Whereas, the Lee County Genealogical Society (LCGS) was founded in 1975 and has served the residents of Lee County for fifty years by promoting the study of family history, encouraging the preservation of historical records, and supporting genealogical education; and

Whereas, for five decades LCGS has provided public programs, workshops, seminars, and special interest groups that have assisted thousands of individuals—local, national, and international—in tracing their heritage and understanding the role of genealogy in preserving family and community history; and

Whereas, LCGS has contributed significantly to the cultural and educational life of Lee County through its long-standing partnership with the Lee County Library System, its volunteer-based research assistance, its public outreach initiatives, and its commitment to support beginner and advanced genealogists alike; and

Whereas, genealogical research fosters intergenerational connections, strengthens community identity, helps develop critical thinking skills, and supports the preservation of Lee County’s diverse heritage, making LCGS an important civic and cultural resource; and
Whereas, as the Society enters its 50th year, LCGS seeks to honor its founders, celebrate its accomplishments, and expand public awareness of genealogy through programs, publications, and events planned for 2026; and

Whereas, the Lee County Board of County Commissioners recognizes the significant role of the Lee County Genealogical Society in promoting historical knowledge, lifelong learning, and community engagement.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT, the Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida, does hereby recognize the 50th Anniversary of the Lee County Genealogical Society honoring its fifty years of service to the residents of Lee County and designates 2026 as the Lee County Genealogical Society’s Golden Anniversary Year, encouraging all residents to recognize the importance of genealogy in preserving family stories, local history, and the shared heritage of our community.
Duly executed this 20th day of January 2026.

Length of Service Awards

Whereas, Valerie’s House was founded in 2016 in Fort Myers by Fort Myers native Angela Melvin, inspired by her personal experience of losing her mother, Valerie Melvin, also a Fort Myers resident, at a young age; and

Whereas, what began as a single grief support group has now grown into a regional leader in children's bereavement care, with Valerie’s House offering free, compassionate programs for grieving children and families throughout Southwest Florida; and

Whereas, over the past decade, Valerie’s House has served thousands of these children and caregivers through its welcoming, healing environment where individuals can express emotions, share memories, and find hope after the death of a loved one; and

Whereas, with locations established in Lee, Collier, and Charlotte Counties, Valerie’s House remains one of the only organizations in the region solely dedicated to children’s grief support, filling a critical gap in mental health care and addressing the unique needs of youth experiencing traumatic loss; and

Whereas, the success of Valerie’s House has been made possible, in part, by its dedicated and trained staff and volunteers, as well as individual and business supporters, and the successful partnerships forged with local schools, hospitals and Lee County government; and

Whereas, the organization’s VALs Pals program provides additional one-on-one mentorship to children, pairing them with positive adult role models to build trust, support emotional growth, and reinforce community bonds; and

Whereas, the year 2026 marks the 10th Anniversary of Valerie’s House, a significant milestone that not only honors its history of compassionate service but also highlights the ongoing need for grief support services in our Lee County community and the importance of collaborative efforts to expand awareness, resources, and healing.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT, the Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida, does hereby recognizes and commends Valerie’s House for its unwavering dedication and 10 years of service to grieving children and families in our region. The Board encourages all residents of Lee County to join in honoring this milestone and to support the continued mission of Valerie’s House to ensure that no child grieves alone.
Duly executed this 20th day of January 2026.