Heart Healing: A Mental Health Program Helping Kids Find Peace

In the heart of Medellín, a group of children is learning to understand and manage their emotions through mindfulness, yoga, and journaling. These kids, many of whom come from tough backgrounds, are discovering new ways to cope with trauma and stress. At the center of this transformation is Heart Healing, a mental health program designed to give at-risk youth the tools they need to feel better and build resilience.

A New Approach to Mental Health

Mental health is often overlooked in communities struggling with poverty and violence, where survival becomes the top priority and mental health the least of their worries. Regardless,  studies show that mindfulness-based programs can help kids develop emotional skills and better social behaviors, especially when they’re facing adversity. That’s where Heart Healing comes in. It’s not just a program; it’s a way of making sure mental well-being is accessible to everyone, no matter their circumstances.

“Kids here face so many challenges, from poverty to trauma passed down through generations,” said Veronica Urdaneta, founder of Heart Healing. “We wanted to create a place where they could step out of their everyday struggles and learn to care for their minds, just like they would their bodies.”

More Than Just a Program

What makes Heart Healing special is the way it combines mindfulness techniques with creative activities. Yoga helps the kids let go of tension and become more in tune with their emotions. Journaling gives them a space to express themselves privately, and guided meditations help them relax and focus. These activities work together to create a supportive environment where kids can really start to heal.

Santiago Acosta, a participant in the program, shared how it’s made a difference for him: “I love the guided meditations. They help me feel calm, especially when I’m having a stressful day. It’s like my mind gets a break.”

Parents are also noticing positive changes. Beatriz Rodado, whose daughter is in the program, said, “She’s much calmer now. She talks about her feelings more and isn’t bottling them up. At home, we even do breathing exercises together. It’s been a big change for us.”

Overcoming Obstacles

Even though Heart Healing has been successful in helping so many kids, the program has faced its fair share of challenges. Mental health still carries a stigma in some communities, and the program also struggles with limited funding. Not everyone has been on board with the idea, either. But the team behind Heart Healing is determined, always measuring their progress with feedback from the kids and their families.

“We try to assess how things are going by talking to the families and the kids,” Veronica explained. “We’re also working on giving them more resources, like donating books to the community center to encourage kids to learn and explore new ideas.”

Looking Ahead

Experts agree that grassroots programs like Heart Healing are incredibly important for improving mental health, especially for kids in vulnerable situations. Psychologist Isabella Pardo emphasized how these kinds of initiatives can shape a child’s future: “Kids in difficult environments experience a lot of stress and trauma. Programs like this help them build coping mechanisms that can change their lives.”

As Heart Healing continues to grow, the hope is that more children will have access to its life-changing support. For the kids who have already joined the program, the impact is clear. “I feel more hopeful now,” Santiago shared. “Before, I didn’t really think about my future, but now I feel like I can handle whatever comes my way.”

With every deep breath, journal entry, and yoga session, these kids are healing—one step at a time.