Valerie's House Pensacola

08/01/2025

Grief is not something to fix, it is something to feel.

In this powerful TEDxPortland talk, Brennan Wood, Executive Director of Dougy Center, shares how peer support changed her life and why it matters for grieving children and families. The Valerie’s House model follows the Dougy Center approach, first created in 1982, which centers on kids and caregivers helping one another in safe, consistent groups.

Please take a few minutes to listen to her important words, then share with someone who needs to hear them.
🎧 Watch here: https://youtu.be/ZN4zP5baJrg?si=ZGu48Sy1gqETKIGN

Thank you, Brennan, for giving voice to what so many feel, and for lighting the way for programs like ours.

NOTE FROM TED: Please do not look to this talk for mental health advice. While research remains ongoing, Prolonged Grief Disorder is currently recognized by ...

07/31/2025

At Valerie’s House, every group night begins around the dinner table where grieving children and their families gather to connect, share, and find comfort in community.

We feed 10 groups each month, and we rely on the kindness of our village to help us care for these families. That is where you come in.

We are looking for individuals, families, businesses, church groups, civic organizations, and restaurants who feel called to serve. Whether you drop off a meal, have it delivered, or stay to serve and meet the families you are feeding, your gift nourishes more than just bodies. It reminds these children that they are cared for and never alone.

If you would like to sponsor a meal, choose a date that works for you here:
👉 http://bit.ly/4fg2OEg

We are also seeking restaurant partners who are willing to commit to one group night each month. If you or someone you know might be interested, please contact Jennifer at pensacola@valerieshouse.org.

Together, we can make sure every child at Valerie’s House starts their night with a full plate and a full heart. 💛

07/28/2025

No child should grieve alone.

At Valerie’s House Pensacola, we provide a safe, welcoming space where children and their caregivers can connect with others who understand what it means to lose someone they love. Through peer support groups, shared meals, creative activities, and a community that truly cares, grieving families find healing—together.

If you or someone you love could use support, we’re here. 💛
Reach out today: http://bit.ly/4mdTumL

07/27/2025

🎉 Please help us give a big Valerie’s House welcome to our brand new volunteers who just completed training this weekend!

They come to us from all walks of life — each bringing their own unique gifts, wisdom, and heart. 💛

We are so grateful they’ve chosen to walk alongside grieving children and families in our community. The work we do is only possible because of compassionate people like you. Welcome to the family!

07/25/2025

A huge thank you to VIP Pensacola for joining us to celebrate the reveal of our beautiful new kitchen at Valerie’s House Pensacola. We’re so proud of this space — a place where healing, connection, and comfort can happen over shared meals.

This kitchen was made possible through a generous grant from the incredible women of IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area, whose belief in our mission continues to nourish hearts and hope.

Check out this month’s issue of VIP Pensacola to see more from the celebration! 💛

[Link to article: https://issuu.com/greg934/docs/vippensacola_-_july2025]

07/24/2025

Want to make a difference in a grieving child’s life?
Join us this weekend for our Volunteer Training and become part of the heart of Valerie’s House Pensacola. Our volunteers help create a safe, supportive space where children and teens can heal after the loss of a loved one.

This is also a wonderful opportunity for mature and responsible high school students to earn service hours while offering a helping hand to our minis and littles — the youngest children in our program who benefit so much from caring role models.

✨ Whether you're a seasoned volunteer or just curious about how you can help, we’d love to meet you.

📍 904 E. Gadsden St. Pensacola, FL 32501
📅 Saturday, July 26 | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Sunday, July 27 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

If you’re interested, please RSVP using this link: https://signup.com/go/OncESxm

Commitment:
• 2 evenings per month (for one semester)
• Must have a heart for children and a passion for creating safe, supportive spaces

Thank you for helping ensure no child grieves alone. 🧡
Please feel free to share with anyone who may find this opportunity useful.

07/23/2025

We’re so grateful to Health and Hope Clinic, Inc for welcoming our Valerie’s House team yesterday for a tour of their beautiful facility. It was a meaningful opportunity to connect, share about the work we do with grieving children and families, and learn more about their incredible mission to provide free healthcare to uninsured and underserved members of our community.

At Valerie’s House, we believe in the power of partnerships to lift up families during their most vulnerable moments—and Health and Hope embodies that same spirit of compassion and care. Thank you for the work you do and for making space for us to share ours.

07/22/2025

Such a fun event this weekend! Thanks to Aaron for including us and to West Florida Roller Derby for another fantastic event!

🎉 Thank you: Aaron Erskine! 🎉

A huge thank you to Aaron Erskine for supporting West Florida Roller Derby and the Running of the Bulls for a second year. 🐂💙

Aaron isn’t just your go-to guy—he’s also a true community champion, supporting organizations like the The Miracle League of Santa Rosa County, Valerie's House Pensacola, Defenders Of Freedom Florida, and so many more. His heart for service and dedication to the gulf coast shines brighter than a matador’s red cape. ✨

We’re so grateful to have you in our corner, Aaron. Here’s to many more years of making a difference together!

07/20/2025

🌿🎨 Art of the Wild: A Family Fun Day to Remember! 🎨🌿

Today at Valerie’s House Pensacola, our families explored the wonders of wildlife and the beauty of self-expression through our “Art of the Wild” event!

A huge thank you to Mr. John from Animal Tales, LLC for introducing us to some amazing animal friends—like a real-life kookaburra, a legless lizard, and even a giant bullfrog named Jaba! 🐦🦎🐸 The kids were wide-eyed with curiosity and excitement as they learned all about these animals.

Afterward, each child got to design their own animal silhouette art, choosing colors and patterns that reflected their own unique personalities and feelings. It was a powerful way to talk about how we show (and sometimes hide) our emotions…just like animals do in nature.

We wrapped up the day with sweet popsicle smiles and hearts full of connection. ❤️

Thank you to our incredible volunteers for making this day so smooth and meaningful. We couldn’t do it without you!

07/16/2025

Thank you to The PYC Satori Foundation for giving some of our families a day they will never forget! ⛵️☀️

On Tuesday, a handful of our Valerie’s House families had the incredible opportunity to set sail with Satori—and what a beautiful day it was! The sun was shining, the water was calm, and the breeze was just right for learning the basics of sailing.

For many of our kids, this was their very first time on a sailboat, and they had an amazing time! From hoisting sails to steering the boat, they dove into the experience with joy, curiosity, and courage. We'd love to give extra special thanks to captains Bob, Jeff, and Darrell as well as our trip coordinator, Liana!

We’re so grateful to the Satori team for making this special day possible and for giving our grieving families a chance to make new, joyful memories on the water. 💙

07/11/2025

💬 “I’d love to help kids heal, but…”

We hear this a lot — and we get it.
Volunteering with grieving children can sound intimidating.

But here’s the truth:
You don’t need to be a therapist.
You don’t need all the right words.
You just need a heart willing to show up.

✨ Valerie’s House provides all the training, support, and resources — you provide the love and presence.

📍 Our next volunteer training is coming up at Valerie’s House Pensacola
📅 July 26-27
📧 Sign up or learn more: https://signup.com/go/OncESxm

Let this be the moment you stop wondering if you can — and start discovering how much you matter.