Valerie’s House celebrates 5 years, expands services to help grieving families

by Krista Fogelsong

January 11, 2021

FORT MYERS, Fla. – It’s a special day at Valerie’s House.

Five years ago Monday, it opened in Fort Myers. Since then, hundreds of families have been comforted after losing a loved one.

Angela Melvin’s mom Valerie died when Angela was only 10 years old. Back then there was no place in Fort Myers for Angela to go to talk about losing a parent.

So she created Valerie’s House to fill that void. Now, kids know they’re not alone.

In the past 5 years, they have helped hundreds of families needing grief counseling and support. They’ve also expanded from Lee into Collier and Charlotte counties.

“It’s hard work. It’s serious work and I will never give up on these children and families ever, and I would like people to know that this is a place of hope and joy and overcoming obstacles and odds,” Melvin said.

Valerie’s House has also added support groups for the loss of siblings and spouses.

Thanks to generous donations, families can go to Valerie’s house free of charge. Melvin said she is grateful to the community support.