The Mayfly Project was founded in 2015 in Arkansas by Jess and Laura Westbrook, with the vision of using fly fishing as an important tool to support children in foster care. In 2016, the project evolved into a national program when Jess and Laura partnered with Idaho-based mental health professional Kaitlin Barnhart, who shared the same passion for helping children heal through fly fishing. Together they developed the National TMP program. The Mayfly Project’s mission is to support youth in foster care through fly fishing, helping them build confidence, find healing, and connect to their local waters.
