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Valerie’s House of SWFL
1762 Fowler St, Fort Myers, FL 33901 | 819 Myrtle Terrace, Naples, FL 34103 (239) 204-5804 | www.ValeriesHouse.org
MISSION:
The mission of Valerie’s House is to help children and families work through the loss of a loved one together and go on to live fulfilling lives. Our vision is that No Child Will Grieve Alone.
When children’s lives are turned completely upside down after the death of a parent, sibling, or another special person in their lives, it impacts every aspect of their lives—social, emotional, physical, and mental.
In Lee, Collier, and Charlotte Counties, an estimated 32,200 children are grieving the death of a loved one. 32,200 children and their families whose lives feel completely shattered. We are here for them to ensure they do not have to walk this devastating journey alone.
When our Founder and CEO Angela Melvin tragically lost her mother in a car accident at age ten, she had no idea the immense impact she would one day have on the lives of hundreds of children following such a devastating loss. Similarly, we believe the children we serve today will go on to make a meaningful difference in their communities. We aim to ensure that no child will grieve alone, and the services we provide through peer support groups, school groups, individual and family therapy, mentorship, workshops, and community awareness/ education empower children to reach their potential. All of our services are provided at no cost to our families. We must continue to expand our services to reach the 32,200.
FUNDRAISING EVENTS/ OPPORTUNITIES
• Capital Campaign supporting the building of our “Forever Home” in Ft.
Myers. • Immersive Private Dinner
Experiences with local top chefs at our Naples location. • Friends of Valerie Monthly
Donors
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
We rely heavily on our amazing volunteers to help facilitate support groups, provide dinner for group nights, mentor children, lead workshops, help with special events, and more!
POST PANDEMIC
We are seeing firsthand the impact of the pandemic on our families who are grieving the death of a loved one who died from Covid-19. These are especially complex due to not being able to see or say goodbye to their loved ones, delayed services, and the various social issues surrounding the pandemic. We are here for them as long as they need support.
“ “ Valerie’s House changed my world, honestly. I’ve realized that so much of grief is dependent on how we deal with it and I’ve learned how to do that here, with the support of this community. —Austin, Valerie’s House Teen
ABOUT US:
Year established: 2016 Annual revenue: $3.36 million Total number of employees: 28
GEOGRAPHIC SERVICE AREA(S):
Lee, Collier and Charlotte Counties TOP FUNDING SOURCES:
Naples Children’s Education Fund Lee County Partnering for Results Individual Donations and Corporate Grants
BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
Angela Melvin
President
Mike McMurray
Chair
Lana Hollier
Vice Chair
Victoria Loyola
Treasurer
Jaime Suanez
Secretary
