Summer can be a tough time for grieving families. The routines that provide structure during the school year fade, and so do the regular check-ins from teachers, counselors, and peers. That’s why we created this camp—to remind our kids they’re not alone, and to give them space to express their grief in healthy, creative ways.

As we close out the 2025 spring semester at Valerie’s House, our hearts are full—of hope, healing, and deep gratitude.

Our teens and young adults took an inspiring step toward their future at the Valerie’s House College and Career Fair, held Tuesday, April 30 at our Fort Myers Family is Forever Home.

Valerie’s House was honored once again to be a part of Champions 4 Children — an annual tradition that brings professional and collegiate athletes together with local nonprofits to uplift and inspire children across Southwest Florida. This year, dozens of athletes, many of whom are former stars in the NFL, MLB, NBA, and beyond, spent the day laughing, playing, and connecting with grieving children at our Fort Myers Family is Forever Home.

Valerie’s House Charlotte County recently hosted its first-ever fundraiser, Cocktails for a Cause: Sunset Soirée, bringing together community members to support grieving children and families. Originally scheduled for November 2023, the event was postponed due to Hurricanes Helene and Milton. But when the evening finally arrived, it became a powerful reflection of how far Valerie’s House has come—from its early days of serving families in a church to opening its own home in Punta Gorda—and the bright future ahead.

Valerie’s House families came together for a truly powerful and unforgettable moment—our first official Butterfly Garden planting and butterfly release. This special event was made possible by the Stryker family, who found healing through the Valerie’s House program after losing their beloved child, Logan.

Explore the heartwarming moments from "Christmas for a Cause," an incredible event hosted at unWined in Punta Gorda that brought our community together to support Valerie's House Charlotte County. Thanks to your generosity, we raised over $10,000 to help grieving families find hope and healing. Check out the photo gallery to relive this unforgettable evening filled with joy, connection, and giving. 🌟