Today we’d like to introduce you to Karen Carrillo.
Hi Karen, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
Marissa Ann Carrillo (December 16, 1992-August 22, 2019) had cerebral palsy and microcephaly. She was a sister, a friend, and a confidant. She was everything good in the world. Not many people are lucky enough to grow up with the honor of being the older sibling of someone with disabilities, as such, I feel I have a unique insight into what many families and caregivers feel in life, love, and loss. A Sisters Legacy has been a long time coming. I have wanted to start a non-profit but have often wondered if it was my calling. Since completing my Masters of Social Work in the CAP (Community and Administrative Practice) at The University of Texas at Arlington, I have seen the good, the bad, and the ugly of the non-profit world. I have learned that even the most seemingly upright person can turn out to be the person taking advantage of our most vulnerable populations. I have also learned my limitations as a person and as a Social Worker and that I must continually strive to educate myself and correct oppressions while taking care of myself and my own mental health. You cannot pour from an empty cup.
I hope that you all choose to join me in Making Accessible Care for people with disabilities, seniors, and caregivers so that Marissa’s legacy can live on in our service to others!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The struggles I experienced were mainly prior to forming the nonprofit. The challenges I faced emotionally when I lost my sister, and previous work experiences convinced me that starting my own nonprofit business was a risk I should not take. Once I finally decided to move forward with A Sisters Legacy, many of the doubts and roadblocks fell away. Finding or creating capital to start a business is never easy, but every step along the way, there has been another door opening. I finally feel like I am doing what I meant to do, and I believe that if I continue to walk in that truth, success is inevitable.
As you know, we’re big fans of A Sisters Legacy. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about the brand?
A Sisters Legacy is a nonprofit located in Dallas, Texas. We believe in providing low-cost mental health services. We provide therapy, case management, and community resource connection. What is unique about ASL is our price point and scholarship program. We charge $50 for a one-hour session of therapy, whereas many private pay providers start at $150 an hour. In order to keep our prices low as well as provide scholarship sessions for those who cannot afford our session price, we make and sell jewelry. Our mission is to Make Accessible Care – So selling jewelry and doing fundraisers are important so that we can provide as much access to mental health care as possible. To further this mission, we have developed a monthly jewelry subscription- For $50 a month anyone can sponsor a free therapy session for a client in need, and they will receive their own one-of-a-kind jewelry in the mail!
What do you think about happiness?
I am happiest when I am at peace with myself. It has taken time to get to this point, this space where I fully accept myself. Something that brings me joy is the opportunity to work with others so that they may also accept and love themselves fully. Our bodies are amazing and powerful; learning how to love ourselves and honor our bodies is so vital. I feel happy when I see others happy.
Pricing:
- $50 per therapy session
- $50 monthly jewelry subscription
Contact Info:
- Website: www.Asisterslegacy.org
- Instagram: @Asisterslegacy
- Facebook: @Asisterslegacy
