The Healing Outlet App

Charnel Chaney and Kathrine Russell share their inspiration to create the Healing Outlet app. Chaney and Russell both have many years of experience working in communities affected by gun violence and hope that their app can help bring resources from across Washington DC together to heal.

When a young black man in Washington, D.C., lost his life to violence, Charnal Chaney felt the tragedy was preventable.

“We had two government agencies in that neighborhood, over a billion dollars in resources. I feel like he should still be here.” 

- Charnal Chaney

This conviction led Chaney, founder of Bold Yoga, and Katherine Russell, founder of Transformative Justice Solutions, to create The Healing Outlet. “We realized that there’s already a lot of great work being done, it’s just that it’s not being coordinated and we’re not working together,” Chaney said in a video with Russell in which they describe their vision for the app.

“People need resources now, so another big part of this app is being able to instantly connect people to others who are grieving and resources on how to cope with the losses that neighborhoods are feeling, that schools are feeling…the effects and the trauma [of gun violence] impact everybody in the vicinity,”

- Kathrine Russell

In response she created the Healing Outlet App. The App aims to seamlessly connect D.C. residents affected by gun violence with grassroots, on-the-ground organizations for prevention, intervention, and healing. It is a free space where multiple stakeholders can pool their resources, coordinate services and events, and create content that speaks to the community's specific needs.

In this video Artecka Brown explains how she started her organization Christopher Brown Heartbeats. Brown lost her son, Christopher, to gun violence and is now a pillar of her community and a resource for those who have been effected by gun violence.

The  Healing Outlet has three categories: Youth, Adults, and Healers. It features DC creators who do that kind of work. For instance with young adults, they offer videos on bullying,relation ship issues, emotional control and suicide prevention as well as self care. Breaking down trauma in youths is crucial to heal a community because it allows for the healing of individuals who will grow up to be active members of that community. When trauma is left unaddressed, it can manifest in negative ways such as violence, substance abuse, and mental health issues. By addressing and supporting the healing of trauma in youth, we can break the cycle of trauma and create a healthier and more resilient community. Additionally, addressing trauma in youths promotes empathy and understanding within the community, as it encourages individuals to recognize and respond to the needs of others who have experienced similar challenges. 

Katrina Carter, founder of Incapable Bondage, shares her mental health journey in the wake of an attack. Carter offers support for those who have experienced trauma in discovering their triggers and strategies to work though them.

Healers play a vital role in the community by providing support, guidance, and healing to individuals who are experiencing physical, emotional or spiritual distress.  Their importance lies in their ability to address not only the symptoms but also the root causes of various ailments. By utilizing their knowledge and skills, healers help individuals achieve a state of balance and well-being. Moreover, healers contribute to the overall wellness of the community by promoting preventive care, education, and awareness about health and wellness practices. Their empathetic and compassionate approach fosters a sense of trust and connection within the community, creating a supportive network for individuals to seek help and find solace. Thus, healers are instrumental in promoting the holistic healing of individuals and strengthening the fabric of the community.

Grassroots DC partnered with the Healing App to assist with videography. We interviewed a few content creators who will be featured on the app. These videos will be available for viewing on the app. 

The Healing Outlet App  provides numerous benefits for individuals seeking physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Firstly, it offers convenience by allowing users to access healing resources and techniques at any time and from anywhere. Secondly, it provides personalized guidance and support based on individual needs and preferences. Thirdly, the healing app offers a wide range of tools and practices, such as meditation, breathing exercises, yoga and self-care techniques, to help individuals manage stress, improve sleep quality, and enhance overall health. Lastly, using the healing app can empower individuals to take control of their own well-being and make positive changes in their lives.

Grassroots DC partnered with The Healing Outlet to provide content for the app. Members of the GRDC team conducted interviews with the artists, creators, healers, and community heroes who are featured on the app, and they edited them into the videos now available for viewing.

If you would like to get involved or contribute to The Healing Outlet app you can find out more through their app: click here.