Meet Carys Cares
Carys Cares is a Nonprofit organization and a social foundation that strives to end the social stigma on special needs children and teenagers by having this foundation as a home to empower the creativity of these special gifted generations.
They produce daily wear merchandise such as pouches, tote bags, string bags, masks, and other items designed by special gifted children and teenagers through their paintings which are then turned into a line of merchandise and available to be purchased.
Their Story
Founded in 2018 by Carys Mihardja, it all began when she attended the World Down Syndrome Event and met with the children and their families. She took part in a fashion show that day to raise awareness for Down Syndrome, featuring Madeline Stuart, the world’s first professional model with down syndrome. Upon learning about the spectacles the down syndrome community face in society, Carys started the organization to raise awareness through creativity empowerment.
Their Vision & Mission
Carys Care Foundation’s main goal has always been to raise awareness through creativity empowerment, especially in Indonesia, where people have stigmatized the disabilities community. In a world where people are not able to see the talent of disabled and down syndrome children and teenagers, Carys Care fights this stigma by changing it and turning it into showing that they have a distinct talent and are equally rightful for a decent life.
The Hands Behind Carys Cares
All their designs are painted by the children & teenagers from Rumah Ceria Down Syndrome. Painting lessons are held beforehand to explore and enhanced the talents of these children and teenagers. Then Carys carried out the product designing process and turn the paintings into products.
Their Impact
All the proceeds from the project go to the POTADS foundation (Persatuan Orang Tua dengan Anak Down Syndrome) Indonesia to support the children and families through economic opportunity.