Healing House KC

Est. 2002

Our Founding

In 2002, Bobbi Jo Reed purchased a home in the historic northeast area of Kansas City. Her goal was to provide transitional housing for women who had completed inpatient substance abuse treatment. As a former addict and alcoholic, Bobbi Jo understood the many challenges faced my men and women in substance use recovery who are trying to transition back into society.

In 2003, Bobbi Jo founded Healing House KC based on the belief that a safe home environment is critical to life-long recovery. At the same time that Bobbi Jo founded Healing House, there were approximately 900 women in Kansas City undergoing inpatient treatment, but only 24 safe residential beds available to them following treatment.

Together, our Leadership Team is dedicated to creating a community where individuals can heal, grow, and thrive.

Turning Points: A History of Healing House KC

1973

Bobbi Jo Reed began drinking socially at just 12 years old, marking the start of a 22-year battle with addiction.

1995

Bobbi Jo achieved sobriety and began her recovery journey.

2002

Bobbi Jo opened her first recovery house for women, originally called “Pink House” and later renamed “Mama Judi’s House” in honor of our beloved Mama Judi Burkholder. She faithfully served at Healing House for 17 years before passing away on March 13, 2020.

2005

By this year, two more houses were added, along with the first apartment building, Spruce Apartments.

2009

Agape I opened and became the first recovery home for men at Healing House.

2014

Three houses later, Benton Apartments was purchased.

2018

The Administration Building was purchased at 4505 St. John Avenue in Kansas City, Missouri.

2019

Healing House KC had a total of 11 houses and purchased “Transformation Station,” which included commercial space downstairs and apartments for advanced residents upstairs. With renovations completed, the Recovery Community Center (RCC) also opened.

2024

Renovations were completed on Erin’s House, a recovery home for eight women and their children.

2025

Bobbi Jo Reed, CEO and Founder of Healing House KC, was named “Non-Profit Catalyst Executive of the Year” by Non-Profit Connect.
The total number of recovery homes grew to 15. Collin’s House was the most recent addition, located across the parking lot from the Administration Building.
The Capital Campaign began to renovate the Old Hall into the Family Enrichment Center (FEC).

Our Impact

Since its founding, Healing House KC has markedly expanded its scale and reach. Under Bobbi Jo’s leadership, Healing House has purchased and refurbished numerous vacant homes – several of which were former drug houses – into safe, sober homes for both men and women. Healing House has also purchased four apartment buildings where families are restored and parents reunited with their children. A broad scope of programs is currently offered to help men and women with substance use disorder to live fulfilling, sober lives.

More than 15,000 individuals in recovery have been served by Healing House. Today, Healing House provides help and healing to nearly 1,000 men and women every year. Recovery housing is currently available for up to 220 adults and 25 children in the same Kansas City neighborhood. This area – once riddled with drug dealing, prostitution, and gang violence – is rapidly being transformed into a safe and protective neighborhood through the collaboration of Healing House, numerous volunteers, and like-minded residents.

Bobbi Jo: Under the Influence

Watch BOBBI JO: Under the Influence, the new
documentary about Healing House founder and
CEO, Bobbi Jo Reed (streaming free on Tubi.tv).

Watch on Tubi.tv
Watch on Prime Video