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Valerie's House helping kids learn to cope

Posted at 1:51 PM, Nov 22, 2019
and last updated 2019-11-22 13:51:08-05

FORT MYERS, Fla. -- The holidays are a tough time for children who are coping with the loss of a loved one, and that's why a local organization is trying to raise awareness about children's grief.

Valerie's House had a grief support group Thursday night, so they could talk about the holidays.

The kids created memory boxes for the loved ones they have lost.

1 in 14 Florida children will experience the death of a parent or a sibling by the time they're 18 years old.

“It's important, grieving is important. And being able to do it the right way and not thinking you're alone, it's the best thing,” says Josselin Calderon, teen ambassador at Valerie’s House.

The center says without support and learning how to cope, kids are at a higher risk for emotional and behavioral issues down the road.

The group is building a facility in Fort Myers to help reach even more families.