Comfort for teens in mental health treatment
My name is Ellie, and I am the founder of KareKit, a nonprofit dedicated to providing comforting items to teens in treatment and breaking the silence around mental health. Having witnessed the detrimental impact of stigma on individuals seeking or receiving mental health care, I am passionate about fostering a community where no one feels ashamed to seek support. I believe peer connection and open dialogue are essential to supporting mental well-being. Through KareKit, I am proud to deliver care packages filled with comforting items to adolescents in residential mental health facilities, encouraging peer connection and healthy coping strategies. Simultaneously, we partner with local mental health organizations to host community events that challenge the stigma surrounding mental health disorders and seeking support. Our work is guided by the ACE approach: Awareness, Connection, and Encouragement.
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Every item is thoughtfully chosen with guidelines in mind.
100% of donations go directly into care packages for teens in treatment.
Participate in community education events.
We educate communities — mainly adolescents — about the realities of mental health and the barriers preventing teens from seeking help. By partnering with experts, we aim to replace fear and stigma with resources, open dialogue, and understanding.
We unite volunteers, schools, and local businesses to lead and participate in mental health initiatives, building a real-world support network that proves to teens they do not have to face their struggles alone.
We deliver thoughtfully curated comfort kits to adolescents in treatment and recovery. Each kit provides tangible support, peer connection, and reminds teens of their value.
Each item chosen deliberately.
Kit contents
Personalized journal
A journal with daily prompts, a helpful activity for de-compressing .
Stuffed animal
A soft companion for hard moments or restless nights.
Diamond art kit
A simple diamond painting activity to keep hands and mind occupied.
Blanket
A cozy blanket from the community to bring warmth and a sense of home to an unfamiliar room.
Personalized bookmark
A handmade bookmark from community volunteers, created with multiple different nature inspired designs.
Slime
Scented slime for stress relief and grounding.
Origami
Blank and patterned pieces of paper, plus instructions for creating a simple, decorative origami project.
Mini jigsaw puzzle
A compact puzzle for a gentle distraction.
Squish ball
A soft sensory tool that offers grounding and stress relief in a portable form.
Note: These items may be used as replacements for select facilities based on their specific guidelines.
100% of donations becomes journals, sensory tools, plushies, blankets, and games for a teen in treatment.
1 KareKit
Covers one full care package for one teen in treatment.
3 KareKits
$16.67 per kit: reaches 3 teens.
5 KareKits + a Bookmark Pack
Funds 5 full kits plus a full set of volunteer-made bookmarks for one facility room.
Sponsor a Full Facility Delivery
Covers an entire delivery run to one of our partner facilities: kits, materials, and delivery logistics!
KareKit is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit — EIN 39-3514386.
Donations may be deductible on your federal income tax return. Every donor receives a receipt.
Help assemble kits, write encouragement cards, and show up at community education events.
Sign up to stay tuned.
Crisis lines, eating disorder support, mental health education, and community resources.
The Lotus Collaborative, one of our partner organizations, runs free, therapist-led eating disorder recovery support groups in Santa Cruz and San Francisco, open to anyone, every Sunday.
Locations & Time
Sundays, 3–4pm
Santa Cruz: 2125 Delaware Ave
San Francisco: 2500 Market Street
Call or text 988 any time, 24/7. Free, confidential support — for people in crisis and for people worried about someone else.
988lifeline.orgText HOME to 741741. Free 24/7 text-based mental health support — useful when calling feels like too much.
crisistextline.orgCall 408-453-0400. Mon-Fri from 10am-6pm. Nationwide peer-support service providing information, resource referrals and support to people living with a mental health condition, their family members and caregivers, mental health providers and the public.
namisantaclara.orgA Bay Area–based treatment center offering eating disorder recovery programs in a community-centered environment. Home of the Sunday support groups above.
lotuscollaborative.comThe National Alliance on Mental Illness — education, support groups, and resources for teens and families navigating mental health conditions.
nami.org/teensThe Anxiety and Depression Association of America — evidence-based information and resources, including content specifically for teens and young people.
adaa.org/teensFamilies Empowered and Supporting Treatment of Eating Disorders — community and resources for caregivers supporting someone in eating disorder recovery.
feast-ed.orgPractical, plain-language guides for parents and educators on recognizing mental health signs and supporting kids through treatment.
childmind.orgQuestions, facility partnerships, or want to bring KareKit somewhere new?
EMAIL: karekitorg@gmail.com
PHONE: 408-904-9526
