Years ago, Carissa was abandoned in the lobby of the juvenile hall in Fresno. She ran away from group homes and ended up on the streets. Homeless and alone, she begged and stole to feed herself.
Foster care ignored her. The juvenile justice system failed her.
With no one to turn to, she was taken to “Motel Drive,” a street in Fresno known for prostitution, and told what to do.
She was twelve years old.
Amazingly, Carissa turned her life around. She has graduated from UCLA with a law degree and an MBA in June 2007. Recently she began speaking to kids in juvenile hall, showing them it is possible not only to survive, but to thrive.
Carissa is now the subject of an upcoming documentary, "Carissa," directed by filmmaker David Sauvage. The film has already begun to serve as a platform for Carissa to share her story. Recently submitted to Sundance for consideration, the film is executive produced by an Academy Award-winning documentary filmmaker. An upcoming song by Mandi Perkins will serve as another tool to raise awareness and help Carissa start her foundation.
In conjunction with the film, Carissa has partnered with two major corporations that have further inspired her to raise awareness for homeless & at-risk youth. She is serving as a national spokesperson, with the singer Jewel, on the issue of teen homelessness for the RE*Generation, Virgin Mobile USA's pro-social marketing campaign that is helping a generation help its own. She is also working with The Dodger's Dream Foundation to encourage mentors to reach out to at-risk youth in the greater Los Angeles area.
Mandi's song, "On My Own (Carissa's Song)" was inspired by formerly homeless teen, Carissa Phelps, subject of the upcoming documentary "Carissa." You can now purchase the song, and support our nations' homeless youth. All song sales go directly to the Carissa Foundation.
The Carissa Foundation is counting on your financial assistance to enable the support of prostituted children and teens through youth outreach, awareness campaigns, and technical assistance to community led efforts to end prostitution of children and teens in their neighborhood.
By purchasing Mandi Perkins' single "On My Own," you are helping to support our nation's youth. 100% of all song sales go directly to the Carissa Foundation.
If you are able to make an additional donation to the Carissa Foundation, please follow the link below to the donation page. As the Carissa Foundation awaits 501(c)3 approval, donations are accepted through our fiscal sponsor: Creative Visions.
If you donate online, please write THE CARISSA FOUNDATION in the comment section when making the credit card payment. This will ensure that your contribution will be directed towards funding the Carissa Foundation's projects.
And their husband will fix more things around the house So let it go,and love you and your circumstances.
Think about it! The prettiest woman in the world can have hell in her heart.
And the most highly favored woman on your job may be unable to have children.
And the richest woman you know, she's got the car, the house, the clothes.... might be lonely.
And the word says, "If I have not Love, I am nothing.
" So, again, love you.
Love who you are.
Look in the mirror in the morning and smile and say, "I am too blessed to be stressed and too anointed, to be disappointed!" "Winners make things happen-- Losers let things happen.
" Be "blessed" ladies..... and pass this on to encourage another woman.
"To the world you might be one person, but to the one person you just sent this to, it could mean so much.
" SEND THIS TO YOUR FAVORITE WOMEN...I JUST DID! "Angels Do Exist... but, sometimes, they don't have wings, We call them Friends!
I am participating in Walk Now for Autism to help find a cure for autism. Autism is the second most common developmental disorder in the United States affecting one in every 150 children born today. Despite some promising discoveries, the cause of autism is unknown and a cure does not exist. Research is crucial. Every 20 minutes another child is diagnosed with autism. Not only must we find ways to improve the quality of life for children and adults with autism, but we also must find a cure, and soon.
Walk Now for Autism is our chance to make a difference in the fight against autism by raising money for autism research and heightening public awareness. Please join me in my fight as I raise $ $500.00 to help fund essential research. I will be walking on October 18,2008 and would like you to support those affected by autism. You can donate to Walk Now for Autism and join my team online through my webpage at www. walknowforautism. org. Donations can also be mailed to Autism Speaks using the donation form located on my page or send me a check made out to Autism Speaks. My team name is Team Eclipse; please note this on your check and the donation form.
Please join me in my fight against autism. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of the more than 1 million Americans living with autism today.
Sincerely, Patricia Granillo PS: Please sign up for our we really need to support.
Thank you so much for the add on, I am very proud to know so many people like yourself that is willing to speak out against the injustice that plagues our Communities and Country. Rolling your way soon with my Covered Wagon and Horses to help the fight against homelessness. Randy (Wagon Master)
Online Now!
