Justin Kase

12/31/2024

Sometimes you find these full circle moments, but not often. Situations like this not only make me feel like it’s a small world, but that sometimes people are put in our lives for a reason. 

A Heartfelt Story of Connection at Valerie’s House

Sometimes, moments happen that highlight the power of community and the lasting impact of meaningful connections. Recently, we experienced one of those moments, and it reminds us why we do what we do.

The woman behind the middle quilt in the photo is Cathy Hanratty from Sanibel. For the past 4-5 years, Cathy has lovingly crafted and donated quilts to Valerie’s House. But her connection to us goes much deeper than her kind gestures.

Years ago, Cathy’s veterinarian passed away, and the family requested donations to Valerie’s House in lieu of flowers. Cathy honored that request and decided to take a tour, learning more about our mission to support grieving kids and families in Southwest Florida.

That visit stayed with her. Later, when her eye doctor’s wife was battling ovarian cancer, Cathy remembered Valerie’s House and shared one of our brochures. That eye doctor is Michael Pham. After losing his wife, Michael and his family joined Valerie’s House to find support and healing.

Today, Michael and his youngest child, Elisa, still attend Valerie’s House, while his son Anthony, who also participated in our program, is now in college. Anthony is proving that loss doesn’t have to limit your dreams, and he’s even receiving a Valerie’s House scholarship to support his future.

Stories like this give us so much hope. They show how our mission resonates with people, inspiring them to share it with those in need. Valerie’s House is more than a place—it’s a community where grievers support one another through life’s most difficult moments.

We’d love for you to visit and see where healing begins. Come take a tour, learn about our mission, and experience the place where hope and connection come together.

We can’t wait to welcome you.

12/24/2024

12/24/2024

I’m thankful that I’m able to tell some truly amazing stories in my role at Valerie's house. This fourth grader makes it her mission to collect toys every year to donate to kids experiencing grief. You can’t make this up. These kinds of stories fill your heart and make you feel proud of the next generation. 

12/21/2024

These are some incredibly talented teens. The fact that they’re making unbelievable music and that it’s connected to grief is something I would’ve covered as a story in the news while I was still there. Listen to the YouTube link if you get a chance; it’s really good. 

12/19/2024

Cool opportunity to check out our awesome local hockey team while also supporting Valerie’s House at the same time! 

🏒 Save the Date! 🏒

Mark your calendars! On Friday, February 21, 2025, the Florida Everblades are hosting a special Valerie’s House Fundraiser Night at Hertz Arena. 🎉

📅 When: February 21, 2025
🕖 Time: Doors open at 5:30 PM, puck drops at 7:00 PM
📍 Where: Hertz Arena

Get your discounted tickets now, and $5 from every ticket sold through this link will support grieving kids and families in Southwest Florida: bladestix.com/valerieshouse

Let’s make it a fun night out with friends and family while supporting an incredible cause. Help us reach our goal—grab your tickets today! 💙

12/15/2024

12/04/2024

What a beautiful act of love! 💙 Darlene and Phillip, a Naples couple who just got married, asked their wedding guests to donate to Valerie’s House instead of gifts. Together, they raised $17,775—and because they applied it to Giving Tuesday, it was matched, turning their donation into nearly $36,000 for grieving children and families.

Darlene and Phillip, thank you for showing how generosity and love can change lives. Your kindness will make an incredible difference for families in Southwest Florida.

It’s not too late to make your impact this Giving Tuesday! Donate here: https://loom.ly/z2niO-o

12/03/2024

It was great to see my former colleague Asha Patel again. I appreciate the media coverage of Valerie's House by Wink News and Fox4 on Giving Tuesday this year.

12/03/2024

EVERY DOLLAR up to $25,000 will be DOUBLED thanks to a generous donor As we look ahead to 2025 and beyond, we're even more determined to continue our mission that no child grieves alone. But we can't do it without support from our generous community. On Giving Tuesday 2024, for every dollar you give...

11/30/2024

Volunteering at Valerie’s House in Fort Myers changed everything for Chrissy Humann. As a busy professional, Chrissy sought a way to give back to her community and connect with others in a meaningful way. After searching online, she discovered Valerie’s House—a place dedicated to supporting gr...

11/28/2024

11/23/2024

Relive the unforgettable moments from the inaugural Sunset Soirée at the Fort Myers Family is Forever Home. Explore our photo gallery showcasing an evening filled with community, love, and support for grieving children, teens, and families in Southwest Florida.