Rising Stars: Meet Bobbi Jo Reed of historic Northeast KC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Bobbi Jo Reed.

Hi Bobbi Jo, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’m Bobbi Jo Reed, and my journey has been one of redemption, grace, and purpose. Years ago, I was trapped in the cycle of addiction and hopelessness, feeling like my life had no direction. Through the kindness of others and a series of divine interventions, I found recovery and began to rebuild my life.

What became clear to me during my own healing process was the tremendous need for a safe, supportive place where people in recovery could find hope, love, and practical resources to rebuild their lives. That realization led me to start Healing House in 2002. It began with one house, a leap of faith, and a desire to create a family environment for people who had lost everything but still had the spark of potential.

Over the years, Healing House has grown far beyond what I ever imagined. We now have over a dozen recovery homes, programs like Erin’s House for mothers and children, employment opportunities, and a community that transforms lives daily. Every step of this journey has been guided by faith, hard work, and the incredible team and participants who make Healing House what it is today.

It’s been a blessing to see how far we’ve come and how many lives have been impacted, but the work isn’t done. My story is just one of many, and together, we’re continuing to write new chapters of recovery and hope for our community.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but the challenges have been some of the most important parts of the journey. When I started Healing House, I had no money, no formal training in running an organization, and no blueprint to follow. The only thing I had was a deep belief that we could create something meaningful for people in recovery.

In the early days, there were moments when I wasn’t sure if we’d make it. Paying bills, keeping the doors open, and earning the trust of people who’d been hurt and let down so many times was tough. There were also personal challenges—learning how to lead, how to ask for help, and how to manage my own recovery while guiding others.

We faced skepticism, too. Some people didn’t believe in the vision or doubted that those in recovery could really turn their lives around. But over time, success stories began to speak for themselves, and people started to believe in what we were doing.

Even now, the work comes with struggles. There’s always a need for more funding, more space, and more resources to help meet the growing demand. Sometimes, seeing people relapse or lose hope is heartbreaking, but it’s also a reminder of why we keep going. Every challenge has pushed us to grow, learn, and stay committed to our mission. And with faith, determination, and an incredible community, we’ve overcome so much.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am the founder and current Executive Director of Healing House, Inc. At Healing House, my work revolves around creating a supportive, loving environment where people in recovery can rebuild their lives. I’m known for being hands-on, deeply compassionate, and committed to serving the people who come through our doors. I’ve always believed that recovery is about more than just getting sober—it’s about finding purpose, building a community, and rediscovering the love and potential that every person has within them.

I’m most proud of the lives we’ve transformed together. Over the years, we’ve helped thousands of people overcome addiction, reunite with their families, and start new lives filled with hope and opportunity. Watching someone go from brokenness to thriving is the most rewarding experience I could ever imagine.

Healing House specializes in providing more than just housing—we offer a family. We have recovery homes for men, women, and families, employment programs, counseling, childcare, and other wraparound services that address the many facets of recovery. Erin’s House, for example, focuses on mothers and their children, recognizing the importance of family in the healing process.

What sets us apart is our approach. We operate on love, faith, and community. This isn’t just a program; it’s a home where people are seen, valued, and supported every step of the way. We understand that recovery is messy, but we never give up on anyone. That relentless belief in the power of transformation, combined with a deep-rooted family atmosphere, is what makes Healing House unique.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Finding a mentor or building a strong network is all about being real and sharing your heart. Start by telling your story and being open about where you’re at and where you want to go. People in recovery, especially, connect with honesty and passion. Look for others who share your goals and values—whether it’s at recovery meetings, local events, or through community work. Surrounding yourself with people who understand your journey makes it easier to build those relationships.

When you ask someone for guidance, don’t just look for quick fixes. A good mentor is someone who helps you see things differently and pushes you to grow. At the same time, don’t forget to give back. Some of the best connections I’ve made have come from helping others first. By supporting people in their recovery, you build trust and friendships that often lead to mentorship.

Building a network takes time. Show up, stay connected, and be consistent, but also respect people’s time and efforts. Lean on the recovery community, too—that’s where I’ve found some of my strongest supporters and mentors. Most of all, focus on relationships where you’re giving as much as you’re receiving. When you invest in others, those connections can lead to amazing opportunities and blessings.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.healinghousekc.org
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/healinghouseinckc/