KEARRIA KARES FOUNDATION
Our Mission
Our mission is to share hope and provide recovery resources for young adults with traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and other neurological disabilities. We are committed to empowering individuals and their families by connecting them with education, support services, adaptive resources, and opportunities that promote independence, resilience, and an improved quality of life.
Our Vision
Our vision is to create a future where every young adult living with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) has equitable access to the care, resources, and opportunities needed to thrive. We are committed to bridging gaps in services by connecting individuals and families with comprehensive support that addresses their physical, emotional, social, vocational, and overall well-being.
We envision a strong, compassionate community in which young adults with neurological disabilities are empowered to build meaningful relationships, support one another, and live with confidence and independence. By fostering collaboration among healthcare providers, community organizations, educators, employers, and caregivers, we strive to expand access to resources, raise awareness of the unique challenges TBI survivors face, and improve the quality of life for those we serve.
Core Values
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Hope – Inspiring individuals and families to believe in brighter possibilities.
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Compassion – Serving others with kindness, empathy, and respect.
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Empowerment – Providing tools, resources, and education that foster independence.
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Inclusion – Creating welcoming spaces where everyone belongs.
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Advocacy – Standing up for the rights and opportunities of people with disabilities.
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Community – Building meaningful partnerships that strengthen lives.
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Resilience – Encouraging perseverance and celebrating every milestone.
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Holistic Care- We embrace a whole-person approach by supporting the physical, emotional, mental, social, vocational, and spiritual well-being of those we serve, recognizing that true recovery and growth involve every aspect of life.
I am Kearria Freed, a 31-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, every day 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.
Respectfully,
Kearria Freed MA,CRC
Founder and Executive Director
Kearria Kares Foundation
Core Programs
Kearria Kares Foundation has four core programs designed to address the practical, educational, emotional, and social needs of individuals and families affected by traumatic brain injury. Through these programs, the Foundation provides direct assistance, recovery resources, education, advocacy, and opportunities for connection and community.
Relax Me Basket: Sensory & Cognitive Resource Program
The Relax Me Basket program provides sensory and cognitive resources to enhance cognition and coping skills. These baskets provide opportunities to practice or engage in cognitive and coping skills such as memory, processing speed, problem-solving skills, and attention through fun, interactive activities.
Recovery Resource Assistance Program
The Recovery Resource Assistance Program provides practical support and connections to essential resources for individuals and families affected by traumatic brain injury and other neurological disabilities. Services may include transportation assistance, adaptive equipment, assistive technology, and personalized referrals to rehabilitation, mental health, disability, employment, education, and community support services. Our goal is to reduce barriers, promote independence, and help individuals access the tools and resources needed to improve their quality of life.
TBI Education & Self-Advocacy Program
The TBI Education & Self-Advocacy Program empowers individuals and families affected by traumatic brain injury with knowledge, confidence, and practical tools to navigate life after brain injury. Through educational and self-advocacy workshops, participants learn about TBI, life skills, accommodations, and effective communication. The program also helps survivors build skills to speak up during medical appointments, communicate with employers and schools, ask for support, and set healthy boundaries.
Survivor & Caregiver Support Program
The Survivor & Caregiver Support Program provides education, connection, and meaningful opportunities for individuals and families affected by traumatic brain injury. Quarterly caregiver resource sessions cover topics such as understanding TBI, community and financial resources, transportation, supporting independence, and caregiver wellness. Social and recreational activities, including game days, art activities, and movie days, create opportunities for survivors and caregivers to connect, have fun, and build supportive relationships.
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 to school, earning her Associate's degree in general education, Bachelor's degree in human services, and Master's degree in rehabilitation counseling. She is also a certified rehabilitation counselor. Additionally, she is 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 neurological disabilities and their caregivers.
