At Valerie’s House, we believe in the power of community, connection, and shared experiences. One of the most heartfelt ways to bring people together is through food. Recently, families at Valerie’s House had the pleasure of enjoying an incredible meal crafted by Susan Rizzato and her child, Sol, who was visiting from Ohio. Their meal of authentic Mexican street tacos was not only a culinary delight but also a gesture of love and support for grieving families.

When a child loses a loved one, their grief looks different from an adult’s. They may experience a wide range of emotions—sadness, anger, anxiety—before shifting back to play. It’s important to remember that grief isn’t a linear process for children, and their emotions can change quickly.

Something beautiful is growing at the Fort Myers Family is Forever Home. Thanks to a talented professional artist who wishes to remain anonymous, we now have a stunning mural near the basketball courts that symbolizes growth, healing, and connection.

At Valerie’s House, we know that grief is not something that can always be put into words. That’s why our Grief Art activity has become such an important and meaningful part of the healing process for our kids, teens, and even their caregivers. This activity starts with a simple yet powerful question: What does your grief look like or feel like?

At Valerie’s House, where healing and connection are at the heart of everything we do, we believe in ending each group night on a calm and reflective note. One of the ways we help our kids and families pause, reset, and breathe is through something called Chocolate Meditation.

Last week, Valerie’s House hosted a meaningful and rare gathering, bringing together our entire team from across the state. Staff members from Southwest Florida met in person, while our Pensacola team joined us virtually through Zoom. It wasn’t just a time to connect—it was a moment to reflect on where we’ve been, where we’re headed, and to reveal our newly established Fundamental Values.