The Wind Phone Project

Creating space for grief in Monterey County

Papillon — French for butterfly — symbolizes transformation. Not the erasing of grief, but the possibility of meaning, resilience, and connection that can exist alongside loss. The Wind Phone Project is a community healing initiative of Papillon Center for Loss & Transition, created to offer a quiet, symbolic space for remembrance, reflection, and voice.

Each Wind Phone is a vintage rotary phone placed inside a handcrafted, weatherproof, artist-designed shelter. The phone is not connected to any system. There is no one on the other end — and that is the point. The Wind Phone exists as a place where people can speak to those they have lost, say what was left unsaid, or simply be heard.

A Place for Art, Memory, and Community

Each Wind Phone installation is created in collaboration with local artists, who are compensated for their time and materials in recognition of the important role the arts play in healing and expression.

The Wind Phone Project is Papillon's way of saying:

"You are not alone. Your grief deserves space. Your memories matter."

Speak. Remember. Transform.

Read more about The Wind Phone Project at My Wind Phone National Registry.

Listen to the This American Life story called Really Long Distance by Miki Meek.

Wind Phones of Monterey County

Papillon Center for Loss & Transition is honored to bring three Wind Phones to Monterey County. All created in partnership with local artists, each Wind Phone reflects the setting in which it is installed and commemorates individuals and groups who have walked the path of profound grief and loss. Please feel free to explore each location, access the Wind Phone, and share your experience with others.

Coastal Kids Home Care, 427 Pajaro Street, Salinas: The Wind Phone located in the garden at the Rodgers Center for Children's Health near downtown Salinas is open to the public during business hours on Monday through Friday from 8:00 - 5:00. This Wind Phone is dedicated to the children Coastal Kids Home Care has cared for at the end-of life and the family and staff who remember them. The phone is a repurposed newspaper box and was designed and painted by Paul Richmond with the support of the Salinas Rotary Club and Monterey County Now.

Saint Dunstan's Episcopal Church, 28005 Robinson Canyon Road, Carmel: This Wind Phone is installed in a quiet, shaded area on Saint Dunstan's church grounds. It is open to the public during daylight hours. It was created in partnership with the church community through a generous donation from Helen Grady in memory of her beloved husband Jerry Grady. The phone was painted by Paul Richmond to reflect the beautiful surroundings of Carmel Valley and highlight the legacy of Papillon Center for Loss & Transition.

Montage Health, Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula: Joy Smith, Papillon co-founder and long-time bereavement group facilitator coordinated with the Spiritual Care team to bring a Wind Phone to the mediation room of Community Hospital. This Wind Phone is only available to staff and patients.

Veterans Transition Center, 220 Twelfth Street, Marina: Through a partnership with the Veterans Transition Center, this Wind Phone, made possible through the generosity of Monterey County Now, Arts Council for Monterey County, and artist Ronnie Randon, stands in honor of the veterans and their loved ones served by the Veteran's Transition Center. An update on location and availability will be posted soon!

For more information on any of our Wind Phones please email papillon@coastalkidshomecare.org or call 800-214-5439 and ask for Papillon services.