January is National Mentoring Month, a time to honor the life-changing impact mentors have on children and teens. At Valerie’s House, mentorship is a core part of our mission to help grieving families heal.

At Valerie’s House, we’re fortunate to have incredible people who make our mission possible. Aaron and Amber White are among those who truly embody the spirit of giving and connection.

For Nick and Evan, grief has been a journey of loss, healing, and discovery. Both teens faced profound loss at a young age—Nick lost his mom, and Evan lost his dad. Their experiences brought them to Valerie’s House, where they found support and a safe space to process their emotions.

From heartfelt gifts to thoughtful donations, your support ensured that grieving families felt cared for and connected during the holiday season. Your kindness made it possible for these families to find moments of joy and hope, and for that, we are forever grateful.

For the past five years, fourth-grader Chandler Ciccarello has held the title of Principal for the Day at Saint Michael Lutheran School in Fort Myers. This coveted position is an annual auction item that helps raise funds for the school, and Chandler’s family has successfully bid on the role each year. As part of her duties as Principal for the Day, Chandler takes on an initiative to give back to her community while spreading joy among her classmates.

We’re thrilled to introduce Four Questions with Friends of Valerie’s House, a new series that gives an inside look at the inspiring people who support our mission. Each segment highlights personal stories, connections to grief, and uplifting memories with Valerie’s House.