Words by Jenny Lynn Davis | Images by Ryan McGill and courtesy of Amy Byrd
The Healing House in Jasper is heading into a new season with new programs, broader community involvement, and the same mission to be a safe, supportive space for local students and families.
Founded in 2015, The Healing House began as an after-school program called FLAMES (Fearlessly Loving Accepting Mentoring and Encouraging Students), designed to support students through creative expression and relationship-building. Since then, it has grown into a place where kids and families can access everything from counseling and occupational therapy to arts education and leadership development.
This year, The Healing House is launching a new structure: three weekly sessions, each focused on a different area – art, leadership, self-regulation, and homesteading. In the first month alone, students will start a fall garden, bake fresh bread, and begin learning culinary skills using new kitchen equipment.
Arts programming is also expanding, as students will have access to more individualized instruction in voice, piano, guitar, drums, and songwriting.
Other additions include “Lily’s Garden,” a new outdoor space created in memory of Lily Trice for Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and the “Healing House of Prayer,” an indoor space for rest and reflection.
“Some days, the work we do is just about showing up,” says founder Amy Byrd. “There may not be a big plan, but those are often the days when you see the most growth. We’re here to meet people where they are.”
Amy says the impact of the organization is showing up in real ways, such as better school attendance, improved grades, and stories from parents who say their child “won’t leave the house for anything… except this.” Some of the first students to go through the program are now grown and coming back to help. “We’re starting to see generational change,” Amy says. “Healing multiplies.”
In the past year alone, approximately 533 individuals have been served through in-house programs, mental health services, family support, and outreach events. This includes 32 mental health check-ins, 31 Mental Health Ministry participants, 56 FLAMES students, 12 families receiving Family Structure Support, and 20 foster care participants in Dance & Movement classes. Outreach events engaged another 375 community members.
The total estimated value of services offered per member per season now exceeds $9,900, made possible entirely through the generosity of donors, volunteers, and local partners like the Walker Area Community Foundation. “The Foundation has kept us going,” Amy says. “Their support, and the generosity of this community, continues to overwhelm me.”
As interest grows, space is becoming a challenge. The organization is exploring ways to develop nearby land for trails, outdoor classrooms, and new facilities. They also hope to eventually add a bus to help reach neighborhoods where transportation is a barrier.
A new quarterly newsletter will help supporters stay informed, and anyone interested in mentoring, donating, or volunteering is encouraged to reach out. “If someone has a skill, we’ll find a place for it,” Amy says. “Giving is part of healing, too.”
Now in its ninth year, The Healing House is beginning to see long-term impact. Families who once walked through the doors in a difficult season now return just to share good news.
“We’re seeing what happens when people feel supported and seen,” Amy says. “And we’re committed to helping them take the next step, wherever that leads.” WL
Click here to learn more about The Healing House.
