Community in the Know: Valerie’s House receives $50,000 grant

Florida Weekly

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Valerie’s House founder and CEO Angela Melvin has announced that the organization has been awarded a $50,000 grant from Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association, to help in its mission of helping children grieve the loss of a loved one.

Major League Baseball (MLB) and the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) recently announced the fifth round of recipients for the joint Healthy Relationships Community Grant program. The current distribution of more than $500,000 is going to 11 nonprofit organizations, marking nearly $2.5 million donated to more than 50 organizations so far in this program. The focus areas for the organizations receiving funding include support for survivors of domestic violence, mental health resiliency and developing positive relationship skills in youth as a preventive measure to breaking the cycle of violence.

This initiative is intended as a prevention strategy to empower the next generation to understand the components of a healthy relationship. Organizational efforts supported by grant funding may include public education, with a preference for youth populations, on the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships as it relates to interpersonal violence (e.g., intimate partner, family or teen dating). Examples of education efforts include creating, producing and distributing public service announcements with relevant content and call to action, as well as conferences or events focusing on awareness. Funding can also go toward supporting existing, or introducing new, programming on how to break the cycle of violence.

The joint donation for the Healthy Relationships Community Grant represents an ongoing commitment by MLB and the MLBPA to provide support to causes that assist vulnerable populations, which has historically included financial assistance toward disaster relief and recovery as well as human trafficking prevention.

Valerie’s House provides a safe, comfortable place for children and their families to heal together following the death of someone they love. Valerie’s House offers support groups and other activities at a home on 1762 Fowler St., Fort Myers, and a home in Naples at 819 Myrtle Terrace. Valerie’s House also holds group meetings at First United Methodist Church in Punta Gorda. Valerie’s House is a United Way partner agency and is fully supported by community donations. For more information, visit www.valerieshouse.org.

Library in North Port continues Food Truck Fridays

Food Truck Fridays is a fundraising event at the Shannon Staub Library, sponsored by Friends of Shannon Staub Public Library Inc. From 11 a.m.-2 p.m. each Friday, a different food truck will be stationed just outside the main entrance of the library, 4675 Career Lane, North Port (on the Suncoast Technical College campus). Scheduled vendors will be posted on the Facebook page for Friends of Shannon Staub Public Library www.facebook.com/friendsofshannonstaubpubliclibrary as well as on its website at www.friendsofsspl.org. Participating food vendors include British Open Pub, Savor 100 x 35, Jersey Shore Crab Cake Company, Uncle Frank’s Hot Dogs, Grace’s Taste of Poland and Wally’s BBQ.

“This fundraiser generates funds to support the programs and events at the Shannon Staub Library,” said Liz Napoli, president of the organization. “In addition, more people become aware of this amazing relatively new facility in North Port. We want everyone to know that North Port has two public libraries within the city. Shannon Staub Library offers innovative events for all ages, wonderful children’s programming and great resources such as the Creation Station for teens as well as adults. This rotation of food trucks allows for a variety of local vendors to participate and to provide a varied menu for our library patrons and visitors.”

Bookings have been confirmed through April 2022; however, sometimes changes in the schedule are necessary due to truck breakdowns, weather, etc. For updated information each week, visit the Facebook page. Food vendors interested in participating in this event should contact Ms. Napoli at 941-876-3586.

Link: https://charlottecounty.floridaweekly.com/articles/community-in-the-know-103/