Heal 901

Heal 901 was established in 2017 and became a 501c3 organization on December 27, 2017. Founder and Executive Director K. Durell Cowan had a vision to start an organization which could have helped him during his youth. In the past six years, the organization has expanded to include multiple other staff members and volunteers. At its inception, the organization’s target population was the Whitehaven community where Cowan grew up, but as Heal 901 has grown, its target population has grown to include the greater Memphis community. As an organization, the goal of Heal 901 is to transform Memphis into a place where young people can thrive. One of the greatest threats to the Memphis community is violence. Therefore, one of main goals of Heal 901 is to decrease violence, including gun violence, intimate partner violence, and sexual violence. Each of the programs we have implemented targets violence prevention in or more of those areas. While implementing programs is one aspect of that, Heal 901 also sees that in order to truly be a place where youth can thrive, other aspects of the environment of the city must change. To accomplish this, we have intentionally embedded ourselves into the communities in which we serve, including opening an office inside of New Horizon Apartments in Whitehaven. We are advocates of community improvement, and we are always looking for more ways to better the city of Memphis. Heal 901 helps to bridge the gap between the vulnerable populations of Memphis and the resources available that will allow them to live a more empowered life. Our flagship programs aim to change the culture of the city by equipping our youth with the necessary tools to make sound decisions, be prepared for opportunities, and develop healthy relationships. Therefore, in addition to other services, Heal 901 provides multiple community outreach services and is a licensed mental health service provider. Heal 901 also provides youth with opportunities through scholarships. It is a priority of ours to make Memphis a city of holistic healing, so people can heal mentally, physically, and spiritually.

The mission of Heal 901 is cultivating the minds of young leaders. Heal 901 offers several programs in middle and high school settings that teach youth about boundaries, healthy relationships, and positive peer development. Through a partnership with the Shelby County Crime Victims Rape Crisis Center, Heal 901 offers Safe Bar. Safe Bar is an initiative to train local bars and restaurants in bystander intervention. Along with these programs, we also have another division, known as Heal 901 Cures. This division is housed in the New Horizons apartments and provides intensive violence intervention along with case management services to program participants. Heal 901 is also a licensed mental health provider and sees individuals, families, and groups.