Today we’d like to introduce you to Krystal Grimes
Hi Krystal, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Originally from Queens, NY its been a deep sense of peace and purpose returning back to the lands where many of the historical traumas that I currently work to heal, rural
As a social entrepreneur and licensed professional counselor, I’ve always seen the many ivtersectionalities between mental health, history, race and the many other lived experiences of my clients. Never one to duplicate systems that continue to recycle similar outcomes, I was determined to understand the root causes of poor mental health for people of color, in America. As I began my work in Bastrop, TX I was blessed with the opportunity to build community collaboratives around mental health and wellbeing. As I grew into this work utilizing community engagement, trust building and my mental health training, The need to truly understand the impacts of historical trauma became more evident.
2019 I founded a community conversation and podcast titles, Healing History. This allowed for community-wide conversations that provided space for authentic exchanges, questions, collective learning, music, food and more! Two of these sessions happening pre- George Floyd and COVID. preparing our community for the difficult landscape that was to come.
Following these conversations and the deep desire for more from community member snot just in Bastrop but in surrounding areas, I dedicated my career to learning more, deepening my commitment to understanding the effects of racism and trauma. This evolved into a few podcast episodes, a consulting agency (AMMA Services), work as a mental health strategist and eventually the boldest of my endeavors- The founding of a 501c3 Nonprofit called, HEAL Alliance.
HEAL Alliance is HEAL Alliance is rooted in rural Texas, weaving alliances across the nation to strengthen the foundation of thriving communities. We are architects of community well-being, cultivating social capital and trust through deep collaboration. Grounded in an expansive understanding of the mental health impacts of historical trauma, we partner with visionary problem-solvers to co-create transformative solutions. By uplifting community anchors and fostering collective resilience, we employ a multidisciplinary approach that ignites lasting, systemic change—ensuring that every community has the tools to heal, grow, and flourish.
HEAL has been the culmination of my work and lived experiences. It has also been a space of future planning, creating the conditions of healing for future generations. A goal that will not only affect current leaders, but future leaders like, my two amazing children (SHAWN-13 & CARTER-12).
Another career accomplishment that I am extremely proud of is my international work with mental health. Thanks to the HOGG Foundation for Mental Health, I had the pleasure of hosting Queen Maxima of the Netherlands in Bastrop to discuss youth mental health. Because of the success with this initiative and the co-creation of the Youth Summit for Bastrop County, I was invited by HOGG to travel to Netherlands to guide a panel of international mental health advocates. This work has put me on an international platform with other mental health clinicians, activists, policy makers and others from Countries like Ireland, Canada, Australia, Scotland, New Zealand, England, Netherlands and more. Because of this, I will be traveling to Canada next year to continue my work representing rural mental health.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth road but one that I’ve been prepared from, way before I knew that this was my journey.
I’ve faced many attempted setbacks from coworkers and many microagressions from ex-leaders. These setbacks have made me question my path but- I’ve been moved by an intrinsic motivator (spiritual) that has kept me focused, grounded and protected throughout my life.
Working from a place of true experience with economic, place-based, gender, age, racial and other cultural inequities, advocating for others who face mental health setbacks because of these things.
As you know, we’re big fans of HEAL Alliance. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
We are a nonprofit organize focused on creating the conditions to heal historical trauma in rural communities.
Rural communities across the country face a critical lack of access to quality mental health resources and support systems, perpetuating cycles of isolation, stigma, and inequity for marginalized individuals. Without dedicated social change agencies focused on healing and safe spaces, these communities remain disproportionately affected, with limited avenues for addressing their unique needs. These are the reason why HEAL exists.
We currently work in the rural communities surrounding Travis (Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays & Williamson counties) builing our replicable model. While our work is currently local, our charter is nation-wide with a network extending throughout the US.
I am most proud to say that we have secured funding to ensure that our mission & vision are attainable, allowing us to hire 3 others and attract amazing board members. Additionally we have now the guardian of the Central Texas Health & Wellbeing Network, which is a social change network, building intentional connections that extend internationally to address issues related to health and wellbeing.
Our Mission: To become a vital community partner and advocate, fostering belonging, authenticity and courageous engagement in Rural America.
Our Vision: We envision a society that empowers individuals, communities and organizations to address systemic inequities for a vibrant global community
Our three impact strategies are:
1. Create the Conditions for the Healing of Historical Trauma
2. Capacity Building for Rural Community Leaders
3. Strengthened Place-Based Investing & Collaboration
January of 2025 we have proudly began the Transformative Rural leadership Institute as an initiative of the CTX Network. This experience brings together 12 rural leaders to work closely with healing-centered leadership, restorative practices and other healing modalities to implement into their own communities. Along with this training, each leader will also receive funding for their projects and dollars to gift to their fellow cohort members as part of our shared-gifting model that prepares each cohort leader to become funders in there own right.
I would love readers to understand that we desire to build spaces of authentic belonging. While so many efforts go into building resources in the centralized areas of Austin, we are on a mission to building trusting, safe and healing spaces throughout the surrounding areas of central Texas. This is not a solo mission, we are building a movement that welcomes partners, collaborators and all others to join in!!
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Finding a mentor that not only understands you as a professional but also shares cultural needs is extremely necessary! Additionally, the ability to rely on your network is necessary when building a sustainable organization or project. At the CTX Health and Wellbeing Network, we say “The answer is in the Network”! Meaning, all that we need is usually 1 person away.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.healhistory.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heal_alliance/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/HEAL-Alliance-100069402750466/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/krystal-grimes-ms-lpc-595a79188
Image Credits
Jess Luckey and Jose Rivera
