Humble Beginnings

Through her work at the funeral home, Valerie Horan supported many individuals and families after death losses and became acutely aware of the need for grief support in the community. Valerie had a dream of a candle in every window, welcoming grievers into a shared, safe space to process their grief and share their stories. With the full support of John Horan, the HeartLight Center building was established as part of a deep mission for Horan & McConaty to provide grief support for the families they served.

After working with grieving individuals, families, and those who care for them, and having her own grief experience after the death of her father, Jennifer McBride also shared recognition that a great need existed for a program that would serve those who did not fit into what our community offered for care for grieving individuals. Sharing a like-minded vision with Valerie and John, they cofounded and developed the 501c3 nonprofit, The HeartLight Center, and opened its doors in 2003, offering peer-based grief support groups open to all bereaved adults in the community.

Starting with just one monthly group for grieving people, offering community and support during some of the most difficult times in their lives, HeartLight Center programs have now grown to offer in-person support groups and workshops in the greater Metro-Denver area, New Mexico, Tennessee, and Wisconsin, as well as a robust calendar of virtual programs that can be attended by anyone, anywhere. In addition, we provide training, support, and resources to professional and volunteer caregivers serving bereaved individuals everywhere.

Jennifer McBride retired as director of Heartlight Center in 2020 and continues to be a champion for the needs of the bereaved individuals and families in our community. Under the direction of our Executive Director, Jenn Flaum, HeartLight Center continues with our mission to grow and serve.