Business Spotlight Valerie’s House is a loving place where grieving children learn that loss doesn’t have to limit their dreams. At Valerie’s House, children and families connect with one another to heal after experiencing the death of a loved one. Their mission is to help children and families work through the loss of a loved one together and go on to lead fulfilling lives. No child should have to grieve alone.
VALERIE’S HOUSE: WHERE CHILDREN CAN HEAL
It’s a community of individuals who come together to help each other grieve, creating supportive bonds in the process that they can take into their futures. Children meet at Valerie’s House in groups, depending on their age, for free playtime and a potluck meal. The children are encouraged to express themselves through art and music, and younger children often express their grief through “play therapy.” While the
Angela Melvin’s vision for Valerie’s House came from her own experience in grieving the death of her mother, Valerie Melvin, in 1987. There were very few resources for Angela and her family then, and grief support resources are still limited today. After leaving Fort Myers to pursue a
children meet, their adult caregivers join together to share their own experiences. They offer support to each other and offer advice on how to raise children after a loss in the family. All services are offered at no cost to families. Recently, Angela Melvin and the team at Valerie’s House spoke at a national conference in Virginia to promote the creation of safe havens in other cities. Angela hopes that someday, cities all over the United States will be encouraged to fund places similar to Valerie’s House so that all children can feel a sense of community and safety after experiencing the loss of a loved one. Thank you, Angela, for all that you do for Fort Myers.
college degree, Angela returned in 2013 and pitched her vision for Valerie’s House at an event supported by the Southwest Florida Community Foundation. Valerie’s House was chosen as the winning idea, and with the help of many volunteers and funders, Angela’s vision came to fruition. Modeled after the nationally-recognized and acclaimed Dougy Center for Grieving Children, Valerie’s House offers open-ended support groups and activities for children to help them heal after a significant loss. Valerie’s House is not a formal counseling center.
Giants Fans Understand Loyalty
Brussels Sprouts With Sausage
Tailgating DLG style. Even though our Giants lost it was still a great game filled with excitement!
Ingredients • 2 tablespoons olive oil • 3 1/3 ounces fresh, hot Italian sausage
• 1 1/2 pounds Brussels sprouts • 1/2 cup water • Salt and pepper
Directions 1. Trim sprouts and cut in half. 2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and cook, stirring occasionally, 3–5 minutes. 3. Add sprouts to skillet. Add 1/2 cup water. Add salt and pepper. Cover and cook 10 minutes or until just tender. Check them periodically and add a bit more water, if necessary. 4. When sprouts are just about done, remove cover and raise heat to medium-high. Cook, stirring just once or twice, for a couple more minutes. The liquid should evaporate, and the sprouts should start to brown. 5. Add more salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot or warm. Serves 4.
Carmen and his daughter Alyssa
Carmen’s brother Joe
Carmen’s wife, Marjorie, with dogs, Lilly and Petunia
Recipe courtesy of InTheKitchenWithKath.com.
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