Our Story and Mission at Helen’s Project.

Helen’s Project is a trauma-informed mental health organization dedicated to making compassionate, culturally responsive care accessible for all individuals, families, and communities. Our story is rooted in healing, justice, and breaking systemic barriers that prevent people from accessing the support they deserve

Because healing should be accessible — not overwhelming.

Our Mission

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We uplift individuals, families, and communities by making mental-health care accessible, compassionate, and culturally grounded.

We believe in removing barriers, honoring identity, and walking alongside you every step of the way.

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Our Story

Where We Started

Helen’s Project was founded to dismantle the barriers that make mental health care difficult to access — especially for individuals navigating trauma, injustice, and systemic challenges.

What We Learned

Our founder witnessed firsthand that people heal best when they receive culturally anchored support that honors their experiences and identities.

Where We Are Today

Today, we help communities access affordable therapy, medication support, care coordination, and trauma-informed services across multiple states.

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Our Values

  • A black silhouette of a person in a wheelchair next to a cell tower with signals.

    Accessibility

    Care without stigma or barriers.

  • An illustration of a worm making a hole in a tree trunk to reach an apple.

    Compassion

    Support that honors every person’s lived experiences.

  • A black and white illustration of a person climbing a ladder.

    Cultural Responsiveness

    Therapy that reflects diverse identities and communities.

  • A black and white drawing of a vintage British police officer's helmet with the word 'POLICE' on the front.

    Integrity

    Ethical, transparent, and human-centered care.

A woman with brown dreadlocks, wearing a yellow dress and purple boots, sitting on an orange chair, holding three books on her head, smiling at the camera, surrounded by green plants.

Meet Our Founder

Helen’s Project was created by Dr. Kayla Smith, LCSW, who brings years of experience supporting individuals navigating trauma, family challenges, and systemic barriers.

Her commitment to culturally anchored healing guides our mission every day.

Dr. Kayla Smith, LCSW, brings years of specialized experience supporting individuals through trauma recovery, identity challenges, and systemic barriers. Her commitment to culturally grounded healing shapes our work every day.

Ready to Begin

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