Upcoming events.
Caregiver Writing Circle
Are you seeking companionship and social support as you navigate the decline of a partner or spouse? This bi-weekly caregiver support group is led by Dr. Cristina Francescon. Caregivers are invited to bring a journal and participate in writing exercises that provide an opportunity for reflection and sharing. Contact Cristina for the latest writing prompt and to RSVP 910-723-0397.
Grief Gathering
If you are struggling with grief, you are not alone. Haywood Hospice & Palliative Care offers free Grief Gatherings every second Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. after the Café closes, so we have a special setting with those who have experienced the loss of a loved one. Enjoy a hot beverage and pastries and learn ways to cope with grief and loss. Contact 828-452-5039 for more information.
Healing Hearts Equine Camp
Heartfelt Haywood is a local non-profit whose mission is to create a community where no one dies alone, no one grieves alone and caregivers are supported and valued.
Healing Hearts Equine Support Camp is a program designed to provide kids ages 5 to 18 an opportunity to meet other children who are going through difficult times and experiencing loss. This free, half-day camp is held quarterly at Encore Stables in Candler and incorporates fun activities with horses, crafts, snacks, and sharing. Guided by experienced equestrians, campers forge a bond with the horses and have an opportunity to care for and learn about another living creature. Parents and caregivers are invited to stay for facilitated discussion regarding grief during the time the children are doing their activities. Heartfelt Haywood thanks the Haywood Health Foundation for their generous support for Healing Hearts.
Caregiver Writing Circle
Are you seeking companionship and social support as you navigate the decline of a partner or spouse? This bi-weekly caregiver support group is led by Dr. Cristina Francescon. Caregivers are invited to bring a journal and participate in writing exercises that provide an opportunity for reflection and sharing. Contact Cristina for the latest writing prompt and to RSVP 910-723-0397.
Heartfelt Holiday Grief Gathering
Join Mr. and Mrs. Claus for an afternoon of craft-making and reflection in memory of those who will not be present with us this holiday season. Wells Events & Reception Center is pleased to host this 2nd annual event in their beautiful space. All are welcome to attend, especially families and children who may be grieving. Holiday refreshments will be served!
Caregiver Writing Circle
Are you seeking companionship and social support as you navigate the decline of a partner or spouse? This bi-weekly caregiver support group is led by Dr. Cristina Francescon. Caregivers are invited to bring a journal and participate in writing exercises that provide an opportunity for reflection and sharing. Contact Cristina for the latest writing prompt and to RSVP 910-723-0397.
Grief Gathering
If you are struggling with grief, you are not alone. Haywood Hospice & Palliative Care offers free Grief Gatherings every second Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. after the Café closes, so we have a special setting with those who have experienced the loss of a loved one. Enjoy a hot beverage and pastries and learn ways to cope with grief and loss. Contact 828-452-5039 for more information.
Caregiver Writing Circle
Are you seeking companionship and social support as you navigate the decline of a partner or spouse? This bi-weekly caregiver support group is led by Dr. Cristina Francescon. Caregivers are invited to bring a journal and participate in writing exercises that provide an opportunity for reflection and sharing. Contact Cristina for the latest writing prompt and to RSVP 910-723-0397.
Heartfelt Movie Night - Lemon Tree
This is the last movie in our 2025 series! Don’t miss it! Monday, November 3, 6:00pm at the Organic Beans Coffee Shop, 3680 Soco Road, Maggie Valley, NC.
Heartfelt Haywood Presents: Lemon Tree (2008), an important movie about the healing power of empathy in the continuing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. A poignant and heartfelt personal story t hat opens up so many issues - political, social, empathy, and compassion.
The films presented in this series are intended to spark dialogue and reflection on complex societal issues. The inclusion of a film does not constitute and endorsement by Heartfelt Haywood of any specific viewpoint presented.
All film titles are subject to change. Films are presented in their original language with English subtitles.
Presentation and post-film discussion led by Dr. Cristina Francescon. Light refreshments provided!
Creative Healing Retreat
This Creative Healing Retreat will be led by fiber artist Jessica Kaufman, M.A. Crafts Education. Jess is the owner of WAXON Studio in West Asheville. Participants will learn the art of needle felting with wool roving and use the creative process as an opportunity to process grief and/or caregiver stress.
Please bring anything you need to make yourself comfortable during a longer, seated craft activity. If you require extra lighting or magnification to see details clearly, please bring those things (i.e., reading glasses). This craft requires some hand/eye coordination and repetitive (non-forceful) movements. We will be taking breaks to stretch and gently move occasionally!
Caregiver Writing Circle
Are you seeking companionship and social support as you navigate the decline of a partner or spouse? This bi-weekly caregiver support group is led by Dr. Cristina Francescon. Caregivers are invited to bring a journal and participate in writing exercises that provide an opportunity for reflection and sharing. Contact Cristina for the latest writing prompt and to RSVP 910-723-0397.
Heartfelt Movie Night: Living (2022)
This British remake of the Japanese classic film, Ikiru, scripted by the novelist Kazuo Ishiguro, is a moving experience. Living soars beyond simple storytelling to reveal an undeniably heartfelt experience with redefining one’s life—even if it’s at the very end. A fresh remake of the original starring Bill Nighy.
The films presented in this series are intended to spark dialogue and reflection on complex social issues. The inclusion of a film does not constitute an endorsement by Heartfelt Haywood of any specific viewpoint presented.
All film titles are subject to change. Films are presented in their original language with English subtitles.
Presentation and post-film discussion led by Dr. Cristina Francescon. Light refreshments provided!
For more information, visit www.heartfelthaywood.org/events
Heartfelt Movie Nights are sponsored by the Haywood Health Foundation.
Caregiver Writing Circle
Are you seeking companionship and social support as you navigate the decline of a partner or spouse? This bi-weekly caregiver support group is led by Dr. Cristina Francescon. Caregivers are invited to bring a journal and participate in writing exercises that provide an opportunity for reflection and sharing. Contact Cristina for the latest writing prompt and to RSVP 910-723-0397.
Heartfelt Book Circle
Heartfelt Haywood invites you to go deeper in your grief healing journey. Facilitators Sandi and Leigh Ann host a weekly Book Circle where a small group processes through personal experiences of grief prompted by a book. This week we’re reading Jill Marie Teer's, “The House We Become: Rooms of Grief, Reflection, and Healing.” Please join us! If you don’t have a copy of the book, we will have extras to share.
What: Heartfelt Grief Circle
Where: Heartwood Room at Grace Church in the Mountains, 394 N. Haywood Street, Waynesville, NC 28786. Enter through the rear of the building, lower level.
When: Thursdays, 5:00-6:00pm
Grief Gathering
If you are struggling with grief, you are not alone. Haywood Hospice & Palliative Care offers free Grief Gatherings every second Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. after the Café closes, so we have a special setting with those who have experienced the loss of a loved one. Enjoy a hot beverage and pastries and learn ways to cope with grief and loss. Contact 828-452-5039 for more information.
Heartfelt Book Circle
Heartfelt Haywood invites you to go deeper in your grief healing journey. Facilitators Sandi and Leigh Ann host a weekly Book Circle where a small group processes through personal experiences of grief prompted by a book. This week we’re reading Jill Marie Teer's, “The House We Become: Rooms of Grief, Reflection, and Healing.” Please join us! If you don’t have a copy of the book, we will have extras to share.
What: Heartfelt Grief Circle
Where: Heartwood Room at Grace Church in the Mountains, 394 N. Haywood Street, Waynesville, NC 28786. Enter through the rear of the building, lower level.
When: Thursdays, 5:00-6:00pm
Heartfelt Book Circle
Heartfelt Haywood invites you to go deeper in your grief healing journey. Facilitators Sandi and Leigh Ann host a weekly Book Circle where a small group processes through personal experiences of grief prompted by a book. This week we’re reading Jill Marie Teer's, “The House We Become: Rooms of Grief, Reflection, and Healing.” Please join us! If you don’t have a copy of the book, we will have extras to share.
What: Heartfelt Grief Circle
Where: Heartwood Room at Grace Church in the Mountains, 394 N. Haywood Street, Waynesville, NC 28786. Enter through the rear of the building, lower level.
When: Thursdays, 5:00-6:00pm
Caregiver Writing Circle
Are you seeking companionship and social support as you navigate the decline of a partner or spouse? This bi-weekly caregiver support group is led by Dr. Cristina Francescon. Caregivers are invited to bring a journal and participate in writing exercises that provide an opportunity for reflection and sharing. Contact Cristina for the latest writing prompt and to RSVP 910-723-0397.
Healing Hearts Half-day Camp
A free half-day camp for children and teens ages 5 to 18 who are grieving. Parents and caregivers are invited to stay. Saturday, September 20 from 1pm to 5pm, 2025 at Encore Stables in Candler (338 Youngs Dr Ext, Candler, NC 28715).
A Day of Resilience
Smoky Mountain Long Term Recovery Group
Presents
A Day of Resilience - Free Event
Saturday, September 20, 12-5pm
First United Methodist Church, Waynesville
566 S. Haywood Street, Waynesville, NC 28786
Activities for all ages: Music, Bouncy Houses, Art, Games, Yoga, Food Trucks. Flood Talk led by a Licensed Counselor
Get disaster prepared and recovery resources. Join us in looking back one year after Hurricane Helene. Whether you are coming in grief, reflection, or community, we open our doors to you.
For more information visit https://www.facebook.com/share/1C5ZAGAbit/
Heartfelt Book Circle
Heartfelt Haywood invites you to go deeper in your grief healing journey. Facilitators Sandi and Leigh Ann host a weekly Book Circle where a small group processes through personal experiences of grief prompted by a book. This week we’re reading Jill Marie Teer's, “The House We Become: Rooms of Grief, Reflection, and Healing.” Please join us! If you don’t have a copy of the book, we will have extras to share.
What: Heartfelt Grief Circle
Where: Heartwood Room at Grace Church in the Mountains, 394 N. Haywood Street, Waynesville, NC 28786. Enter through the rear of the building, lower level.
When: Thursdays, 5:00-6:00pm
Grief Gathering
If you are struggling with grief, you are not alone. Haywood Hospice & Palliative Care offers free Grief Gatherings every second Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. after the Café closes, so we have a special setting with those who have experienced the loss of a loved one. Enjoy a hot beverage and pastries and learn ways to cope with grief and loss. Contact 828-452-5039 for more information.
Caregiver Writing Circle
Are you seeking companionship and social support as you navigate the decline of a partner or spouse? This bi-weekly caregiver support group is led by Dr. Cristina Francescon. Caregivers are invited to bring a journal and participate in writing exercises that provide an opportunity for reflection and sharing. Contact Cristina for the latest writing prompt and to RSVP 910-723-0397.
Meet & Greet with Peter Constantian, Executive Director
Drop in and meet our Executive Director, Peter Constantian, and learn more about our mission to create a community where no one dies alone, no one grieves alone, and caregivers are supported and valued. Donations are welcome and appreciated.
Where: Smoky Mountain Dog Bar, 44 Church Street, Waynesville, NC 28786
When: Thursday, September 4th, 5:00-7:00pm
Hor d’oeuvres will be provided and beverages can be purchased at the bar.
www.heartfelthaywood.org
Heartfelt Movie Night - Life Is Beautiful
Join Heartfelt Haywood for a viewing of Life Is Beautiful (1997), a powerful testimony to resilience, facing adversity in a resourceful way, and perseverance in a WWII concentration camp.
Heartfelt Movie Nights are held monthly and cover a range of topics including end-of-life, grief, loss, caregiving, and compassion.
The films presented in this series are intended to spark dialogue and reflection on complex societal issues. The inclusion of a film does not constitute an endorsement by Heartfelt Haywood of any specific viewpoint presented. All films are shown in their original language with English subtitles. Discussion before and after the film facilitated by Dr. Cristina Francescon, Methodist University.
Caregiver Writing Circle
Are you seeking companionship and social support as you navigate the decline of a partner or spouse? This bi-weekly caregiver support group is led by Dr. Cristina Francescon. Caregivers are invited to bring a journal and participate in writing exercises that provide an opportunity for reflection and sharing. Contact Cristina for the latest writing prompt and to RSVP 910-723-0397.
Grief Gathering
If you are struggling with grief, you are not alone. Haywood Hospice & Palliative Care offers free Grief Gatherings every second Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. after the Café closes, so we have a special setting with those who have experienced the loss of a loved one. Enjoy a hot beverage and pastries and learn ways to cope with grief and loss. Contact 828-452-5039 for more information.
Caregiver Writing Circle
Are you seeking companionship and social support as you navigate the decline of a partner or spouse? This bi-weekly caregiver support group is led by Dr. Cristina Francescon. Caregivers are invited to bring a journal and participate in writing exercises that provide an opportunity for reflection and sharing. Contact Cristina for the latest writing prompt and to RSVP 910-723-0397.
Caregiver Writing Circle
Are you seeking companionship and social support as you navigate the decline of a partner or spouse? This bi-weekly caregiver support group is led by Dr. Cristina Francescon. Caregivers are invited to bring a journal and participate in writing exercises that provide an opportunity for reflection and sharing. Contact Cristina for the latest writing prompt and to RSVP 910-723-0397.
Heartfelt Movie Night - Soylent Green
Join Heartfelt Haywood for a viewing of Soylent Green (1973):
In an overpopulated, dystopian future, a detective uncovers a horrifying truth about the government-produced food supply known as Soylent Green. Characters, particularly Sol Roth (Edward G. Robinson), mourn the loss of a world that once was – a world with fresh food, clean air, and natural beauty.
Heartfelt Movie Nights are held monthly and cover a range of topics including end-of-life, grief, loss, caregiving, and compassion.
The films presented in this series are intended to spark dialogue and reflection on complex societal issues. The inclusion of a film does not constitute an endorsement by Heartfelt Haywood of any specific viewpoint presented. All films are shown in their original language with English subtitles.
Caregiver Writing Circle
Are you seeking companionship and social support as you navigate the decline of a partner or spouse? This bi-weekly caregiver support group is led by Dr. Cristina Francescon. Caregivers are invited to bring a journal and participate in writing exercises that provide an opportunity for reflection and sharing. Contact Cristina for the latest writing prompt and to RSVP 910-723-0397.
Arts Healing Retreat
For anyone on the healing journey from grief.
Grief is not just an ending—it is also a doorway. A portal to love, transformation, and renewal. This retreat offers a sacred space for those walking the tender path of loss, providing self-kindness, creative healing, and compassionate community connection as we move through grief into love.
Healing does not happen in isolation. Our longing for joy, connection, and creative expression is a golden thread—one that mends the heart, awakens the soul, and fosters deep healing.
Through expressive art-making, poetry, gentle movement, and mindfulness, we will tap into the body’s wisdom and innate self-healing power. Rooted in both ancient traditions and modern neuroscience, these time-honored practices support emotional regulation, nervous system healing, and resilience. In a safe, supportive space—nurtured by a like-minded community—we will cultivate compassion, kindness, and inner peace together.
Come as you are. No art experience is needed—just an open heart and a willingness to explore.
Please bring your own lunch. Light snacks, herbal tea, water, and aromatherapy will be provided.
Join us in creating a sanctuary for wholeness, healing, and love.
Marga Fripp, MA in Expressive Art Therapy
Chief Pollinator of Good
co-founder, The Pollinators Foundation
Marga Fripp Studio I Online Qigong Classes, Art Therapy, Art Store
The Pollinators Foundation I Community Wellness & Social Healing
112 Virginia Ave, Waynesville, NC 28786 I p: 828-424-1398
Grief Gathering
If you are struggling with grief, you are not alone. Haywood Hospice & Palliative Care offers free Grief Gatherings every second Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. after the Café closes, so we have a special setting with those who have experienced the loss of a loved one. Enjoy a hot beverage and pastries and learn ways to cope with grief and loss. Contact 828-452-5039 for more information.
Heartfelt Movie Night - Amour
Join Heartfelt Haywood for a viewing of
Amour (2012) tells the stark and poignant story of an elderly, devoted Parisian couple whose bond is tested to its limits as the wife slowly succumbs to debilitating illness, forcing her husband to become her sole, increasingly burdened, caretaker.
Heartfelt Movie Nights are held monthly and cover a range of topics including end-of-life, grief, loss, caregiving, and compassion.
The films presented in this series are intended to spark dialogue and reflection on complex societal issues. The inclusion of a film does not constitute an endorsement by Heartfelt Haywood of any specific viewpoint presented. All films are shown in their original language with English subtitles.
Caregiver Writing Circle
Are you seeking companionship and social support as you navigate the decline of a partner or spouse? This bi-weekly caregiver support group is led by Dr. Cristina Francescon. Caregivers are invited to bring a journal and participate in writing exercises that provide an opportunity for reflection and sharing. Contact Cristina for the latest writing prompt and to RSVP 910-723-0397.
Evening Grief Gathering
If you need an alternative day and time for grief support, please join our evening small group gathering this month:
Sunday June 22, 2025 @ 5:00 pm
Location:
Outdoors by the Waynesville Recreation Center
550 Vance Street, Waynesville, NC 28786
(From the round-about on Howell Mill Road, turn onto Vance Street. Go past the Rec Center and park in the parking lot on the left at the bottom of the hill. Park by the small open shelter filled with picnic tables. Leigh Ann & Patrick will have name tags on to WELCOME you!)
During this evening gathering, we will be exploring ways to nurture our grief with nature, gentle movement, journaling, ritual, music and games.
You are invited to let your inner child engage with others who are grieving as well!
Our aim is to explore the value of nurturing our grief with Nature, Gentle Movement, Music, Games and helpful ways to create meaningful social connections as we all explore ways to process grief. Leigh Ann Mertens is a yoga insructor and Patrick Davis is a massage therapist. Together, they create holistic ways for all of us to address grief in a supportive community. After our gentle and fun activity, we will explore ideal locations and times for the coming months. Together, we are exploring ways for our community to connect with nature, gentle movement and the spirit of playful social connections as we grieve.
Please contact Patrick Davis (402.933.9393) or Leigh Ann Mertens (828.606.4123) if you have any questions or needs about this new program.
Healing Hearts Half-day Camp
A free half-day camp for children and teens ages 5 to 18 who are grieving. Parents and caregivers are invited to stay. Saturday, June 21 from 1pm to 5pm, 2025 at Encore Stables in Candler (338 Youngs Dr Ext, Candler, NC 28715).
Resilient Families Workshop (HIGHTS)
RESILIENT FAMILIES
WHEN & WHERE
Monday, June 16
5:30 PM- 6:30 PM
Sylva Methodist Church
77 Jackson St
Sylva, NC 28779
Do ever feel frustrated when your child is upset and can’t seem to hear you, or struggle to connect with your teen when they're having a bad day?
You’re not alone! Parents and caregivers often feel this way and wonder if they’re getting it right. The good news is that there are things you can do to help your child – and yourself – get through even the hardest days.
Join us as we talk about why kids think, feel, and act the way they do, especially during tough times. We’ll also share some everyday tools that you can use to boost your connection and support your children and teens.
REGISTER TODAY & JOIN US
To request childcare and register for a spot please register using the link in the event description. All participants will receive a free book and light refreshments will be served.
THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS
Special thanks to The Evergreen Foundation and
HIGHTS for making this free event possible.