Jillian Reeves has built her career on embracing intricate, socially aware characters – and her most recent endeavors are no different. Reeves is making a difference with her acting career by shining a light on underrepresented stories and advocating for positive change. From her role in the foster care drama Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot to her personal short film Broken, which explores the complexities of mental illness, she is using her platform to amplify important narratives.

The proverb “It takes a village to raise a child” highlights the importance of a community coming together to provide positive support for children. The film Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot, serves as a vivid portrayal of the timeless message it conveys. It emphasizes the importance of support and community, not only for children but also for their caretakers. “Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot” really brings this concept to life. Reeves takes on the role of Diann, the sister of the First Lady, in a small Texas church that came together in the 1990s to tackle the foster care crisis in their community. This film shares the incredible true story of how members of this church ended up adopting 77 children, bringing about a profound transformation in the lives of numerous individuals.

“Being involved in that project was really emotional,” Reeves shares. “We openly addressed the trauma and difficulties these children had faced. However, I also aimed to infuse my character with a lighthearted and joyful demeanor, as I believe it is crucial when addressing substantial topics.

Reeves’ dedication to impactful projects goes beyond “Sound of Hope.” During our casual chat, she shared that her desire to create an impact is a driving factor in her professional journey. Her short film Broken explores the intricate nature of mental illness. Reeves is committed to using her platform to break down the stigma surrounding these frequently misunderstood disorders, drawing from her personal experiences supporting loved ones. During our discussion, Reeves expresses her intention to transform her short film into a series. She emphasizes her desire to provide a platform for those who are often unheard, while also shedding light on the difficulties families encounter when seeking proper care for their loved ones.

Just as the families in The Sound of Hope united to support each other through the foster care crisis, Reeves emphasizes the importance of creating empathetic, informed communities to tackle mental health issues. “People with mental illness often feel isolated and unsupported,” she explains. “But these are issues that affect us all. We need to come together, educate ourselves, and offer comprehensive care.” Beyond her on-screen roles, Reeves is dedicated to advocacy and personal growth, engaging in therapy to refine her understanding of supportive relationships and developing wellness resources for performers and caregivers.

“Actors and other creatives are always navigating the ups and downs of this industry,” Reeves remarks. “You know, there are folks out there who are taking care of their loved ones who are dealing with mental illness or other challenges. It’s tough, I tell you. The burnout that these caregivers experience is no joke, and it can make them feel really alone.”

To address these challenges, Reeves has created programs where she incorporates a variety of techniques, such as affirmation cards, grounding exercises, and breathwork. According to her, the aim is to offer practical and easily accessible methods for individuals to prioritize their mental wellbeing, even with the pressures of their everyday routines.

To learn more, you can visit her website https://www.jillianreeves.com.

Photography Credit: Virginia Niccolucci @virginia_niccolucci_photo