(COLORADO SPRINGS) — The holidays can amplify feelings of sadness, loss, and emptiness. The 3rd Annual Illuminating Hearts event, which took place on Saturday, Dec. 14, provided practical tools and compassionate support to help survivors navigate this challenging time.

The Voices of Grief Support and Education Center hosted the gathering at the CIVA Charter High School, where participants honored their loved ones through meaningful activities, such as creating luminaries, ceremonial candle lighting, and a panel discussion.

Several grief experts say that holidays, which are often associated with family and togetherness, can be especially painful for those experiencing loss. Voices of Grief approaches this by offering a safe and supportive space to witness, learn, and walk alongside individuals in grief without trying to fix or cure it.

“We want to be out there in the community normalizing conversations about grief,” said Sarah Lee, Program Director for Voices of Grief. “People avoid it because it’s awkward and uncomfortable, and we want to empower people to talk about it. And then in the support groups, what happens is people find community with other people who’ve had similar wounds and are walking through trying to find their way”

The Voices of Grief Support and Education Center offers grief support groups in El Paso and Teller Counties.