Who We  Are

Matters of the Heart is a non-profit organization founded by Kimberly and Dwayne Verner, born from a place of loss and hurt but existing to foster hope, healing, and positivity. The organization emerged from a tragedy: the passing of the Verners' 16-year-old son, Darion, on St. Patrick's Day 2017, due to Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. The loss devastated their family of eight, and processing it was deeply challenging. However, the Verners chose to come together as a family to heal, reflect, and raise awareness through music and worship.

We help people navigate grief of all kinds-whether it’s the loss of a loved one, relationship, or a life change-through the power of the arts. Our nonprofit combines creative expression with proven coping strategies and grief education to promote healing and emotional wellbeing. We believe that through the arts, individuals can process pain, build resilience, and move forward with hope. 

Matters of the Heart was born from unimaginable heartbreak and transformed into a mission of hope. Founded by Kimberly and Dwayne Verner, who have been married for over 22 years, and are the proud parents of seven beautiful children: DJ, Jessica, Darion, Dorian, Daylon, Kearany, and Kamille. Our nonprofit was created to honor the life and legacy of our beloved son, Darion Verner, who passed away unexpectedly at the age of 16 due to Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. In the wake of this tragic loss, our family of eight was forever changed.

Grieving such a deep and sudden loss felt overwhelming—but in our pain, we found purpose. We turned to faith, music, and creative expression to begin our healing journey. That journey became Matters of the Heart.

Today, we exist to support others who are grieving—whether they’ve lost a loved one, a relationship, a dream, or a sense of normalcy. Through music, the arts, and intentional healing experiences, we provide a safe space for people to process grief, express emotions, and rediscover hope. Our programs blend creativity with compassion, helping individuals find light in even the darkest moments.

Darion’s spirit lives on through every song we sing, every life we touch, and every heart we help heal.