About Us
Dedicated to Helping Individuals Heal from Trauma and Reclaim Their Lives with Compassion, Expertise, and Community Support.
We empower Veterans, First Responders, Disaster Relief Workers, and Trauma Survivors Through Accessible, Holistic Therapies
Renewing Lives Initiative is a nonprofit organization dedicated to making life-changing healing accessible to those most impacted by trauma, PTSD, depression, and other emotional challenges—especially veterans, first responders, disaster relief workers, and individuals underserved by traditional mental health care.
Founded by Nicole and Bryan Bankhead, the initiative was born from their own powerful personal healing journeys. They envisioned a world where innovative therapies—such as psychedelic-assisted healing and LENS Neurofeedback—are not limited by financial barriers. Today, Renewing Lives Initiative turns that vision into reality, providing grants and resources to individuals seeking deep, lasting transformation.
What We Do
We bridge the gap between those in need and the holistic therapies that can truly change lives. Through our funding programs, we:
Provide financial assistance for safe, ethical psychedelic-assisted healing.
Support preparation and integration coaching to ensure long-term success.
Offer access to LENS Neurofeedback and psychedelic-assisted therapy that addresses the root causes of suffering.
Partner only with certified, licensed, and trauma-informed practitioners to deliver high-quality care.
Our approach is comprehensive—addressing the emotional, physical, and spiritual dimensions of healing to help individuals reconnect with themselves, their communities, and life.
How We Help
Many of the people we serve have tried traditional treatments without finding relief. We make it possible for them to explore proven alternatives that may have otherwise been out of reach.
For Individuals: We award grants to cover the cost of healing services, ensuring clients can focus on recovery—not expenses.
For Practitioners: We fund training, retreats, and travel for skilled providers, ensuring these therapies remain sustainable and accessible.
For Communities: We restore hope, resilience, and connection by helping people reclaim their lives from trauma.
With every grant funded, someone’s story changes from surviving to thriving.
Meet Nicole Bankhead
Nicole Bankhead, LPC, is a Licensed Professional Counselor and certified Psychedelic-Assisted Therapist. After leaving a successful corporate career, Nicole founded Serenity Wellness and Counseling Center in Cypress, Texas, where she specializes in integrative modalities including EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), CBT, DBT, LENS Neurofeedback, and Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy.
Her mission is to address the root causes of emotional pain—helping clients achieve lasting transformation. Nicole’s compassion, clinical expertise, and personal understanding of trauma shape the heart of Renewing Lives Initiative.
Meet Bryan Bankhead
Bryan Bankhead is an Integrative Health Practitioner and LENS Neurofeedback technician. His approach focuses on the mind-body connection, gut health, nutrition, and functional medicine as key pillars of mental well-being.
After his own journey of recovery from personal tragedy, Bryan dedicated his life to guiding others toward holistic health. His work combines advanced therapeutic techniques with a deep commitment to empowering individuals to take control of their physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness.
Our History
Renewing Lives Initiative was founded by Nicole and Bryan Bankhead, inspired by their own transformative journeys of healing from trauma, loss, and personal challenges. Nicole’s path—from overcoming early-life trauma to becoming a dedicated mental health professional—revealed the profound impact of integrative therapies that go beyond traditional counseling. Bryan’s recovery from deep personal loss highlighted the life-changing benefits of holistic health, integrative wellness, and innovative approaches such as LENS Neurofeedback therapy.
Their shared commitment to making these therapies accessible led to the creation of Serenity Wellness and Counseling Center in Cypress, Texas—a holistic mental health practice dedicated to deep, lasting transformation through trauma-informed, evidence-based, and integrative treatment options. Building on this foundation, they launched Renewing Lives Initiative, a nonprofit organization focused on removing financial barriers and expanding access to these powerful healing modalities. We serve underserved populations, including military veterans, first responders, disaster relief workers, and mental health professionals, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to experience life-changing trauma recovery, emotional healing, and holistic wellness.
Mission Statement
Renewing Lives Initiative is dedicated to transforming the lives of those impacted by trauma, PTSD, depression, and the unique challenges faced by first responders, veterans, and disaster relief workers. Through ethical, responsible psychedelic healing, we provide essential financial assistance, making holistic therapies accessible to individuals seeking meaningful alternatives beyond traditional mental health treatments.
Our Vision
We envision a world where innovative psychedelic therapies and integrative holistic practices are readily accessible to everyone seeking deep, lasting recovery and wellness. By empowering individuals and supporting ethical, skilled practitioners, Renewing Lives Initiative nurtures compassionate communities centered on genuine healing.
Our Values
Compassion
Deep empathy and respect for every individual’s unique healing journey.
Community
Fostering meaningful connections among individuals, practitioners, and communities.
Inclusivity
Ensuring healing opportunities are available regardless of financial or social barriers.
Respect
Ensuring safe, responsible, and ethical use of psychedelic and integrative therapies.
Integrity
Commitment to ethical practices, transparency, and accountability.
Partners & Supporters
Our work would not be possible without the generosity of partners and donors who believe in our mission. Each contribution — whether time, resources, or financial support — helps us grow, reach more people, and create lasting impact.
We warmly invite individuals and organizations to join us as supporters and help fund the next steps of our journey. Together, we can make a difference.
Website design and development donated by Yellow Pinne Software & Design
Help Us Fund Hope and Healing
Your generosity gives someone the chance to heal, grow, and rediscover life after trauma.