Help Us Build the “Stairway to Support” at Valerie’s House Lee County Forever Home
Support the Completion of the “Stairway to Support” at Valerie’s House Lee County Forever Home
At Valerie’s House, every space tells a story, and every step brings families closer to healing. We’re reaching out to our community to help us complete a special part of our new Lee County Forever Home: the “Stairway to Support.” This stairwell will welcome grieving children and families, creating an inviting path to their support groups and activity rooms. With your help, we can make this stairway a place filled with warmth, inspiration, and a sense of belonging.
Why We’re Fundraising $10,000 for the Stairway to Support
Valerie’s House has become a lifeline for grieving children and families in Southwest Florida, and our growing need for space led us to create the Forever Home in Lee County. Now, we’re seeking to raise $10,000 to complete the stairway to make it not only functional but also symbolic—a welcoming path that lets each child feel they’re taking steps toward hope and healing. The “Stairway to Support” will be completed in memory of Courtney McGovern’s beloved family members, her father, Christopher, and her grandmother, Nan Lynch.
Courtney’s Journey with Valerie’s House
Courtney McGovern was introduced to Valerie's House when she was looking for more opportunities to get involved within the SWFL community. Having just completed her MBA at Florida Gulf Coast University, she found herself with some free time and wanted to use it to make a meaningful impact.
In July 2017, Courtney attended an orientation at the original Valerie's House location and instantly knew it was a place she wanted to connect with others. "I met people with passion and initiative, and I found others who had experienced grief as I had," Courtney shared. Her connection to Valerie's House allowed her to honor her journey of loss.
Courtney’s father, Chris, passed away on September 20, 2012, after a long battle with addiction and mental health challenges. Just four months later, on January 20, 2013, her grandmother, Grammy Lynch, also passed away. At the time, Courtney was a college sophomore living 1,400 miles away from where they died, navigating her grief alone. "Being a grieving college student was challenging and isolating," Courtney recalls. "Having a place like Valerie's House would have been so impactful, and I'm grateful to be a part of providing that service to our community now."
After completing her training, Courtney began volunteering as a group facilitator on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month. "I love volunteering at Valerie's House. Normalizing grief and better educating our community on how to support friends, co-workers, and family members that may be living with grief is so important," she said. Through her dedication, Courtney continues to help families in need, just as she once was.
A Note from Courtney McGovern
“When I think about why this stairway matters so much, I think about the house where my grandmother raised my father and his six siblings. My family shared so many moments on those stairs. It wasn’t just about getting from one floor to another—it symbolized strength, connection, and love. That’s what we want to bring to the Forever Home stairway—a place where kids feel a sense of comfort and support as they take each step toward healing."
How You Can Help
By donating to complete the “Stairway to Support,” you’re helping Valerie’s House make a lasting impact on grieving families. Your contribution will allow us to decorate the stairway with inspiring quotes, meaningful art, and beautiful surroundings that convey hope and togetherness. Each step of this stairway will represent a step forward for the families we serve—a journey toward healing, resilience, and new beginnings. With your support, we can create a space that becomes a symbol of love and comfort for every child who walks these steps.
Join Us in Building the Stairway to Support
Let’s make this vision a reality. With a donation of any amount, you’ll be contributing to a space that welcomes grieving children and families to Valerie’s House with warmth and encouragement. Together, we can ensure that no child has to grieve alone.
Thank you for helping us bring this meaningful project to life and for supporting our mission of healing in Southwest Florida.