Our story
Willow Branches of Healing was born from a calling rooted in compassion, perseverance, and a belief that healing is possible when young people are truly seen and supported.
More than 20 years ago, our founder, Jillian, began working with troubled youth and families in the behavioral health field. What started as a job quickly became a lifelong mission. While raising her three sons as a single mother and attending Ohio University Zanesville, Jillian worked as a drug and alcohol counselor and case manager, serving a diverse and often underserved population. Through this work, she witnessed firsthand the profound impact that trauma, mental illness, addiction, and unstable relationships can have on young lives.
Those experiences shaped the vision for Willow Branches of Healing.
Jillian knew that meaningful healing requires more than treatment. It requires time, safety, structure, and genuine human connection.
She envisioned a residential program where young girls could slow down, feel secure, and finally have the space to work through past trauma, mental health challenges, and the relational wounds that often accompany them. A place where therapy is personal, care is intentional, and every individual is treated with dignity and respect.
Equally important to this vision was the foundation of faith and family. As Jillian built the program, her partner
Alex was supportive and involved at every turn. Together, Jillian and Alex believed that strong, healthy relationships were essential to healing. They crafted a program that emphasizes community, shared meals, celebrating holidays together, and building close knit bonds that foster trust, accountability, and a sense of belonging.
With a relationship strongly rooted in faith, Jillian and Alex also believe in gently introducing the girls we serve to begin building a strong, personal relationship with Jesus so they always have someone to turn to no matter what challenges life places before them. Their faith based approach offers hope, guidance, and a sense of unconditional love, helping each resident discover strength beyond herself and a foundation that endures long after treatment ends.
Today,
Willow Branches of Healing is a TitleIV-E QRTP group home that is CARF accredited and serves girls ages 7 to 17, as well as young women up to age 21 who meet specific disability criteria.
Our multidisciplinary team of residential staff, administrators, therapists, and counselors works together to create a therapeutic, person centered environment where residents feel valued, heard, and understood.
At our core, we are committed to helping each young person develop healthy attachments, learn self accountability, establish secure boundaries, and heal in a space where it feels safe and welcome to do so. We honor each individual’s story and walk alongside them as they discover resilience, purpose, and hope.
Like the willow tree, strong yet flexible, we believe healing happens when care is rooted in love, faith, and community. At Willow Branches of Healing, every girl is more than a diagnosis. She is worthy of care, connection, and a future filled with possibility.
Healing starts at the Roots
Residential, person-centered care
Idividualized treatment plans designed to meet each residents unique emotional, mental health, developmental, and relational needs.
Trauma-informed treatment
Care that recognizes the impact of past trauma and focuses on safety, trust, emotional regulation, and healing at a pace appropriate for each individual.
Routine stability, and independant living skills
A consistent daily routine that provides predictability, and emotional safety while supporting growth and responsibility.
Community and Peer Support
A close-knit residential environment that promotes mutual respect, shared experiences, and positive peer relationships.
Licsensed therapy and counseling availble on site daily.
Access to qualified therapists and counselors who address mental health challenges, substance use, behavioral concerns, and co-occurring disorders.
Relational and Attachment focused healing
Emphasis on building healthy attachments, repairing relational wounds, and developing safe, appropriate interpersonal connections.
faith based support and spiritual growth
Gentle introduction to building a personal relationship with Jesus, offering spiritual guidance, hope, and a lasting source of strength during and beyond treatment.
Family centered Philosophy
Recognition of the family unit as a critical component of healing, with an emphasis on healthy communication, accountability, and reconnection when appropriate.
life skills and Personal accountability
Support in developing self-awareness, emotional regulation, responsibility, and coping skills necessary for long-term success.
Our Values
Compassion
Faith
Connection
Restoration
Healing
Meet the Team
Jillian Arena
Owner/ Administrator
Mindy Cool
Executive Director