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Spring Luncheon Celebrates The Planning Of A Garden
Developing The Courtyard of The Healing Place

The Healing Place of Wake County began construction in February 2000, but budgetary concerns cut short a plan to develop its courtyard. As the building neared completion, a committee formed under the enthusiasm of Carol Bilbro to develop a garden and courtyard in the center of the property and raise the funds to bring it to fruition.

The Healing Place Courtyard Development Committee held a luncheon at the Women's Club of Raleigh on Tuesday, May 22, to celebrate The Healing Place and spread their mission of creating a courtyard to further enhance the facility.

Recently appointed NC Secretary of Health and Human Services Carmen Hooker Buell gave the keynote address. Buell cited the statistic that over 2,000 people in Wake County spend the night homeless each evening. "The Healing Place is not your average homeless center," she said. "Community treatment is the best system of care, and the Healing Place is a beautiful example."

Thanks to an anonymous donation, the Courtyard Development Committee commissioned area artist Thomas Sayre to create a sculpture around which the rest of the garden is based. Sayre's sculpture served as a theme for the event, from table décor to dessert presentation. His earthen piece symbolizes a barrier beyond which is an open doorway.

Committee Chairman Carol Bilbro spoke of the sculpture and its meaning to the men in The Healing Place program. She said she


Carol Bilbro chairs the Courtyard Development Committee.

Lt. Governor Beverly Perdue introduced the afternoon's keynote speaker.

"The hope in the Healing Place is well placed, " said NC Secretary of Health & Human Services Carmen Hooker Buell.
sees the men point to the open door and say, "That's the prize."

Capitol Broadcasting Company supported the event, as did the A.J. Fletcher Foundation. AJFF Grants Coordinator Waltye Rasulala provided a musical invocation and served as moderator for the event. CBC's Barbara Goodmon, Vice President the Healing Place Board of Directors, provided introduction for Rasulala.

The Healing Place of Wake County serves as a recovery and rehabilitation center for substance addicted homeless men in Wake County.