KEARRIA KARES FOUNDATION
OUR MISSION
Kearria Kares Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that seeks to share hope and provide recovery resources for young adults who are survivors of Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
I am Kearria Freed, a 29-year-old resident of Mobile, AL. On March 28, 2015 my life changed as I once knew it. I was a 20-year-old sophomore attending Alabama A&M University and for spring break my friends and I took a trip to Panama City Beach. While there I was attending a house party and got shot in the head (right temporal lobe), causing a traumatic brain injury. Due to the gunshot I also suffered from other multiple injuries including my eye, ear, face, and endured a stroke. I became completely paralyzed on the left side of my body and the right side of my face, and could not walk for two years or talk for 5 months. I put all of my effort into regaining my independence and I now have partial paralysis on the left side of my body but I can walk independently, and partial paralysis on the right side of my face, but I can talk. Although I have made many strides to get to where I am today each and everyday is still a challenge, and I am still learning how to live life with a disability. Kearria Kares Foundation was developed from the life changing experience I endured. My vision is to bridge the gap between the access of care for young adults with Traumatic Brain Injuries by providing resources to enhance their quality of life for themselves and their contribution to society.
Respectfully,
Kearria Freed
Founder and Executive Director
Kearria Kares Foundation
WHAT WE DO
Furthering our cause is the most important goal of our organization. We seek to support, empower, and provide high quality resources to our community in a safe and secure environment. Our success isn’t measured in terms of wealth or profit margin, but by the value we provide to those we serve.
COMMUNITY INTEGRATION
With our organization’s mission always in mind, we strive to promote communal support among young adults with traumatic brain injuries through leisure and educational activities. Contact us to learn more about our commitment to this cause.
TRANSITIONAL SUPPORT
At Kearria Kares Foundation, we are dedicated in aiding transitional support by assisting with transportation needs, medical supply needs, and connecting individuals and their families with additional supports. We are always striving to increase the independence of disabled young adults, and invite you to learn more and lend your support.
ADAPTIVE EQUIPMENT
By providing this resource, our goal is to promote great opportunities for those in need. With access to the right resources, individuals can become empowered by their own abilities and gain the confidence to fulfill their potential. Contact us to learn more about our commitment to this cause.
Upcoming Events
TYPES OF BRAIN INJURIES
TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY
A traumatic brain injury occurs when there is an impact to the head resulting in cognitive, physical, and emotional impairment. This trauma can be caused by external forces such as falls, vehicle accidents, and violence.
ACQUIRED BRAIN INJURY
A Non traumatic brain injury often known as an acquired brain injury could be caused by internal factors such as lack of oxygen, illness, stroke, aneurysm, and infectious disease that affects the brain (i.e., tumors,brain abscess, meningitis)
Resources
We believe that individuals with disabilities should have access to the appropriate resources they need that lead towards a healthy and independent life. We provided a few resources for persons with disabilities, including access to transportation, education, independent living, and employment.
Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services (ADRS)
ADRS is a state agency that provides a range of services to individuals with disabilities across Alabama. Its mission is to enable Alabama's children and adults with disabilities to achieve their maximum potential through employment, independent living, and economic stability.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
The ADA is a comprehensive civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life (i.e.) employment, public services, public accommodations, telecommunications, and miscellaneous provisions.
The WAVE'S Mobility Assistance Program (MAP)
MAP is a local initiative aimed at providing accessible transportation services for individuals with disabilities or mobility challenges within the Mobile area. It is an eligibility and reservation-based door-to-door service. To apply for services access https://www.thewavetransit.com/
Support Our Cause
Want to join our efforts but not sure where to start? Make a Donation and take advantage of this incredible opportunity to lend your support. Your donation helps us provide the following services:
Arrangement of resources for clients and their caregiver network.
Secure needed medical supplies and equipment for clients.
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS
KEARRIA FREED
Founder and Executive Director
Kearria is a native of Mobile, Alabama where she is actively involved in her community. After sustaining a traumatic brain injury in 2015 she put her greatest efforts into her rehabilitation, walking independently, talking, and driving again. She is gaining her independence back one step at a time. She returned back to school earning her Associates degree in General Education from Bishop State Community College and her Bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Human Services from The University of South Alabama. She is currently furthering her education by pursuing her MA in rehabilitation Counseling at The University of Alabama. She is also a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Incorporated. Through her knowledge, skills, and experience she is determined to increase the number of resources available to young adults with disabilities and their caregivers.
