January 2023

FEATURING MURPHY MAUDE INTERIORS HOME FEATURE:

FEATURING KITCHENS UNLIMITED DESIGN

Leslie Murphy of Murphy Maude Interiors shows that design can be accessible at the 2022 Vesta Home Show.

East Memphis homeowners turn to friend Karen Kassen of Kitchens Unlimited to blend form and function to transform their kitchen.

JANUARY 2023 • VOL. 21 NO. 10

PUBLISHER / EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

MARGARET MONGER | mmonger@athomemms.com

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COPY EDITOR TERRI GLAZER

COLOR MANAGEMENT CHARLES REYNOLDS | cr@colorretouching.com

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REGIONAL MARKETING JANA FITE HERBISON | jfherbison@gmail.com

BUSINESS

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

TRIP MONGER | tmonger@athomemms.com

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Happy

New Year

and Welcome 2023! If I can be perfectly honest, It has been three days since I typed those words and hit the save button:) I am just totally wrapped up in the Christmas season; I’m trying to enjoy each moment and not think about the future. We love sharing with you a beautiful, artfilled VESTA home and a dream kitchen design, but writing about a new year beginning and

bidding farewell to 2022 is a bit hard for me right now.

Although 2022 started out rather scary and stressful for our family, due to a horrible car accident, it is coming to a close with our daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter living closer to us, and coming even nearer in a few months when they move into the new home they are building in Oxford, MS. We also were extremely blessed to welcome our first grandson, Miles, last April. I am blown away by his angelic smiles! While playing with them both today, I couldn’t stop thinking about just how good life is right now, this day, and how I simply want to stay in this moment.

I can’t freeze time and I may not know what the future holds for me but I find comfort in knowing who holds my future, and that is all I need. I wish you all peace, comfort and happiness in this new year to come. I hope 2023 brings us all a safe and kinder world and that we can learn how to slow down and enjoy the moment.

PUBLISHER

- Margaret Monger,

STORY TERRI GLAZER | DESIGN MURPHY MAUDE INTERIORS PHOTOGRAPHY ANNABELLA CHARLES

was important to us to show that design can be accessible; it's not just for the very rich or very few.” These words were Leslie Murphy’s guiding principle as she furnished the Art Haus in the recent Vesta Home Show.

The house represented a departure from those in previous shows; the John Duke Homes entry came in at just over 3,600 square feet. The size of all five houses built for this year’s installment of the annual Vesta Home Show was more modest

than in the past, when floor plans often doubled that number.

Murphy, the owner and creative director of Murphy Maude Interiors, says the name Art Haus came about at the start of the design process as she made a commitment to include a creative work in each room. She says, “There’s something either from a collaborative artist who we work with or a piece from our new textiles line that is based on original and local art; there’s a little bit of art or something through the lens of art in every room.”

"It

simple,

unadorned lines and a blackand-white palette with natural wood accents set the mood on the home’s exterior, creating a clean and bright backdrop for artistic design. The gallery-like feel surrounds visitors from the first step inside the iron-and-glass front door, where a marble tile floor inlay dresses up the scene. Murphy says the contemporary take on a classic design element adds a bit of elegance. “The house has a more casual, open plan, but we wanted to give this entryway something special and a unique little pop.”

Drama comes from the ceiling, lined with a custom wallpaper in atmospheric white, gray and black shades. The mural began as a watercolor created by one of Murphy Maude’s inhouse artists. The firm’s art department enlarged the painting and turned it into a repeat, giving birth to a product that can now be recreated for other clients in custom colors. The pattern, along with other wall coverings, murals and giclee prints of some of the original paintings found in Art Haus are available through Mable Originals, the newly launched sister company to Murphy Maude.

The entryway blends into the dining room, where more interest comes from an arched alcove on the far wall. The niche is painted in Iron Ore by Sherwin Williams, one of a group of saturated colors that reappears throughout the decor. “We worked to pull the deep, dark blues and grays across the whole home,” says Murphy, pointing out that the blues in this palette are not the same ones that have been used time and again in recent design. “We’ve seen blue cabinets for a while, but not this dark, almost gray navy tone. It feels a little bit more warm— deeper and richer. It was important for us to show how it pairs really well with natural hues, organic elements like the raw woods, and the grays.”

The dining room opens into the home’s main living area. While the space isn’t huge in size, it has an airy feel thanks to a vaulted ceiling and a mostly white palette. A contemporary limestone fireplace leaves plenty of room above for a striking piece of original art by Lisa Mack. On either side, recessed natural wood shelves pop against an almost black background, punctuated by modern three-light sconces.

project

manager Caroline Harris, with help from members of the MMI design team, outfitted the room with pieces from the Owl’s Nest, Murphy Maude’s new express furniture program. Both budget friendly and quickly accessible, the line also remains true to the firm’s design aesthetic. A pair of white sofas face one another, supported by wooden legs with a hint of midcentury panache. The low-slung marble coffee table between them plays off the whites of the sofa upholstery as well as the dark grays of the rug beneath it. Side-by-side white boucle S chairs add to the artistic flair.

Rich, dark color reappears in a big way in the kitchen, where the cabinets are bathed in a tone that appears sometimes blue/ sometimes gray. Offset by white Cambria quartz countertops and a waterfall island, as well as an abundance of natural light from the double window over the sink, the dark cabinets bring just the right degree of bold color to the space. Brushed brass blends beautifully in the hardware as well as the over-island vent hood. “Since we were going to have a hood in the middle of the room we thought why not make it such a beautiful focal point that it deserves to be there? That's how this concept was born,” Murphy recalls.

Black, white and natural wood marry perfectly in the adjoining breakfast area. A chic oval dining table is surrounded by an L-shaped white leather banquette. A pair of mod black-on-black chairs completes the seating. The nook’s one solid wall is the

Murphy extended the concept of design into the laundry room, where large black hex tiles accentuated with white grout set a stylish mood. Plain white cabinet door faces are zhuzhed up with handsome wallpaper. Even the most utilitarian space in the house has art. A group of Wall Play mini sculptures brings to mind a beehive on the laundry room wall—perhaps a reminder to be busy bees while doing housework?

The home office may be small in scale, but it is huge on design. The star of the show is the Mable Originals wall mural. Says Murphy, “It shows that regardless of the size of a wall you can use a framed mural. It’s a great way to add interesting drama. If you don’t have the budget to do a full gallery wall of art, put up a mural and frame it. Approachable and attainable.”

A global vibe permeates the downstairs guest room. “We like to incorporate texture and a feeling that maybe you’re not in Memphis, you’re somewhere on vacation,” Murphy explains. Stylized birds take wing on the accent wall, proving that a small amount of wallpaper can make a big impact. Art appears not only in the form of a painting opposite the striking black platform bed, but also through the craftsmanship of the set of shell and rope necklaces g rouped above the headboard. Ceiling mounted pendant lights illuminate the bedside, as do lamps that bring to mind the look of tribal drums set on side tables.

perfect home for an oversized equine photograph by Georgia artist Brandon Luther.

theattached guest bath is a study in the use of classic, reasonably priced elements to achieve a custom, high-design effect. On the floating vanity Murphy added metal fretwork on the standard shaker-style door fronts to create a modern focal point. Combined with penny tile, one of the designer’s favorite products to maximize bang for the buck, and tumbled stone in a herringbone pattern, the space makes a statement without breaking the bank.

The primary suite is part museum piece/part relaxing retreat. Here, Murphy once again turned to a supersaturated paint color, Benjamin Moore’s Raccoon Fur. It sets off the custom piece of art by Memphian Kyle Taylor that serves as the headboard. “It really is about making art into everyday things that you can live with—not just something that you look at but something you experience. This was a great example of that,” says Murphy. Simple furnishings allow the piece to take center stage, rivaled only by the overhead light fixture. A grouping of three sets of brass rods at random lengths accentuated by lighted crystals is a work of art in its own right. Set against the backdrop of the dark gray ceiling, the lights produce a stunning effect.

More oohs and aahs are in order in the primary bath, where natural elements appear in a luxurious environment. Black stone and unstained maple pair with gold accents and, of course, original art. “It’s a great way to bring the outdoors in and make nature a part of your everyday experience so that you feel calm and soothed,” Murphy says.

The entire house has the feel of a work of art, but its real beauty lies in the fact that its design and furnishings are not out-of-reach show house concepts to which most homeowners can only aspire. “This whole project was about design being approachable and attainable, yet in a really elegant way,” Murphy says. “You don’t have to have a mansion and an unlimited design budget to have a look that’s cohesive and beautiful.”

FUNCTIONAL and FABULOUS

STORY TERRI GLAZER DESIGN KITCHENS UNLIMITED PHOTOGRAPHY ROSS GROUP CREATIVE

the“before” kitchen wasn’t bad. In fact, the homeowners used it as it was for several years after they bought their East Memphis home. Its layout, however, didn’t make the best use of the space, and it certainly didn’t reflect the lifestyle of the family of five. They wanted a functional and beautiful place where they could all gather for food preparation and cooking. A previous renovation by former owners had created a large dining area at one end of the kitchen, with the appliances and work space cramped on the other end of the room.

Enter Karen Kassen, owner and principal designer of Kitchens Unlimited, and a long-time friend of the homeowners. Her vision blended form and function in stunning fashion to transform the space to meet the wants and needs of her clients.

The original floor plan had a wall with a standard-sized door between the family room and the kitchen, typical architecture for 1960s-era homes. Kassen removed a large portion of the wall, opening the kitchen to the light-filled den, and providing a more contemporary feel and better flow between the spaces. She also rearranged the entire footprint of the kitchen to make the most practical use of every part of the roomy space.

Out came a built-in cabinet/shelf unit next to the dining area on the south side of the kitchen. In its place now are the main work spaces. The east wall is dressed up with cabinets in a very light blue gray. Kassen explains that their luxe look is due to the fact that they have a subtle glaze applied on top of the paint. The extra step adds depth to the finish. The alcove that houses the range top is the room’s most elegant focal point, thanks to several elements. The homeowner describes the stunning quartzite backsplash as her favorite choice from the renovation. The designer adds, “Because she loved it so much I wanted to use it more, but I felt like if we used it in other places it wouldn't be quite so spectacular. So I decided to take it up and wrap it around the sides.” The show-stopper custom vent hood cover was fabricated locally from antiqued zinc with brass edging. The large Wolf range top was a special request from the husband, who enjoys cooking and grilling. Kassen chose textured glass inserts for the cabinet doors on either side of the alcove. Not only does the back-painted glass add a touch of sparkle, it ensures easy clean up. A pair of wall ovens and additional cabinetry complete the wall.

acrossthe

room, a dedicated grilling station is an homage to the man of the house. Its position by the back door makes it the most logical storage spot for the utensils he uses while grilling on the patio. The copper countertop speaks to his profession as an executive for a copper plumbing and fittings manufacturer and the custom faucet makes the perfect accompaniment. Its industrial feel and materials are another nod to his occupation.

Anchoring the room’s center, the striking island made of wire-brushed alder wood has seating for four and plenty of storage. Kassen’s plan cleverly placed storage space beneath the seating ledge of the countertop, the ideal spot for items that are necessary but not used on a daily basis. The island also holds a dishwasher and the main sink. For the faucet and the pair of pendant lights that hang above, the designer chose mixed metals—matte black and brass.

On the other side of the room, previously the cramped location of the ovens, microwave, refrigerator and pantry, a cozy corner is now the home’s “beverage central.” Whether family members are thirsty for a canned drink from one of the two refrigerator drawers, craving an espresso from the built-in machine, or ready to choose a bottle from the full-height wine cooler, it’s all right at their fingertips. Metal mesh front wall cabinets with interior lighting show off elegant glassware.

across

the room Kassen placed a wall completely dedicated to food storage. Having the refrigerator, freezer and a lighted pantry cabinet all together makes sense and simplifies the chore of putting away groceries. The appliances and pantry are concealed beautifully with cabinet panels, giving the space an elegant flow. The family’s round breakfast table and upholstered Parsons chairs occupy the center of the area. A graceful chandelier overhead repeats the brass and black motif from the faucet and pendants.

To appreciate two of the project’s most stunning features it’s necessary to look up and down. Overhead, tongue-and-groove slats in warm wood bring a natural element into the design and mirror the ceiling in the screen porch just off the kitchen. As the rooms are separated only by a wall of windows, the look creates a sense of continuity.

underfoot,

tiles of tumbled blue limestone with an antiqued finish line the floor. More practical than hardwood in a kitchen that sees daily use, the flooring also provides a segue to the bluestone patio just outside the door. “The movement in the natural stone flooring is a beautiful foundation for every area of the kitchen. It’s also forgiving for any dirt that could be tracked in from the patio and for the family’s two large dogs who love to hang out there,” says Kassen.

The project was completed late in 2021, so the homeowner has had plenty of time to reflect on her new kitchen. She still gives it two solid thumbs up thanks to the expertise of designer Kassen and general contractor Jimmy Wittenberg. She says, “Even after a year I wouldn’t change a thing!”

- designer Karen Kassen

“A kitchen with only lighter neutral colors can end up looking cold. It’s so important to bring things in to warm the space.”

a warm WELCOME

STORY AND PHOTOS BY BARBARA MAY

Now is the time to travel beyond ordinary!the

Planes are in the sky, trains are on the tracks, and buses are loaded with wide-eyed travelers looking to make up for lost time. This is shaping up to be a banner year for the global travel and tourism sectors.

We have seen increased interest in families engaged in more complex travel planning, such as organizing trips to unfamiliar destinations. They are seeking out advisors with knowledge, expertise and experience planning itineraries and activities and dealing with the complexities of extended family trips.

We have also found growing interest in multigenerational travel with grandparents; large family trips with siblings, cousins and other family members; and travel with unrelated families.

A number of clients have decided to trade in their traditional Christmas next year and take a trip to a destination that calls for flipflops and swimsuits. They have said that they were tired of having everyone at their house and wanted to be able to enjoy family without all the hassles. For a mix of family time and personal time, we recommend cruises. There is something for everyone on a cruise ship!

othersignificant

trends include the return of families to big cities, traveling farther from home on international trips and willingness to visit indoor spaces and events, such as museums. Outdoor vacations, naturefocused trips and traveling locally, so popular during the pandemic, seem to be on the decline.

Today’s travelers want to be more than mere tourists and this desire is driving them to seek authentic and unforgettable experiences and itineraries that highlight destinations through an authentic lens. Travelers are increasingly inclined to seek out once-in-a-lifetime vacations and create memories.

To make an international trip memorable, travelers are primarily looking to uncover something new:

64% w ant to discover something they didn't know about before 6 0% want to visit a popular destination

5 6% want to explore a location they’ve never heard of

More travelers say they recognize the benefits of having a local guide. They now want to travel in small groups or take a tour. Some of the benefits they might miss without a guide or tour conductor include:

Be ing able to see things they wouldn’t otherwise find out about (70%)

Avoiding dangerous areas (60%) L ess risk of getting lost (59%)

whereare the top destinations for 2023? Here’s a list of vacations our clients have enjoyed recently and where they plan to visit this year. A ll-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean – great for families, couples, family reunions and destination weddings because most everything is included in the price. The Riviera Maya, Cancun, Isla Mujeres, Costa Rica and Punta Cana have been most popular overall.

• O cean Cruises – also ideal for families and family reunions. People love cruises because they get to wake up in a different city/port every day but only have to unpack once. Cruise fares include most everything.

• G reece – Is there anywhere better than Greece? Here you can visit Athens, Mykonos, Santorini and more. Nothing is more beautiful than the azure waters of the Aegean and white-washed buildings of the Greek Isles.

• I reland – While Ireland’s lush scenery and craggy coastline are world renowned, the wit and wisdom of the people really make a visit to Ireland so special. In Northern Ireland, you can explore Game of Thrones® territory and even become a Stark for the day! Great pubs are everywhere, from scenic stretches of the Wild Atlantic Way to vibrant cities, and one thing unites them – a sense of community, tradition and a love of storytelling.

• I taly – Bella Italia! From the art of Michelangelo to the artful cuisine of Naples and Sicily to the ancient ruins of Rome. Gliding along the canals of Venice and gazing upon the cliffs of the Amalfi Coast. Italy has iconic architecture, artwork and amazing culinary delights that embody La Dolce Vita.

• R iver Cruises – Taking a river cruise allows you to visit some of the world’s most iconic cities and lesser known towns. Taking a river cruise gives you the ever-changing countryside. Famous saying… Ocean cruises take you to cities, where river cruises take you through them. And, there’s never a bad time to go!

THE UNITED STATES

• The G rand Canyon is on most every American’s travel list. From its brilliant rust-red cliffs to the churning Colorado River below, Grand Canyon National Park is the stuff of outdoor lovers’ bucket lists.

• As heville, North Carolina – Of course, The Biltmore Estate is magical at Christmas, but you will also find plenty of history, a laid-back vibe, and beautiful sites that continue to steal the hearts of visitors.

• N apa Valley – Even if you’ve been to the California wine country before, now is the time to return for a new twist on traditional wine tastings. Options include everything from visiting underground sanctuaries to horseback-led tours.

• H awai’i – Aloha! Hawai‘i has always lured travelers seeking paradise in the Pacific. Eight major islands comprise the Hawaiian archipelago, meaning there’s coastline in abundance and a beach for everyone.

• A laska – The Last Frontier is truly a unique destination, one of the last places you can find untamed, wide-open spaces and the wildlife that lives there. Traveling to Alaska is special because the state is so diverse; every day will hold its own special treasures for you to discover.

• I celand – The Land of Fire & Ice. Iceland is known for its natural wonders: glaciers, active volcanoes, black-sand beaches, geothermal areas, roaring rivers, majestic waterfalls and beautiful lakes.

• Train Trips – Unlike airplanes which whisk you from point A to point B with barely a glimpse of what’s in between, a train ride can be a destination in and of itself. From luxury rail experience to creating a custom rail itinerary and all things in between, there are many options to see the countryside. Things have changed since before the pandemic. More people are using travel agencies to help them plan vacations. Clients want help to navigate the challenges of cancellations, re-bookings and other pandemicera issues. People aren’t taking travel for granted anymore. They have had time to sit back and think about why they travel and what’s meaningful to them as they do.

Of all the affairs to remember, a romance with travel often leaves the most lasting impression. For more than 36 years, Travel Leaders has passionately shared the wonders of the globe with other infatuated wanderers and wayfarers, helping clients explore its iconic landmarks, cruise on its romantic rivers and enjoy memorable vacations.

Barbara May is the owner of Travel Leaders, specializing in all types of travel for over 36 years.

Travel Leaders

155 N. Main Street, Ste. 104 Collierville, TN 38017 901.853.6200

2765 Wolf Creek Pkwy., Ste. 104 Memphis, TN 38133

Mississippi Pot Roast

AFTER THE HOLIDAY SEASON FULL OF FANCY PARTY FOOD, NOTHING WARMS THE SOUL (AND BELLY) QUITE LIKE A GOOD SOUTHERN POT ROAST. THIS RECIPE HAS BECOME OUR FAMILY FAVORITE. IF YOU HAPPEN TO HAVE ANY LEFTOVERS, THE ROAST MAKES A GREAT PO’ BOY SANDWICH OR, MY HUSBAND’S PREFERENCE, FREEZE AND PULL OUT ON A COLD DAY. SIMPLY CHOP UP ALL LEFTOVERS AND SIMMER IN THAT WONDERFUL GRAVY UNTIL HOT. WE LIKE IT OVER BUTTERED GRITS, BAGUETTE SLICES OR, LET’S BE HONEST, BOTH!

MISSISSIPPI POT ROAST:

1 3-4 lb. chuck roast 2 medium sweet potatoes 8-10 rainbow-colored baby carrots

2 large sweet onions ½ (12-oz.) jar pepperoncini peppers ½ (12-oz.) jar pepperoncini juice

1 stick unsalted butter 1 (1-oz.) packet au jus gravy mix 1 (0.4-oz.) package buttermilk ranch dressing mix

Combine chuck roast, pepperoncini, pepperoncini juice, au jus mix and ranch dressing mix in a slow cooker. Add sweet potatoes and onions cut into 1-inch slices and whole baby carrots. Top with a stick of butter. Cover and cook on low until roast is fork-tender, about 8 hours.

* I like to serve with whole roasted green beans and homemade biscuits.

Wellness Reboot

STORY MICHELLE JOHNS MA, LPC-MHSP (TEMP), NCC, 200 HR E-RTY, 500 HR RYT

Caring for ourselves is often the last item on our list of things to do and the thing we only do if we get to it after all the other things on our list are done.

We feel overwhelmed by trends and ways to care for ourselves. The variety of exercise and diet plans, types of doctors, and varieties of selfcare that can nurture the body and mind lead to confusion and frustration. Navigating the stages and seasons of life amidst our daily duties of family and work often prevents us from taking time to make a plan that works for our situation.

The best plan is one that will cut through all the nonsense, a plan that is simple and doable!

To get started, take inventory of all the challenges in the way you are taking care of yourself.

Listed below are some of the most common challenges that can get in the way of self-care and strategies to work around them.

Money. Workout memberships, healthy food and doctor visits are expensive.

• Select a gym or fitn ess center with a wide variety of offerings so that you get the biggest bang for your buck.

• Selecting d octors who are on your insurance plan is often the cheapest way to get medical care, but it may not always provide the best care. Functional wellness doctors are often private pay and do not accept insurance, however, they tend to spend more time with each patient and provide a broader picture of your overall health. Currently, I pay privately for all my healthcare needs. As my husband and I reviewed our insurance plan last year and

the amount of money we spent on medical care, we discovered we were overpaying. We decided to decrease our monthly health insurance expenditure and increase our deductible. We are covered in the event of a major healthcare situation; we are not arbitrarily spending money for services we aren’t using and we are giving ourselves permission to choose the best healthcare for our annual checkups. We submit bills to our insurance to apply toward our deductible and we are saving money over the course of the year.

• Th e cost of food has increased recently. A small home garden may offset the price of fresh fruit and vegetables otherwise bought at the grocery. Repurposing dishes over two days to prevent food waste makes the grocery dollars stretch a little further and may save time and money. Buying frozen produce may be cheaper and it is often better as it is ripened on the vine longer and frozen quickly after being picked.

Time. Women are wives, mothers, daughters, sisters and professionals. Our personal wellbeing often takes a back seat or worse, is put on hold. We tell ourselves a myriad of messages. “We will get to it” or “It’s selfish to make time for me when my family needs me.” It seems wrong to prioritize ourselves. We feel guilty for making time away from our family to care for ourselves. The truth is, when you feel good, you are better in every aspect of your life. You think better, move better and have more energy. There are 24 hours in a day and we spend approximately 17 of them awake. If you give yourself one of those 17 hours you still have 16 hours for everything and everyone else.

Self-consciousness. We tell ourselves that we don’t belong at the gym because we don’t look as fit as other people or we aren’t as strong. We intimidate ourselves in our own minds.

• Fin d a gym where you can get to know the people with whom you work out. When you make friends it won’t feel as overwhelming. Pick a time of day to go when fewer people are likely to be in the gym. Boutique fitness centers usually offer small class sizes with a personal feel.

• It ma y be best to work out on your own (without a friend) so that you have more autonomy and do not feel as much pressure to keep up, etc.

Confusion. It is often hard to know where to begin. Food, movement, mental health, etc. There are so many facets to self-care.

• St art small. Pick a focus area and once you feel you have that under control, incorporate the next facet. You might start with food. It is important to make sure your brain, blood and body are getting the nutrients you need to fuel your energy and health. Make it simple.

• Make a list with three categories on a piece of paper: fruits, vegetables and proteins. List the foods you and your family members like within each category. Buy the foods on your list. Incorporate them in your daily meals at home and when eating out.

• Iden tify the styles of movement you like. Bike riding, running, walking, weightlifting, resistance training, yoga, Pilates, dancing, etc. The best kind of movement is the one you like and will continue to do. Do a form of movement you enjoy for 30 minutes to an hour each day.

• Sleep seven to eight hours a night. Your body and brain need the rest. It is part of your mental well-being.

• Sp end time with God in prayer and stillness with your breath each day. It can be in one sitting or throughout the day.

You are in control. You get to decide how you proceed. Pick a single area or a few at once. Adjust as needed. The important thing is that you get started.

Happy New Year!

HOME FEATURE

Special ThanksMurphy Maude Interiors murphymaude.com Annabella Charles annabellacharles.com

DESIGN

Special ThanksKitchens Unlimited Kitchensunlimited.net

TRAVEL

Special ThanksTravel Leaders 901.853.6200, 901.377.6600

HEALTHY YOU

Special ThanksMichelle Johns mjohns@transformingwellness.com

Wellness MD wellnessmd.clinic

ON A GOOD NOTE

Special ThanksIndomitable Families ifam14.com

TEXT BY LESLEY CHUMPIA, PROGRAM MANAGER | PHOTOS BY BRANDON WILLIAMS @BWILLMADEIT

INDOMITABLE FAMILIES AFFECTED BY INCARCERATION

By sponsoring a variety of programs and events, Indomitable Families Affected by Incarceration (IFAM) focuses on mitigating the traumatic effect incarceration has on a person’s and their family's mental health. The organization provides a safe outlet for justice-involved men, women, youth and their families.

blues, and establish positive communication patterns with an incarcerated loved one.

Indomitable has also completed the renovation of its first property which now houses a mother and her two sons impacted by incarceration. The group is now in the process of demolishing and rebuilding its second property, which will serve as a transitional home for five individuals re-entering society.

Since 2014 IFAM has hosted over 130 Women’s Support Socials (group therapy) and over 50 Men's Support Socials. Our new ICON program (Indomitable Children Overcoming Negativity) was developed this year for the youth in the local community who are impacted by incarceration. During these group sessions participants learn how to address depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety, combat holiday

To grow its outreach, IFAM will soon launch a new app, Incarcerated to Indomitable, to bridge the gap between receiving mental health services and obtaining daily life necessities. As participants attend group therapy sessions and life-skills classes they earn points redeemable for grocery vouchers, grooming services, rent/utility assistance, and other rewards via the app. Utilizing a gamification component to help meet the needs of returning citizens and their families will decrease environmental barriers and reduce recidivism, making the family unit stronger and strengthening kinship in the community.