As first reported by eastidahonews.com, Heartstone Children’s Grief Support Group is launching its fall cycle in Idaho Falls this month. Hospice and Palliative Care of Eastern Idaho has partnered with the local YMCA to provide a structured environment for youth coping with loss.
The program serves children and teenagers between the ages of 5 and 18 who have lost a family member or significant person in their lives. Sessions are scheduled for nine consecutive weeks, meeting every Wednesday evening from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the YMCA facility.
The first gathering is set for Wednesday, Sept. 16. Participants will engage in age-appropriate discussions and creative activities designed to help them process their emotions. The initiative relies on community fundraising and donations to remain accessible.
Anna Long, the founder of Heartstone, emphasized the value of peer connection in healing. “Everybody shares their grief and learns from each other, plus the kids get to have a friend who just knows and understands,” Long told the EastIdahoNews.com.
Counselor Eric Davenport described the sessions as a space for open dialogue. “It’s honestly just an open conversation… It’s processing whatever you’re going through,” Davenport said.
Families interested in enrolling must register before attending. For more information or to sign up, contact Hospice and Palliative Care of Eastern Idaho at (208) 529-0342 or via email at hei@hospiceofeasternidaho.com.