Valerie's House Pensacola

11/16/2025

Over the past two weeks, our Valerie’s House families came together for a very special series of group nights. Instead of gathering in our usual age groups, families worked side by side to create memory boxes filled with reminders of the people they love and miss. Kids and caregivers decorated together, shared stories, and chose colors, symbols, and treasures that felt meaningful to their hearts.

We began each night with a Thanksgiving-style potluck, where families brought dishes that reminded them of their person. The room filled with the warmth of shared food and shared memories, creating a space where grief and gratitude could sit next to each other without judgment.

This season can be especially tender for those carrying loss. Grief does not pause for the holidays. But our families never have to carry it alone. At Valerie’s House, we stand beside them, offering community, understanding, and a place where their loved ones’ stories can be honored over and over again.

No child grieves alone, and no family does either. 💛

11/15/2025

It’s time to vote for your favorite Taste & Toast Team!

Every dollar you donate counts as a vote for the team you want to see win, and every dollar supports grieving children and families at Valerie’s House.

Cast your vote, cheer on your team, and make a meaningful impact.

🗳️ Start voting now and don’t forget to buy your tickets before they sell out!

https://www.cocktailsforacausepensacola.org/teams

11/14/2025

Cocktails for a Cause is almost here and tickets are disappearing fast.
We have only sixty nine tickets left for this Thursday.

This is our signature fundraising event that brings our community together to support grieving children and ensure no child grieves alone. It is also one of the most fun nights of the year with great food, creative cocktails, live entertainment, and a one of a kind atmosphere you will not find anywhere else.

If you have been waiting to grab your spot, now is the time. Join us for an unforgettable evening that directly supports the families of Valerie’s House.

💛 https://www.cocktailsforacausepensacola.org/

11/14/2025

Thank you Lynette Wade and your wonderful colleagues from Navy Federal Credit Union for spending your time with us. Your care and teamwork helped us get our angel tree ornaments ready for the holiday season, and our families will feel that love.

If your organization would like to host a small angel tree this year, we would be happy to bring one to you. Just reach out and we will make it happen.

11/13/2025

Children don’t grieve the same way adults do.

Their understanding of death changes as they grow, and their grief often comes in waves. This Children’s Grief Awareness Month, let’s remember every child who is grieving needs support that meets them where they are.

For free resources on supporting children who are grieving, visit nacg.org/resources.

11/12/2025

Here’s what’s waiting for you!

🍸✨ Don’t miss out! Grab your tickets now for Cocktails for a Cause on November 20.

🎟️ Get your tickets here: https://www.cocktailsforacausepensacola.org

11/11/2025

🇺🇸 Honoring Our Veterans and Their Families 🇺🇸

Today we honor the brave men and women who have served our country and the families who love and support them.

At Valerie’s House Pensacola, we are proud to serve many military families who show incredible courage and resilience. We also recognize that grief and mental health challenges can follow service and sacrifice.

No one should face that pain alone. We are here to help families find hope and healing together. 💙

11/11/2025

🧡 We know not everyone realizes that Valerie’s House has multiple locations — and this important message needs to reach every corner. In this op-ed, our founder and CEO Angela Melvin reminds us of the words children hear after a loss, and why we must offer more than “You’ll be okay” or “Move on already.”

Whether you’re with our Southwest Florida sites (Fort Myers • Naples • Punta Gorda) or our Northwest location in Pensacola, we’re committed to creating safe spaces where children and families can grieve together and heal together.

We’re so proud of our Founder & CEO, Angela Melvin, for this bold piece in The News-Press (Fort Myers and Cape Coral). 💙

She lays out what grieving children are hearing — and why we must do better.
This Children’s Grief Awareness Month, we hope you’ll take a moment to read and reflect.

📖 Link to the story in the comments.

11/10/2025

Teens grieve in their own way, and their voice in their experience matters.

This Children’s Grief Awareness Month, we’re sharing quotes from teens about helpful ways to support them in their grief.

For free resources on supporting teens who are grieving, visit nacg.org/resources.

11/09/2025

🌟 Meet Anna Theriault: counselor, children’s author, and literacy champion!

At Valerie’s House, we are so grateful for Anna’s caring heart and creative spirit. She walks alongside families and children as they navigate their grief journeys, and she also writes beautiful storybooks that celebrate our community and nurture young readers.

Anna is the author of three beloved children’s books inspired by our hometown: P is for Pelican: The ABCs of Pensacola, Goodnight Pensacola, and Pensacola: A Night Before Christmas. Each one captures the sights, sounds, and spirit of the place we call home, inviting children to fall in love with reading while exploring familiar landmarks and traditions.

📖 Literacy matters. Stories matter. Early learning makes a difference.

We are proud that Anna’s books have been part of the Brain Bags distributed by the Studer Community Institute to new parents across Escambia County, helping families begin reading together from the very start.

Her books can be purchased online or through many local retailers, including Celebrations The Florist in Pensacola.

At Valerie’s House, we believe that no child grieves alone, and we also believe that every child deserves the joy of story.

💙 Thank you, Anna W Theriault, for the hope you give, the stories you share, and the impact you make every day.

11/06/2025

There’s no single right way to support a child or teen who is grieving, but there are simple, meaningful steps you can take.

This Children’s Grief Awareness Month, we’re sharing 7 ways to support young people in their grief.

For free resources on supporting youth who are grieving, visit nacg.org/resources.