Kari and Carter know what it’s like to lose someone they love. This mother-son duo is using their personal experience with loss to transform the lives of other grieving families at Valerie’s House.

“Valerie’s House welcomed us with open arms,” Kari said. “They were there for us during those dark days. They gave us a safe space to grieve and share our loss. Most importantly, they reminded us that we were not alone.”

When Kari was only eleven years old, her father died of a massive heart attack at the age of 36. She felt isolated like no one understood what she was going through. Kari grieved in silence with no place to go to talk about her feelings.

Then, in 2021, Kari learned that her son’s father had died just days into his recent deployment with the U.S. Army.

Carter was 15 years old at the time and was devastated by the news of his father’s death. He said coming to Valerie’s House has helped him process his grief journey.

“Valerie’s House has taught me that it’s okay to express my feelings,” Carter said. “I used to stay to myself, but now I have friends who have gone through similar things that I’m able to talk with.”

Carter has also learned positive coping skills like journaling and listening to music since coming to group night.

In the few years that Carter has been with Valerie’s House, he has become a teen ambassador for the organization. He takes new group members under his wing and makes sure that they feel like their voice is being heard.

Kari is also very active within the Valerie’s House community as a volunteer and mentor.

“Grieving children need to know they aren’t alone,” Kari said. “They need a safe environment to express themselves and speak freely about their special person and the feelings surrounding their death.”

In their spare time, Kari and Carter love to travel. Carter also enjoys fishing, hunting, and spending time outside in nature.

Kari said Carter has become much more comfortable expressing his feelings about his grief since attending Valerie’s House.

“The support of the incredible professionals at Valerie’s House has made such an impact on Carter,” Kari said. “Everyone genuinely cares about him. Instead of Carter being held back by the sadness and grief, his future is bright because of the wonderful people that continue to care for and support him.”

Kari and Carter see a bright future ahead for themselves.

Carter sees himself attending the University of Florida to honor his father, who was a Gators fan. Kari wants to see Carter fulfill this dream and said Valerie’s House has given him the tools to achieve anything he sets his mind to.

“Valerie’s House has provided us with a safe place to share our thoughts and feelings,” Kari said. “Carter has made incredible friends with the other teens that get it. They laugh, cry, empathize, and sympathize with each other. They make it okay to feel their feelings in that safe space.”

If you or someone you know is grieving the loss of a loved one, please reach out to Valerie’s House at (239) 204-5804.