Emily Wheeler
Editorial Assistant

Healing Houses’s newest recovery residence “Joye House” joins The Kansas City Museum and Concourse Park and as a prominent location among Historic Northeast’s Scarritt Renaissance.

Joye House marks the latest addition to this nonprofit, substance-use recovery organization’s portfolio. Beginning operations in 2002 as transitional housing for women undergoing substance-abuse treatment, Healing House (4505 St. John Ave) has supported and offered resources to the Northeast community for 22 years. This new facility marks the 15th property under Healing House’s care; it plans to open mid-October according to the organization. 

Joye House was named in honor of the Bosma family, as faithful Healing House donors and volunteers. “Joye Bosma was the family matriarch,” said Bobbi Jo Reed, founder and CEO of Healing House KC. “We wanted to honor her legacy by naming it after her.” Joye Bosma passed away in 2020 after her lengthy battle with cancer.

Joye House will support men’s recovery — accommodating 10 men in the Healing House’s Advanced Program. Participants accepted to Healing House start in a “Beginner Home” and progress to an “Advanced Home.” 

Its Beginner Program focuses on onboarding, essential life skills, daily chores and other foundational activities, explained Michael Liimatta, Healing House Chief Operating Officer. Once this stage is completed, participants progress toward the Advanced Program — where they secure employment, pay rent, save money, continue recovery journeys and often, reunite with family members. 

“We have 38 beds in our Cornerstone residence for men and 28 in our women’s beginner homes — Mama Judi’s and Purple Houses,” said Liimaqtta.

Participants transition to the Advanced Homes upon completing treatment, securing employment and meeting additional criteria including obtaining a 12-step sponsor and maintaining negative drug screens.

Healing House additionally operates three buildings with a total of 30 apartment units, which feature a mix of one, two and three-bedroom layouts. Families are able to live together only in these apartments.

Healing House currently supports 193 adults and 15 children across its various programs — certified by the Missouri Department of Mental Health and accredited by the National Alliance of Recovery Residences. 

This organization offers a range of support services designed to aid participants in their recovery and reintegration into society. Liimatta highlighted the span of these services,  “We have a community outreach center that supports individuals outside of our residential programs. Our on-site services include employment assistance, high school equivalency testing, financial counseling and various support groups,” he said.

To join Healing House’s programs, individuals must have a diagnosis of substance use disorders. Social workers and professional counselors at Healing House perform the assessment of all applicants. 

“Healing House has 52 staff members, with 90% having lived experience of recovery themselves. This includes a mix of social workers, certified addiction counselors and peer specialists,” said Liimatta. 

With ongoing expansions and projects, Healing House continues to enhance its support systems and facilities — reinforcing its commitment to aiding individuals in their recovery and helping them build a better future. This organization recently received the building permit for Comfort Cafe  (4432 St. John Ave). Liimatta said Healing House hopes to open this recovery-focused coffee shop in spring 2025. 

Healing House is also starting extensive renovations at its location 4600-4606 St. John Ave., where they plan to add a counseling center on the first floor and four new apartments upstairs. This project is set to begin early in 2025.

This organization is currently accepting donations of furnishings for its Joye House facility. To donate and for additional information, visit its website: https://www.healinghousekc.org/outfitting-joye-house/. 

Edited and contributions:

Julia Williams 

Editor-in-Chief