Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

When a child loses a parent, their world shifts instantly. For many families served by Valerie’s House, that loss is followed by another profound change—grandparents step in to raise their grandchildren while grieving the loss of their own child.

With support from the Moorings Park Foundation, Valerie’s House created a dedicated space for these families through its Grandparents Raising Grandchildren program.

So far through the 2025-2026 grant, 34 grand-parents have participated in 123 peer grief-support group experiences, finding connection, guidance, and a community that understands their journey.

For Joni and her grandson Jayden, Valerie’s House became a lifeline after the loss of Joni’s daughter, Jayden’s mother. Through weekly group nights, Jayden found peers who understood his grief, while Joni found strength among other grandparents navigating the same unimaginable path. Today, Jayden is thriving, and Joni now gives back as a volunteer—helping other families find hope amid loss.

Healing often happens in small, meaningful moments—a story shared, a memory honored, a child finding the courage to speak about someone they love and miss.

Because of programs like these, families like Joni and Jayden are finding  connection, strength, and hope for the future—ensuring that no child or grandparent has to grieve alone.