About CARRY…

CARRY, The Coalition for At-Risk Youth, is a non-profit organization dedicated to changing the lives of foster and at-risk youth suffering from skin disorders and physical illnesses. Founded by Dr. Pearl Grimes, a leading dermatologist, CARRY’s team of motivated leaders in the Los Angeles area includes medical professionals, corporate leaders, attorneys, educators, social service advocated and members of the entertainment community.

CARRY provides a wide range of services, including pro-bono medical treatment, mentoring and financial assistance for education, counseling and career development. CARRY holds pro-bono dermatology clinics in foster care group homes and at a homeless shelter for youth in Hollywood. We are also involved in after school programs for at-risk youth at schools in the greater LA area.

CARRY is the only nonprofit organization addressing skin disorders of foster and at-risk youth. CARRY seeks to raise the awareness of this overlooked and underserved group of children. Quality of life measurements show that chronic skin disorders adversely compromise the well-being of children. Although not life-threatening, these disorders are visible to others and in turn make children more susceptible to social problems, lack of self-confidence, embarrassment and poor self-esteem. Researchers find that children with skin conditions rate their quality of life as poorly as children with other diseases such as epilepsy, kidney disease and asthma.

Despite available healthcare for foster youth via the Department of Children & Family Services, many children with skin disorders and physical illnesses still go untreated. However, the medical needs of foster youth are being met through CARRY’s affiliation with HealthCare Partners, one of the most outstanding and comprehensive medical organizations in California. A team of physicians, led by Dr. Robert Blackman, provides pro bono urgent care medical services for children and emancipated youth from homeless shelters. HealthCare Partners continues medical assistance by assigning a primary care physician to any youth identified with a chronic disorder. In addition, HealthCare Partners also provides optometry services for foster and disenfranchised youth.

CARRY co-sponsors an annual Summer Camp for over 300 at-risk youth, held annually at Big Bear, CA. All of the campers receive free dermatologic care, and participate in activities including horseback riding, swimming, hiking, archery and Taekwondo. CARRY Volunteers also conducted self-esteem and scrapbooking workshops, etiquette classes, a “Cinderella” Day of Beauty for the girls, with new offerings developing each year. Planned for 2012 are workshops in art, music and grooming for young men. The impact that this program has is remarkable, and our goal is to make this opportunity available to more children every year.

We appreciate your interest in our organization, which due to the current economic climate, is even more critical to sustain. The children impacted by our programs often have few other options, and we are passionate about being able to reach even more children in 2012, with your support.

www.foratriskyouth.org

Donations
We currently make regular donations to #1 1-3

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