Messages in the Wind: Creating a Wind Phone for The WARM Place

Posted on May 21, 2026 by Katy Roussey

Grief often leaves behind words we wish we could still say. Through her Youth Leadership Symposium project, Kate Putman brought a meaningful symbol of healing to the Fort Worth community by creating a wind phone for families at The WARM Place. “A wind phone is a small, enclosed space with a rotary telephone inside that gives people a quiet place to reflect and feel connected to someone they’ve lost. People can pick up the phone, dial numbers or symbols meaningful to them, and say what they wish they could have said.” As Kate explains, “the idea is that the ‘wind’ carries those words, making it a powerful way to express emotions and process grief.”

The inspiration behind the project

The project began with an experience in Asheville, North Carolina during a service-learning trip with Kate’s church youth group in the Summer of 2024. While there, she helped build a wind phone in honor of the Muckleroy family, a local Fort Worth family who faced a tragic loss. The experience stayed with her long after the trip ended. When Hurricane Helene later impacted the region, the group feared their project had been destroyed. Instead, Kate shared, “the wind phone remained untouched, which made it feel even more special.”

That moment helped solidify her desire to bring the concept home. When planning her Youth Leadership Symposium project, she said, “I immediately knew I wanted to create a wind phone for the Fort Worth community.”

Deeply personal motivation

The project also carries a strong personal connection. A close friend and former softball teammate, Cierra Kemp, lost both of her parents in a tragic accident in November 2023. Kate described them as “incredibly kind, supportive, and full of life,” and wanted to honor their memory in a meaningful way. As part of the installation, Kate included their names on the shelf that holds the phone, surrounded by hearts in their favorite colors. A beautiful tribute to show families the inspiration for this special project and that memories of our loved ones still live on.

Built through community and support

The wind phone was brought to life through strong community support from her church. Kate shared, “As soon as I shared my idea, so many people stepped in and wanted to help, and I truly couldn’t have done it without them.” A key part of the process was working alongside Keith Miller, who helped guide the construction. Kate explained, “Keith and I spent several weeks working together and building the wind phone from scratch. He taught me how to use different tools and guided me through the entire process, which was both challenging and really rewarding.”

She also emphasized the importance of shared resources and support, noting “I was also very grateful to be able to use materials and tools donated by our church carpenter group that kept the cost low.” Installation day brought more help from her family and community: “When it came time to install the wind phone, Keith and my dad helped me, even on a very cold morning.”

Understanding Grief

Through this project, Kate’s perspective on grief shifted significantly. Before encountering a wind phone, she admitted, “I had never heard of a wind phone or understood how something like that could help people.” After experiencing it firsthand during the Asheville trip, she reflected, “Getting the chance to use the wind phone myself was emotional, but also really powerful. It showed me how important it is to have a space where people can say the things they didn’t get to say.”

A hope for families at The WARM Place

The completed wind phone is intended to serve families at The WARM Place as a flexible space for remembrance and expression. Kate emphasized that grief is deeply personal and varies from person to person. A special message plaque on the wind phone reads:

“This phone is for everyone who has lost a loved one. Pick up the phone and dial their name or number. Share your memories, your news, your love, or say things that were left unsaid. The wind will know exactly where to deliver your messages. May you hear your loved one’s voice in the wind and allow nature to heal your soul.”