Fort Myers didn’t just recognize the impact of Valerie’s House. They helped make our long-term vision possible by donating the land where our Fort Myers Family is Forever Home now stands. That partnership transformed a dream into a permanent place of support, healing, and connection for families who need it most.

As part of the meeting, Valerie’s House shared an overview of the work happening inside those walls, including families served, counseling hours provided, volunteers engaged, and mentorships formed. Several Valerie’s House families, team members, and board representatives were present, including our board chair, Kristalyn Loson Atwood.

Looking Back, Moving Forward

These proclamations are about more than anniversaries. They represent a shared belief that grief support for children and families matters, that it must be accessible, and that it must last.

As Valerie’s House reflects on the past 10 years, we do so with deep gratitude for the community leaders, partners, families, volunteers, and supporters who have walked alongside us. Together, we’ve built something that continues to grow and respond to the needs of grieving families across our region.

We are honored by this recognition and committed to what comes next. Because no child should grieve alone.