What is
C.A.R.E.S?
C.A.R.E.S. was founded as a project to provide enrichment and cheer at Scottish Rite Hospital for Children in Dallas. C.A.R.E.S. created and distributed bags full of activities and crafts for inpatients at the hospital; recognizing that different age groups have widely varying interests and needs, bags were created for both the teenager demographic and the toddler to preteen demographic. Each bag was filled to the brim with small trinkets and activities. But the most important part of the program was the fact that the activities promoted cognitive development–crucially helping to engage and stimulate the curiosity and creativity of young patients who could not be in school. Another aspect of C.A.R.E.S. is creating and curating monthly themes for hospital waiting rooms and sending accompanying relevant arts & crafts projects, toys, and decor.
Our Mission
C.A.R.E.S Foundation was built on those little moments that bring joy, strength, and community to children who are struggling with difficult health circumstances–like meeting new friends in the waiting room, or chatting with nurses and doctors about favorite memories, toys, interests. C.A.R.E.S works to foster those moments, with an added twist of promoting learning, so no one has to feel left behind or without a community. It is our mission to extend care and compassion through every craft that is made and every bag that is given!
Our Founder
Everett Mokarow
I was treated at Scottish Rite for scoliosis, and the first time I went was life-changing. I got to see the true lives of families who have sick and/or recovering children. The best part about Scottish Rite is that families who are unable to afford the bills are completely covered. Scottish Rite also makes a real effort to make their hospital feel like a sanctuary for children. For the past two years, since the hospital was cleared from COVID restrictions, I have been making gift baskets for every major and minor holiday. It has been really great seeing the smiles on each child’s face as they receive a basket. Although this was amazing, I thought it was important to create a program that can be applied to any and every hospital.
I decided to take it a step further and help by developing an arts and crafts program that makes monthly donations of materials and funds to create better and more learning opportunities.