Free Children's Grief Peer Groups — SW FL | Valerie's House

Valerie’s House gives grieving children ages 5 to 18 and their families a safe place to share, grieve, and grow through free, open-ended peer support groups. Modeled after the nationally recognized Dougy Center, Valerie’s House is a community — not a formal counseling center — where families come together to mentor one another through loss.

What to Expect
Groups meet twice a month, roughly 6:00-8:00 pm, in cozy home-like locations. After some free playtime, children break into age-appropriate groups — Elementary, Middles, and Teens — and use art, music, and activities to identify and process grief. Specialized groups include a Sibling Loss group, Life Without Mom for Dads and Children, Grandparents Raising Grandchildren After Loss, a Young Adult group, and Spanish-speaking groups.

Who This Group Is For
This is for children, teens, young adults, and families in Southwest Florida and Pensacola who have experienced the death of a loved one. Groups meet in Fort Myers, Naples, Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte, and Pensacola.

Why Peer Support Works
Sitting with others who have suffered a loss is powerful. Younger children often heal through play when words are hard to find, while teens draw strength from peers who understand how grief shows up at school and in daily life. These supportive bonds carry into their futures.

How to Join
All groups are free. Families and professionals can connect through the Valerie’s House referral form; all information is kept confidential — varies, see https://valerieshouse.org/childrens-peer-groups.