Founded in January 2016, Valerie’s House opened as Southwest Florida’s first children’s bereavement center, starting with about 20 children meeting in a rented downtown Fort Myers space. Ten years later, the nonprofit reports it has supported nearly 7,000 children and families throughout the region.
During meetings on Jan. 20, the Lee County Board of County Commissioners and the Fort Myers City Council presented proclamations recognizing Valerie’s House for a decade of service to the community.
Growth across three Southwest Florida locations
Over the past decade, Valerie’s House expanded to serve families through three locations across Southwest Florida and now employs 37 staff members.
That growth includes the Fort Myers “Family is Forever Home,” a dedicated space designed for grief support and healing, along with a clinical counseling department and a volunteer training program that prepares more than 60 volunteers each year to support families.
Valerie’s House also partners with local schools, law enforcement and higher education institutions, including collaboration with Florida Gulf Coast University’s social work program. The organization says these partnerships help broaden grief education and support in the community.
A mission rooted in personal loss
Valerie’s House was founded by Angela Melvin Churchill following the loss of her mother, Valerie, who died in a car crash in 1987 when Churchill was 10 years old. The organization was created so that no child in Southwest Florida would have to grieve alone.
Today, Valerie’s House offers peer support groups and related programming for children and caregivers in Fort Myers, Naples and Punta Gorda, providing a place to connect with others who understand and find hope for the future.
What’s next for the 10-year anniversary
Valerie’s House is continuing its anniversary celebration with initiatives planned throughout 2026, including:
- A “Where Are They Now?” storytelling series highlighting early Valerie’s House families.
- A candlelight vigil and gratitude event honoring original families, donors and supporters.
- A Florida Everblades fundraising and awareness night on March 7, featuring Valerie’s House children singing “God Bless America” before the game.
- A redesigned website and the debut of a Valerie’s House app.
- Community billboards across Southwest Florida to help connect grieving families with support.
- Children’s Grief Awareness Month activities in November, including an open house and the third annual Sunset Soiree at the Family is Forever Home.
- Special fundraising initiatives tied to the 10-year anniversary.
How families can get support
Valerie’s House is a United Way partner agency and is supported through community donations and grant funding. Families seeking grief support or community members interested in helping can learn more at valerieshouse.org.
Editor’s note: Valerie’s House offers programming in Fort Myers, Naples and Punta Gorda for children, teens and caregivers navigating the death of a loved one. If your family is grieving, support is available.