Who we are
About the Foundation
Our story
Created for those who keep showing up
"We’re here for the people who spend their lives protecting, caring for, and supporting others."
The Reiki Wellness Foundation was founded in Des Moines by Jennifer Reding to make grounded Reiki experiences more accessible to veterans, first responders, caregivers, and others living with sustained stress.
The Foundation was inspired by Heather McCutcheon and the community outreach she leads through Chicago’s Reiki Brigade. Her work has shown what is possible when Reiki moves beyond private practice and into the community.
Today, we offer free and low-cost public Reiki events in Des Moines, along with structured, on-site Wellness Days for organizations. As the Foundation grows, we hope to build partnerships that help us reach more people throughout Central Iowa.
Our mission
Reduce stress. Restore peace.
One person, one organization, one community at a time. We believe access to effective stress relief shouldn't depend on income, insurance, or proximity to a wellness studio. Our work is grounded in that belief.
Accessibility
Many of our community events are free or low-cost. We remove barriers — financial, geographic, and cultural — wherever we can.
Respect
We meet people where they are. No pressure, no judgment, no requirement to believe anything in particular.
Practicality
We focus on outcomes: reduced tension, improved calm, tools people can actually use. We let the results speak.
For the skeptics
What is Reiki, exactly?
Fair question. Here's a plain-language answer.
Reiki is a hands-on (or hands-near) relaxation technique developed in Japan in the early 20th century. A certified practitioner places their hands lightly on or just above the body while the recipient rests.
Most people describe the experience as deeply relaxing. Common responses include reduced muscle tension, a quieter mind, and a general sense of calm that can last hours or days after a session.
The research on Reiki is still developing, and we won't overstate what the evidence shows. What we can say is that the people we work with — including skeptical first responders and veterans who came in reluctantly — consistently report that it helps.
You don't need to believe in anything to benefit. You just need to show up and allow Reiki to do the rest.
The people behind it
Our team
We're a small team of certified Reiki practitioners, community organizers, and volunteers based in Des Moines. Everyone who delivers sessions is trained and certified. Everyone who assists is a volunteer who believes in what we're doing.
Interested in volunteering or joining our practitioner network? Reach out through our contact page.
Ready to experience it for yourself?
Join us at an upcoming community event — free, no experience necessary, no commitment required.