At Valerie’s House, Omar and Rebecca Zucco are making a profound impact as group facilitators, helping grieving families find support and healing. Their shared commitment to the mission of Valerie’s House reflects the power of connection and the importance of grief counseling for both children and caregivers.

Omar discovered Valerie’s House through Leadership Charlotte, drawn to its mission after losing his brother at 16. “When I lost my brother, I didn’t have a place like Valerie’s House. No peer group or support system to confide in. It was a lot for me,” Omar shared. His personal journey led him to join the advisory board and later become a facilitator, focusing on caregivers.

Inspired by her father, Rebecca joined Valerie’s House as a facilitator for the middles group. She too experienced loss, grieving the unexpected death of a close friend after high school. “Training at Valerie’s House made me think about my grief and helped me process what I hadn’t worked through,” Rebecca said. Now, she helps children open up and talk about their emotions through peer support activities.

Omar and Rebecca find that their involvement is not only meaningful for the families they serve but also healing for themselves. “There’s definitely a healing nature to this,” Omar noted. “Helping others while helping yourself is cathartic.”

Their father-daughter dynamic adds a unique layer to their work at Valerie’s House. “I love that we come together and work as a team,” Rebecca shared. Omar added, “She makes me proud, and she’s a big reason I keep coming back.”

Omar and Rebecca’s dedication exemplifies the power of community. Through their involvement at Valerie’s House, they help ensure that no child or caregiver grieves alone, providing a safe space for healing and connection throughout Southwest Florida.

Key Takeaways:

Omar and Rebecca Zucco facilitate grief support groups at Valerie’s House.
Omar supports caregivers, while Rebecca leads the middles group.
Their involvement provides healing for both the families they serve and themselves.
Valerie’s House offers peer grief support to children, teens, and caregivers throughout Southwest Florida.