Wisconsin Programs
A Message from HeartLight Center this Holiday Season.
Why Are the Holidays So Hard?
The holiday season can be filled with emotions that can be more profound and surprising than other times of the year, especially for individuals who are grieving.
At HeartLight Center, we understand how hard this time of year can be. We are here to offer accessible grief support, compassionate guidance, and a safe space to heal—during the holidays and throughout every season of the year.
Grief and the Holidays Workshop
Join us for:
Support for a Difficult Season: The holidays can feel overwhelming or impossible when grieving, but you do not have to navigate them alone.
Honor Your Grief: Learn ways to survive the season comfortably while remembering your loved one in meaningful, personal ways.
Practical Guidance: Gain helpful tools and support to cope with emotions, manage triggering traditions, and navigate family or social gatherings.
Date: Monday, November 30th
Time: 5:30 – 7pm
Location: Cress East Washington
3325 East Washington Avenue, Madison, Wisconsin 5370
Date: Monday, December 14th
Time: 5:30 – 7pm
Location: Cress Speedway
(3610 Speedway Road, Madison, Wisconsin 53705)
Learn more and register for support groups below:
-
This ongoing support group is open to anyone who has experienced a death, open to all types of losses and timelines.
This group meets in person on the 3rd Wednesday of the month from 4:00-5:30 pm at the Cress on E. Washington Ave.
Click Here to register.
-
This ongoing support group is open to anyone who has experienced a death, open to all types of losses and timelines.
This group meets in person on the first Tuesday of the month from 5-6:30pm at Cress in Sun Prairie.
Click Here to register.
-
This ongoing support group is open to anyone who has experienced a death, open to all types of losses and timelines.
This group meets in person on the 4th Tuesday of the month from 5:00-6:30 pm at Wichmann Funeral Homes Tri-County Location at 1592 Oneida Street, Menasha, WI 54952
Click Here to register.
-
An interactive support group designed to help with the grieving process by using visual and thought-provoking tools. During these four sessions, the participants share their stories, build memorials, compose letters, write in journals, and develop goals with milestones. Designed for all types of losses, individuals, and family members.
Registration details for the next session will be coming soon.
What can I expect at an In-Person Support Group?
In-person support groups offer a welcoming, non-judgmental space to connect with others who understand the experience of grief. No matter where you are in your grief journey or how long it has been since your loss, you are invited to join us for community and peer support.
HeartLight groups are led by trained peer facilitators who are fellow grievers and understand the challenges of navigating loss. Each gathering lasts about 90 minutes, and group sizes are typically small (3 to 10 members) to create a comfortable, supportive environment where everyone has the opportunity to share if they wish.
Learn more about how HeartLight Center creates a safe group space.
Upcoming Workshops & Special Events
Cress & HeartLight 2nd Annual Community Ofrenda
2 Ofrendas Comunitarias Anuales
In the spirit of Día de los Muertos, Cress invites you to join us in joyful remembrance and celebration. Come add a photograph, memento, or heartfelt note to our Community Ofrendas at 4 of our locations. It’s a beautiful way to welcome the memory and presence of your loved ones this season.
En el espíritu de Día de Muertos, Cress te invita a unirte a nosotros en un recuerdo y celebración alegres. Ven y añade una fotografía, un recuerdo o una nota sincera a nuestras Ofrendas Comunitarias en 4 de nuestras ubicaciones. Es una hermosa manera de dar la bienvenida a la memoria y presencia de tus seres queridos esta temporada.
Dates: Friday, October 30th – Tuesday, November 3rd | Fechas: del viernes 30 de octubre al martes 3 de noviembre
Cress Locations / Locaciones:
Speedway: 3610 Speedway Road, Madison, WI 53705
Sun Prairie: 1310 Emerald Terrace, Sun Prairie, WI 53590
Cress Center: 6021 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53705
East Washington: 3325 E Washington Ave, Madison, Wisconsin 53704
Writing Through Grief: A Compassionate Bi-Monthly Workshop with Vista West - Capri Communities
Join us for a gentle, guided writing experience where you can explore memories, feelings and meaning after loss. Through simple prompts and reflection, writing can become a path toward healing and hope. No writing experience is needed, self-care breaks are included and all are welcome at any stage of the grief journey. Facilitated by Jackie Hill. Presented in partnership with Vista West, Lauren Jensen of HeartLight Center and Cress.
Located at Vista West 150 Bella Vista Dr, Madison WI
Next Date: Thursday, November 19th | 6:00-7:30 PM CT
Meet Lauren
HeartLight Center is honored to offer in person and virtual programs in Wisconsin. Lauren is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Certified Grief Informed Professional with over 15 years of experience. She believes in the power of storytelling and that every person carries innate wisdom. Lauren serves as a compassionate guide for those navigating grief and loss, trauma, and mental health concerns, approaching each healing journey with authenticity and care. Through a warm and mindful presence, she helps people reconnect with themselves and one another—offering resources, fostering community, and nurturing resilience. You can contact Lauren at ljensen@heartlightcenter.org.
Meet Our Volunteer Support Group Facilitators
Clarissa
Clarissa is a student at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, working toward her master's in social work, and brings to her internship with HeartLight years of experience, professionally and as a volunteer, in healthcare and hospice work. On the side, Clarissa loves to bake and explore recipes in the kitchen. Our programming can expand with the help of our community and volunteers. If you are interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities or internship experiences available with HeartLight Center in Wisconsin, please reach out to info@heartlightcenter.org.
Madison programs supported by:
