Welcome to the Helen's Project!
At Helen’s Project, We strive to make mental health care accessible and affordable. We provide a safe, compassionate space for healing and growth. Through therapy and coaching, we’ll uncover patterns, build resilience, and create a fulfilling path forward. You’re not alone—We’re here for you.
Our Mission
Helen’s Project is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing compassionate, accessible, and culturally responsive mental and behavioral health services. Our mission is to uplift individuals and communities by offering support, education, and pathways to healing.
Our Story: Inspired by Helen
Helen’s Project was born from the legacy of a remarkable woman, Kayla’s grandmother, Helen “Cat” Smith.
Born on March 15, 1929, in Inverness, Mississippi, Helen was the eldest of five children and grew up in a faith-centered home, where she confessed her belief in Christ at a young age.
Known for her quiet strength, generous heart, and unwavering support of others, Helen embodied the spirit of community. She served as an Usher and Mother of the Church, cared deeply for the elderly, and even provided in-home care for her own grandmother. Later in life, she earned her Nurse’s Aid Certification and served her community with tenderness and dignity.
But Helen was more than a caregiver, she was also a trailblazer. She opened her own business, Cat’s Place, and became affectionately known in the community as a “Woman Boss.” Through her leadership, she inspired a generation of women in Inverness to believe in their own power and purpose.
She didn’t have wealth, but she gave everything she had to make sure others felt seen, supported, and loved. That’s the same energy we bring into every therapy session, every community event, and every conversation.
Kayla founded Helen’s Project as a tribute, not just to her grandmother, but to all the women who hold families and communities together, often without recognition. Helen’s love lives on in the care we provide.
“She didn’t just care for people — she lifted them.”
From Family to Community
While Helen’s story is where we began, our work today focuses on building community, one person at a time.
Whether it’s through therapy, case management, support groups, or community wellness programs, Helen’s Project provides a soft place to land for individuals and families navigating life’s toughest challenges. Every service we offer is rooted in compassion and guided by a belief in the healing power of community.
Meet Our Founder
Kayla Smith, LCSW, is the Founder and Clinical Director of Helen’s Project. A licensed clinical social worker with a passion for culturally grounded care, Kayla brings both clinical expertise and a personal legacy of resilience to the organization.
Inspired by her grandmother’s spirit of service and strength, Kayla leads Helen’s Project with empathy, integrity, and a deep commitment to creating safe, healing spaces for all.
Your Journey, Your Growth, My Support
We’re here to create a space where you feel seen, heard, and truly supported. People often describe me as compassionate, down-to-earth, and dedicated to making mental health care accessible for everyone. We believe therapy should feel safe, welcoming, and free of judgment.
We focus on building a genuine connection, using warmth, humor, and simple tools to help you feel at ease before diving into deeper healing. Our approach is rooted in social justice, recognizing how culture, race, gender, and life experiences shape mental health. No matter where you are on your journey, We’re here to support you every step of the way.