You Don’t Have to Grieve Alone: HeartLight Center Brings Support to the East Mountains

Dealing with the loss of a loved one can feel isolated, but support is now closer to home here in the East Mountains area.

HeartLight Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to grief support and education, is expanding its compassionate reach into the East Mountains with two new monthly drop-in groups designed to foster connection and healing.

Starting immediately, residents can access peer-based support in Edgewood and nearby areas. The Grief Support Circle offers a welcoming space for adults (18+) grieving any death of a loved one, meeting at Blue Feather Healing and Growth Center in Edgewood on the first Wednesday of each month from 6:30–8:00 p.m. Additionally, a Loss of a Parent group meets at Los Vecinos Community Center on the third Wednesday of each month from 5:30–7:00 p.m.

A Legacy of Community Care For nearly three years, HeartLight Center has been a vital resource across New Mexico, partnering with local businesses, therapists, hospices, and funeral homes to ensure no one has to face grief without tools. Beyond the new East Mountain locations, HeartLight also offers a schedule of online groups and in-person gatherings in Albuquerque, covering specific needs such as:

• Loss of a Spouse or Partner
• Sudden and Traumatic Loss
• Loss of a Child
• Post-Loss Caregiver Support

The organization also provides curriculum-based groups like Facing the Mourning and the Grieving Brain Support Group & Book Club. For those seeking a lighter, social approach to healing, creative workshops like the Comfort Food Dinner offer accessible ways to explore grief in community.

A Message from HeartLight “Our goal is to provide a safe and welcoming community where grief can be shared and understood,” said Genna Reeves, Ph.D., HeartLight’s New Mexico Community Liaison. “These groups at Blue Feather Healing and Growth Center and Los Vecinos Community Center extend that circle of support to more neighbors in the East Mountains. We are grateful to our community partners for offering this important space, and we’re always looking for feedback about how we can help meet local grief support needs.”

Seasonal Support & How to Join As the end of the year approaches, community members are invited to participate in HeartLight’s holiday grief programs, including the Holiday Love and Light Remembrance on December 16 at Daniels Family Funerals – Carlisle Chapel and Lighting the Way: A Luminaria Remembrance event on December 24 at Gabaldon Mortuary in Albuquerque.

All HeartLight groups are free of charge (donation-based) and open to the public. Attendees are welcome to bring a photo or special object to share during the group meetings, which in many cases helps create a comfortable environment. Community members are encouraged to register for support group meetings online and drop-ins are welcome.

To register or learn more:

• Visit: heartlightcenter.org
• Email: greeves@heartlightcenter.org