Susie & Phil Bennet See the Value in Valerie's House

Valerie’s House has filled an unmet need in our community by providing a place for grieving children to release their emotions, speak with caring counselors and heal. I lost my own father when I was 25; my husband Phil lost his father a year later. We were old enough to process the grief, but it still hurt. We can only imagine what these children are feeling! That’s why we feel blessed to be able to help Valerie’s HOUse in its mission of no child grieving alone.

-Phil & Susan Bennett

Huseby Family Finds Support with Valerie's House

After Jill, our daughter & loving mother of three, died of brain cancer, we acutely felt the anguish our grandchildren faced. The paucity of programs addressing children who had lost a parent, were few and far between. When we found Valerie’s House, we knew it was the perfect way to honor our daughter’s life in a way that would both fill a need and provide a service of which Jill would be proud.

Valerie’s House was an ideal program for us to support, both financially and through volunteering. We especially love that there are no barriers for any child needing help during this dark time, as grief is not limited to those with financial means. Valerie’s House is free of charge, which necessitates donor support. The program is effective, loving, and given from the hearts of all the staff and volunteers.

While nothing can erase the pain of losing a loved one, Valerie’s House has given us peace knowing that others are being supported and loved during the most difficult and challenging times.

-The Huseby Family

Gerner Family Sponsors Family Welcome Center in New Forever Home

We started supporting Valerie’s House after finding out how many children needed support outside their family members after the death of a loved one. We believe Valerie’s House does a great job of helping them through this period of their lives and making them feel a part of the Valerie’s House family.

Our family is pleased to sponsor the Family Welcome Room in the new Lee County Forever Home.

-Gerner Family

Crowther Roofing Company Donates Roof to New Lee County Forever Home

CFS Roofing President David Crowther and his wife Karen have stepped up and agreed to provide the underlayment and labor to install the shingle and metal roof for the 7,000 – square-foot building.  Shingles for the roof will be provided at no cost by GAF & ABC Roofing. The CFS gift is valued at $15,000.

“Our success provides an opportunity for CFS and its employees to give back to organizations like Valerie’s House through money, skills and time,” Crowther said.

After 30 years in the family business, David Crowther stepped out on his own to open CFS Roofing Services in 2010.  The company is a full service, licensed and insured roofing and sheet metal contractor for both residential and commercial construction in addition to a full service mechanical division.

Recent projects include Cypress Cove at HealthPark in Fort Myers, Cape Coral Fire Station, the new GGG High School in Naples, and the Historic Punta Gorda Train Depot, to name just a few. 

“We are so thankful that David and CFS Roofing have joined our family of donors.  Valerie’s House exists because of the generosity of CFS Roofing and so many others who have made our dream a reality,” said Valerie’s House Founder and CEO Angela Melvin. “This home will always be a place for grieving families to call their own. Regardless of what happens in the future, having this home means no child will ever have to grieve alone in our community.”

A total of $2.5 million has been raised toward the $3 million cost of the new home.  Several room sponsorship opportunities for the community are available.