Founded by Leah Bowen, Time Out Healing Society is a Calgary-based initiative working to reimagine how individuals recover after acute mental health episodes. With a focus on restorative, nature-based environments and holistic practices, the organization is addressing a critical gap between hospital care and everyday life—offering a more supported, intentional path toward healing, stability, and reintegration.
Describe your charity/non-profit/volunteer work in a few sentences.
Time Out Healing Society is a Calgary-based mental health charity that intends to create recovery spaces in natural settings, using art, music, mindfulness, movement, and other modalities to support individuals with complex mental health conditions. These spaces will be designed to help participants build self-awareness, self-acceptance, and the skills needed to re-enter their lives successfully after a mental health episode.
What problem does it aim to solve?
Many individuals are discharged directly back into their communities following inpatient mental health care. This transition can be abrupt and challenging, as hospitalization for an acute episode is a significant life event that may leave a person feeling fundamentally changed. Mental health systems are often stretched and focused on crisis response, leaving little opportunity for full healing and restoration. Time Out Healing Society fills this gap by offering a guided, restorative pause—a Time Out—where individuals can stabilize, reconnect, and build the skills and confidence needed to navigate life after a mental health crisis.
When did you start/join it?
I founded Time Out Healing Society in August 2024 and have been involved in its growth, learning alongside the board and community throughout the process.
What made you want to get involved?
I have lived with bipolar disorder since age 19. During my first episode, I imagined a wilderness retreat—a log cabin by a river, supported by a team of mental health practitioners—where I could rebuild before returning to university. Instead, I was sent straight back to my studies without the skills to manage the impact of that life-changing experience. Over the past 28 years, I have had multiple episodes and have never been offered structured support to ease the transition back to community life. The re-entry is always challenging. I get through it, but I know it could be far better with the right guidance and supporting environment.
In May 2024, I underwent major abdominal surgery to remove a tumour. During recovery, that same vision of a wilderness retreat returned. With several months away from work, I began exploring what it would take to create a nonprofit organization in Alberta to execute this vision.
What was the situation like when you started?
In summer 2024, Time Out Healing Society registered as a nonprofit in Alberta and formed a small, three-person board. At that point, all aspects of running a nonprofit were new to us, creating a steep but rewarding learning curve.
In our first 18 months, we have focused on building community and reducing stigma through quarterly events at Spiritwood Retreat in Priddis, Alberta, as well as ongoing networking and social media engagement. We have actively participated in the nonprofit sector, developed our presence in the community, and strengthened our governance through formal training and mentorship.
How has it changed since?
The board has grown from three to seven members, strengthening governance. We’ve clarified policies and are now putting our values into action. We are developing a five-year strategic plan to guide our growth and increase our impact.
What more needs to be done?
We have established the foundation for our vision, including our mission, values, charitable status, board, and brand. Over the next five years, we are focused on strategic planning, financial sustainability, fundraising, and expanding our network and partnerships. Through grants, community events, and collaborations with businesses, healthcare providers, and other organizations, we aim to build awareness, reduce stigma, and highlight gaps in care. Our ultimate goal is to pilot a program supporting the transition from hospital to home with innovative programming and peer support, prove the model, and scale it so more people receive the support they need after leaving care.
How can our readers help?
You can support Time Out Healing Society in many ways: donate to program development, volunteer your time or skills, partner with us, refer someone who can help, or share our mission to raise awareness. Any and all support is appreciated!
Where can we follow you?
Website | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Newsletter
PAY IT FORWARD: What is an awesome local charity that you love?
Schizophrenia Society of Alberta – They provide day programming for people with schizophrenia and their families and work hard to help people live well with this complex mental health disorder. This organization also decreases stigma with excellent community education talks and Starry Night performances.
We are excited to enter a team in their Strides of Hope walk on May 22, 2026.
