Valerie's House Northwest Florida

06/12/2026

Tonight, well over 300 family members, friends, volunteers, and community partners gathered on Pensacola Beach for our annual Wave of Light.

As the sun slipped below the horizon, names were spoken, tears were shared, memories were honored, and hundreds of carnations found their way into the water carrying messages of love that will never be forgotten.

Grief can feel incredibly isolating, but tonight was a reminder that none of us have to carry it alone. In a world that often rushes people through their pain, this community chose to slow down, stand together, and remember.

We are deeply grateful to our sponsors, volunteers, and community partners who made this evening possible. Thank you to Florida Power & Light,NE Pensacola Sertoma, Sonny's BBQ, Kona Ice, Pelican Drones, and Everlasting RosePhotography for helping create such a meaningful experience for our families.

A special thank you to the class of BSN nursing students from the University of West Florida, whose kindness, flexibility, and willingness to serve helped everything run smoothly behind the scenes. Your presence brought an extra measure of peace and care to the evening.

Most importantly, thank you to the families who trusted us with your stories, your memories, and your loved ones’ names. It is a privilege to walk beside you.

Tonight, the beach glowed with hundreds of lights, but the brightest thing there was the love that continues long after loss.

06/09/2026

A heartfelt thank you to VIP Pensacola for helping us celebrate Valerie’s House Northwest Florida’s 5th Anniversary.

Looking back on the last five years, it’s hard to believe how far we’ve come. What began with a single support group has grown into a community of hundreds of children, teens, and caregivers finding connection, hope, and healing after loss.

Our anniversary celebration was a chance to reflect on the families we’ve served, the volunteers who have shown up time and again, and the community partners who have helped make this mission possible. We are grateful to VIP Pensacola for sharing our story and helping us honor this milestone.

Here’s to five years of walking alongside grieving families and to all that lies ahead. ❤️

Read more here: https://vippensacola.com/ -3377/52/

06/06/2026

On Friday, Valerie’s House had the opportunity to join the Northwest Florida Mental Health Task Force alongside agencies and leaders from across our community.

One thing was clear: no single organization can meet every need alone. Real progress happens when we come together, share resources, and work toward solutions.

At Valerie’s House, we see how peer support helps fill important gaps in care by creating connection, reducing isolation, and reminding families they don’t have to navigate grief alone.

We still have work to do, but seeing so many people committed to improving mental health in Northwest Florida gives us hope for what’s ahead. 💙

06/01/2026

At Valerie’s House Northwest Florida, every family deserves a place where they feel seen, valued, and supported.

As Pride Month begins, we want our community to know that all are welcome here. We serve children, teens, young adults, caregivers, and families from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. Grief does not look the same for everyone, and neither do the families who walk through our doors.

Our culture is simple: come as you are.

We believe healing happens when people feel safe enough to be themselves, share their stories, and connect with others who care. Whether you’re joining us for the first time or have been part of our Valerie’s House family for years, you belong here.

This month and every month, we remain committed to creating a space where every child and family is treated with dignity, respect, compassion, and love.

05/30/2026

Over the past two weeks, we’ve had the privilege of celebrating eight incredible Valerie’s House seniors as they crossed the graduation stage.

While every graduate reaches this milestone through hard work and determination, we know that many of our seniors have also carried the weight of grief along the way. We have watched them persevere through challenges, honor the people they love, and continue moving forward with courage, resilience, and hope.

To each of our Class of 2026 graduates: we are so proud of you. Thank you for allowing us to be part of your journey and for letting us share in these special moments with your families. Your strength inspires us, and we cannot wait to see where life takes you next.

Please join us in congratulating the Class of 2026!

05/27/2026

We are so grateful to Coastal Collective Group - Levin Rinke Realty and every member of our community who helped make this generous donation possible. Because of their kindness, 78 new books are now finding their way into the hands of grieving children and families at Valerie’s House Northwest Florida.

As we prepare for a busy summer of groups, camps, and family activities, we have been incorporating these books into a self-care focused activity with our families. Some books open the door to important conversations and emotional connection, while others simply give children the chance to laugh, imagine, relax, and just be kids for a little while.

Grief support is not only about talking about loss. It is also about creating moments of comfort, joy, safety, and connection along the way. We are incredibly thankful to everyone who helped make that possible for our families.

Books have a special way of helping children feel seen, understood, and less alone in their grief. We are incredibly thankful to everyone who helped place these resources into the hands of our families. Your support continues to create meaningful moments of hope and healing.

05/25/2026

Today, we remember and honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. On Memorial Day, we hold space for the families carrying the weight of that loss every day, especially the children growing up missing someone they love deeply.

At Valerie’s House Northwest Florida, we know grief and love often live side by side. We are grateful for the sacrifices made by so many and we remember those whose lives continue to shape their families, their stories, and their futures.

Wishing our community a meaningful and gentle Memorial Day. 🇺🇸

05/22/2026

We are so grateful to the incredible members of Kiwanis Club of Big Lagoon Pensacola for celebrating 5 years of hope with us and for their thoughtful donation of 30 new books for grieving children.

Books can open conversations, create connection, and help children feel seen in the middle of grief. These gifts will make a meaningful difference for the families we serve at Valerie’s House Northwest Florida.

Thank you for walking alongside our children and families and for believing so deeply in our mission that no child grieves alone. 🧡

At the Valerie House NWFL “Celebration of 5 Years of Hope”. At the open house, we donated 30 new books for grieving children. Opening in 2021, Valerie’s House has walked alongside children and families navigating grief.

05/22/2026

We’re grateful to have been part of such an important community conversation on protecting children online. Thank you to Rafferty Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa for bringing together professionals, caregivers, educators, and advocates to discuss the very real risks children and teens face in digital spaces.

Our Operations Manager, Ivy Salada, had the opportunity to speak on the panel about the importance of building trust, maintaining open communication, and creating safe relationships with children so they know where to turn when something feels wrong.

At Valerie’s House Northwest Florida, we know that connection and trusted adults are protective factors for all children, especially those navigating grief and trauma. We are thankful to stand alongside organizations working to keep kids safe, supported, and seen.

Thank you to all of the community partners who helped make this event possible.

05/22/2026

Some nights at Valerie’s House Northwest Florida, the best moments happen when the plan changes.

With the school year winding down, our kids are extra wiggly and full of energy, so we met them where they were. In the middle of group, we paused for a brain break and played emotional charades, using body language and movement to identify feelings. There were lots of giggles and even more connection.

One minute kids were talking about favorite colors, the next they were sharing memories of visiting their special person’s gravesite. No one bats an eye here. Grief is welcomed as a normal part of life and healing can happen through play, movement, laughter, and conversation.

That’s what we’re building together at Valerie’s House.