I'm Angela Melvin, founder and CEO of Valerie's House.

The answer is, it's complicated—it’s different for everyone.

When the McKee family lost Jason, a beloved father and husband, his wife and kids turned to Valerie's House for help. But for them, they told us it was just too soon—they weren’t ready. And that's OK. We want you to know that when you’re ready, we’re here for you.

Listen to Jason’s wife, Denise, as she opens up about the moment she felt she was ready and gave us a chance.

Denise McKee, Valerie's House Family Member, Remembering her Husband Jason:
"Now I'm in an all-moms group. And I remember leaving the first meeting of that group and kind of taking an exhale. When you're going through grief, those are really great moments because you're always feeling like you're holding your breath. I just remember going (breathes out)... And I remember thinking, ‘Oh my goodness, these are people who are having the same thoughts on a daily basis, moment to moment, that I’m having.”

And that is the kind of connection you’ll feel when you’re ready to join the Valerie’s House family.

We’re also thankful to have presented Denise’s oldest daughter, Jessica, with a scholarship as she begins her new journey at Santa Fe College in Gainesville.

You can learn more about our programs and help support local grieving families by visiting our website: valerieshouse.org.