Valerie’s House hires Director of Philanthropy

FORT MYERS, Fla.–-Valerie’s House, Inc., a Southwest Florida nonprofit helping grieving children work through the loss of a loved one, has hired Jay Graham as Director of Philanthropy. Graham will oversee fundraising and donor development efforts, working closely with Valerie’s House founder and CEO Angela Melvin to expand the program’s impact on grieving children in the community.
 
“We are excited to have Jay join the Valerie’s House team,” said Melvin. “Not only are his years spent helping build non-profits a benefit, but his personal experiences of dealing with loss make him believe helping our children is a calling, not just a career.”
 
Graham is an experienced senior development executive, bringing 20 years of philanthropic work experience with him including executive positions at the Muhammad Ali Center and The Healing Place, both in Louisville, Kentucky. He is also an entrepreneur who has launched and run several businesses throughout his career.
 
Graham earned his bachelor’s degree in Education from Jacksonville State University in Alabama, where he was a member of the football team. He holds a Master of Arts in Missiology from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville.
 
Jay Graham can be reached at 239-841-0143 or [email protected].
About Valerie’s House
Valerie’s House is currently serving 140 children from Lee, Collier, Charlotte and Sarasota counties at its Fort Myers and Naples locations.  The organization’s vision is that no child will grieve alone.  If you know a child struggling with grief, please contact Angela Melvin at angela@valerieshouseswfl.org or go to www.valerieshouseswfl.org.  Valerie’s House is a United Way Partner Agency and is fully supported through generous donations from the community.