Valerie's House

Valerie's House Valerie's House is the first and only grief support center in SWFL focused solely on helping children grieve.

Valerie's House provides a loving place for grieving families in the community where children learn that loss doesn't have to limit their dreams. Help us support grieving children and their families by contributing at valerieshouse.org under the Donate tab.

A little tired. A lot excited. ❤️After some early flights, our team is officially together in San Antonio for the NACG N...
06/14/2026

A little tired. A lot excited. ❤️

After some early flights, our team is officially together in San Antonio for the NACG National Alliance for Children's Grief Symposium.

Tomorrow morning, we’ll be sharing the story of our Teen & Young Adult Ambassador Program with grief professionals from across the country. We can’t wait.

It's easy to think Valerie's House is just for kids.But while children and teens are in their peer support groups, paren...
06/13/2026

It's easy to think Valerie's House is just for kids.

But while children and teens are in their peer support groups, parents and caregivers have a group of their own.

A space to breathe. A space to feel. A space where they don't have to hold it all together for everyone else.

Grief doesn't just impact children. It impacts entire families.

We're so grateful for caregivers like these and for leaders like our grief therapist, Susan Rizzato, who help create a safe place for honest conversations, support, and connection.

If your family is grieving and needs support, we'd be honored to walk alongside you. Visit valerieshouse.org to learn more.

Valerie's House is set to be featured on ESPN!Yes, you read that right.This Saturday at 7 a.m., children and teens from ...
06/12/2026

Valerie's House is set to be featured on ESPN!

Yes, you read that right.

This Saturday at 7 a.m., children and teens from our Valerie's House program will be featured on ESPN2 during a special fishing tournament hosted by Cape Coral native and ESPN fishing host Captain James Marko.

We're so grateful to Captain James for making this happen. When our community shows up for grieving kids like this, it sends a powerful message: you are not alone.

Tune in Saturday morning on ESPN2 or stream it later on ESPN+.

Goliath Fishing

A double rainbow appeared over Valerie’s House last night just as we gathered for our closing circle.It came after heavy...
06/11/2026

A double rainbow appeared over Valerie’s House last night just as we gathered for our closing circle.

It came after heavy rain, dark clouds, and a downpour that seemed to last all evening.

What a beautiful reminder that grief holds all of it. The darkness. The storms. The tears.

But also the love. The joy. The beauty.

Sometimes, when you least expect it, those things show up too.

This might look like just a bunch of Post-Its, but it's far from it. These notes are messages from the kids to each othe...
06/10/2026

This might look like just a bunch of Post-Its, but it's far from it. These notes are messages from the kids to each other on how to get through their darkest days.

Music. Friends. Fishing. The beach. A favorite meal. A hot shower. Writing. Sleep.

It might seem simple, but these small things can make a big difference when you're carrying something as heavy as grief.

What would you add to this list?

What started at Valerie's House is headed to the national stage.Before they became ambassadors, they were kids and teens...
06/09/2026

What started at Valerie's House is headed to the national stage.

Before they became ambassadors, they were kids and teens learning how to navigate life after the death of someone they loved.

Next week, they'll help teach grief professionals from across the country how to create opportunities for grieving teens to lead, serve, and make a difference.

Three of our ambassadors — Alexis, Stori, and Emely — will join Founder and CEO Angela Melvin at the NACG National Alliance for Children's Grief Symposium in San Antonio to share the program they've helped build.

Just think about that for a moment.

Young people who once needed support are now helping shape the future of children's grief support.

We couldn't be prouder.

06/08/2026

Help us show some love to Highpoint at Cape Coral! ❤️

Month after month, our friends at Highpoint at Cape Coral spoil Valerie's House families with incredible meals on group nights.

For grieving families, some of the best conversations, connections, and friendships happen around the dinner table. Highpoint helps make those moments possible with delicious meals prepared by their chef and served with so much love.

If you've ever enjoyed a Highpoint dinner at Valerie's House, drop a comment below and help us thank this amazing team for all they do for our children and families. 💙

These smiles say it all. ❤️One of the things we love most about Valerie's House is watching friendships grow.Our kids co...
06/07/2026

These smiles say it all. ❤️

One of the things we love most about Valerie's House is watching friendships grow.

Our kids come here because they've experienced loss, but they also find laughter, connection, and friends who truly get it.

Grief is part of their story, but so is joy. And nights like this are a beautiful reminder of that.

A great community partner deserves a little celebration.Congratulations to California Closets of Southwest Florida on th...
06/06/2026

A great community partner deserves a little celebration.

Congratulations to California Closets of Southwest Florida on the grand opening of their beautiful new Punta Gorda showroom!

Our Founder & CEO, Angela Melvin, was honored to help celebrate this exciting milestone. We’re grateful for California Closets’ support of Valerie’s House, and for the way they continue to invest in our community.

Wishing their team lots of success in their new space!

"Valerie's House is my happy place." ❤️Before group started this week, 10-year-old Libby stood in front of our families ...
06/05/2026

"Valerie's House is my happy place." ❤️

Before group started this week, 10-year-old Libby stood in front of our families and sang Happy Place.

The song is all about finding a place that brings you comfort, joy, and peace. Before she sang, Libby shared that for her, that place is Valerie's House.

For a child who is grieving, finding a place where they feel safe, supported, understood, and free to be themselves is something truly special.

We're so grateful that Libby and her family trust us to be part of their journey. Watching children find their voice, share their feelings, and experience moments of joy along the way is one of the greatest privileges of what we do.

And if you've ever heard Libby sing, you know this is only the beginning. Her voice is something special.

Address

3551 Valerie's House Way
Fort Myers, FL
33916

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 8pm
Tuesday 9am - 8pm
Wednesday 9am - 8pm
Thursday 9am - 8pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

(239) 204-5804

Website

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