The Story of Elephant and Willow 🐘
The Story of Elephant and Willow 🐘
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🌿 Our Story
🌿 Our Story
The Elephant & Willow Project was born out of a simple but powerful truth: healing and equity are inseparable. For decades, our founder, Jodee Gibson, witnessed a pattern of trauma quietly disrupting people agency, the very core of how people see themselves and their capacity to thrive. From classrooms to corporate boardrooms, from families to communities, she saw the same pattern repeating: when individuals lose their sense of agency, systems reinforce that loss, leaving entire groups feeling unseen, unheard, and unsuccessful.
E&W was built to interrupt this pattern.
🐘 Like an elephant, we carry wisdom, strength, and the ability to build community.
🌿 Like the willow, we bend, adapt, and grow even after the roughest of storms.
Together, these symbols represent the heart of our mission: to restore self-agency, to heal trauma, and to build equity in every layer of our communities.
What began as one girl’s lived experience and later became decades of professional practice → is now a growing movement.
Rooted in compassion | Driven by research | Committed to systemic change
We are all capable of healing 💚
How It Started
How It Started
Early 2025
Early 2025
Vision Sparked: Founder Jodee Gibson began shaping the idea for a nonprofit dedicated to healing trauma and building equity, inspired by decades of work in psychology, coaching, and leadership.
General Idea Surfaces: The idea was born out of the need to close a gaping hole in mental health - individually and systemically.
Initial Community Conversations: Early discussions with parents, educators, and mental health professionals confirmed the need for an community that bridges trauma healing and systemic change.
Where We Are
Where We Are
Fall 2025
Fall 2025
Vision Sparked: Founder Jodee Gibson refined the vision by creating a dedicated space for systemic healing, designed for those who have traditionally lacked access to essential resources. Her decades of experience in psychology, coaching, and leadership inspired this mission.
Name & Identity Chosen: The Elephant & Willow Project was born symbolizing an intentional, nurturing community that honors the often forced flexibility and strength we embody.
Initial Community Conversations: Early discussions with parents, educators, and mental health professionals confirmed the need for an organization bridging trauma healing and systemic change.
Where We're Headed
Where We're Headed
Late 2025-2026
Late 2025-2026
Board of Directors Announced (late 2025): A committed group of leaders and advocates will be introduced later this year.
First Pilot Programs: Upcoming workshops and community sessions focused on trauma, self-agency, and equity.
Fundraising Campaigns: Supporters will be invited to join our first annual campaign to grow the mission.
Partnerships: Collaborations with local educators, healthcare professionals, and community leaders to expand reach.
Future Vision: Expand E&W into a trusted community resource, providing ongoing education, healing programs, and systemic advocacy.
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