CMK Foundation

Karma Stars are individuals or groups facing challenging situations that are in need of a karmic boost. Karma Stars circumstances may include anything from physical limitations to a simple need for an item some would consider an everyday necessity.

There are Karma Stars in every city and town across the United States. A simple conversation with a family member or a co-worker may lead to an acknowledgment of a star in need of a positive karmic boost.

Below are some of their stories:

At First There Was One

A 13-yr boy with mental health challenges who receives Therapeutic Staff Support Services from Community Council of Philadelphia was our first Karma Star. Within one year this boy Andrew’s father died of cancer, his home burned to the ground and his primary caregiver—his paternal grandmother—became overwhelmed and moved away.  While spending time with him, we developed an understanding of his interests. It was obvious from day one that Andrew was enthusiastic about video games. So we decided to explore a way to take his hobby and turn it into an experience he could not forget. Our Foundation learned about an amazing summer camp that teaches children how to design and build their own video games, and we knew that this would be perfect. We sent Andrew and his personal staff support worker to Villanova University for the week-long camp where he made some great friends, even better memories and a pretty awesome video game.

The Philadelphia Story

Within the Philadelphia School system is a unique program which gives student with special behavioral diagnosis the opportunity to become rehabilitated then readmitted into their public home schools. After being nominated by one of the teachers, and a conversation with the program’s Director we found that they were in need for some of the most basic school supplies. The foundation was able to donate school supplies including book bags, pencil, paper, pens, calculators, and markers for the 28 students currently enrolled leaving extras to fill the supply cabinet.

10 is enough

While a son, currently in the army, fights overseas in Afghanistan his proud mother courageously took on a battle of her own at home by taking on the responsibility of raising her 10 grandchildren alone while he is away. Even though she has been able to maintain a comfortable living for her grandchildren, she had no room for more privileged items. With the holidays just around corner she was unsure if the children would be able to celebrate this year. This extraordinary story was given to us through a case manager that works with some of the children. The foundation decided that we would had to make sure that this family had enough presents for Christmas if not just to celebrate but as a thank you for service their father is providing to us.

All for 1

With every one feeling the crunch of the recent financial crisis, a spirit of togetherness came across the nation. A nomination came along where a small town in South Carolina was banding together in support of one their residents, a single mother raising her 3 children on her own.  Listed as one of her most vital needs was a visit to the eye doctor where should could receive a vision check-up and new glasses.  The foundations could not resist joining in the support and fulfill her request. This story was not just a story of a mother who truly deserved a boost. But we felt that the story of the town coming together truly depicts the pay it forward message the foundation encourages.

“Fix anything he puts his hands on”

A now 19 year old man in Glen Burnie, MD was only 10 years old when he found out he had a life threatening brain aneurysm which caused severe orthopedic and cognitive impairments.  During the last 9 years, this young man has pressed on to overcome his challenges and continued to reach for his dream of working in the computer field, fixing and building computers.  His father says he can “fix anything he puts his hands on”.  While working full time as a custodian at the Naval Academy the young man saved enough money for TESST College computer classes and started in May, 2010.  The foundation received this nomination two weeks before his classes started requesting a new computer for him. On his first day of class he was prepared with his new lap top, and one of the first things he did was send the foundation a note of appreciation.

Looking towards the future and not focusing on the past

On summer day in June a mother and her daughter went to the local neighborhood store. On their way out of the store a car jumped the curve quickly killing both the mother and daughter. Standing nearby was the teenage brother/uncle to the victims. After time passed the following spring, with this still weighing heavily on his chest that young man decided to remain positive and put his focus on school. However, with the unexpected cost to his family he was unable to afford the needed uniform to attend.  Nominated by one of the school’s advisers, the foundation was able to get him the school uniform and additional clothing just in time for the first day of class.

… And baby makes 5

A recent graduate and expecting mother was becoming frustrated because she not able to find a new job in order to help support her family. With her husband only being able to part time; two children, one with an adverse disability, and a new baby on the way this mother was feeling the pressure. Her youngest son is a patient at Johns Hopkins University, who nominated the family for assistance. After speaking with a representative at Johns Hopkins as well as the new graduate we were able to determine the perfect boost. First we located a position for her to start working in her field right away as an R.N. We also provided new furniture for both the new baby and the boys who now would have to share a room. We also wanted to make sure we had a special gift for her youngest boy, an avid fan of trains, we made sure he had tickets to visit the B&O Train Museum.

While the dads away the kids should still be able to play

A single grandmother still trying to make sense of her son’s recent incarceration was left with the sudden responsibility of raising her 3 grandchildren. With only a part time job and Christmas on the way the grandmother was unsure of how the celebration would commence.  With the grandmother never asking for additional help, a third-party nominated her and the children.  The foundation, with the help of the nominator, was able to surprise both the grandmother and the children with the presents for a bright and merry Christmas.

A Classic

In a small town in Tennessee a strong minded elderly woman, who recently had a heart attack, looks after her ailing sister.  Countless requests for both sisters to move closer to their family, hundreds of miles away, were made but the sisters insist that they remain in their home town. With the desire to stick to the basics these sisters only communicated with their family via the telephone. With a request from a concerned granddaughter worried that no one can physically see if they were doing ok, the foundation gifted a new digital camera to the sisters so they could share pictures with the family on the computer.

She’s Gifted

A mother and her 8 year old daughter, has been told countless of times from education personnel that the daughter should attend a private school because of all of her educational advancements. With the mother raising 3 children alone she was unable to afford sending her gifted daughter to a private school. The public school, the daughter was attending, staff stood by the family not only getting her accepted to a private school in Texas but also obtained a partial scholarship for her.  Even with all of the great efforts, it was not enough. This family was nominated to the Create More Karma Foundation and we are pleased that we were able to make a donation to the tuition to give this precious Karma Star a chance at the education she deserves.

A Young Cadet

In the fall of 2010 a young cadet was looking forward to returning to school. Even though she held high honors and an excellent record she still needed a partial scholarship in order to return. The Create More Karma Foundation was able to step in to help right before the start of her classes.  It was really an honor for foundation to be a small apart of this bright student’s life.

Welcome to America!

A family of four from Equatorial Guinea, Africa came to the states looking for the “American Dream”.   Nominated by their case manager, the family needed necessities for their baby daughter. The foundation was able to provide the family a stroller, baby carrier, clothing, boxes of diapers, wipes, toys, books and other supplies with hopes that it provides them with a great beginning.

At Risk Student

A student at risk of being classified as untouchable and who could have easily been lost in the Philadelphia School District was nominated by her case manager. Her case manager saw past her “wall” and found a vulnerable, loving, and hardworking young lady who just needed a chance after being placed under the Department of Human Services supervision at a young age.  The request made was for the young lady to receive a basic winter coat. The foundation had the honor of providing her with a winter coat.

On His Own

After being told that his Father could no longer take care of him, a high-school student had to learn quickly how to make it on his own.  Even with many obstacles he still wanted to continue his education; however, needed a uniform to remain at his current school. With the help of his case manager the foundation was able to provide him with the school uniform and a winter coat.

No Longer a Drop Out

A single teenage mother of one made a tough decision to drop out high-school after facing some adversities. After a 1 ½ years she knew she needed to return, so she enrolled herself in the Gateway to College Program at Community College of Philadelphia. Since she has been on her own she facing financial hardship and has been unable to afford basic clothing for her son. Thanks to her old case manager the foundation became aware and was able to present clothing and a winter coat for her son.

Funding Cuts

An 18 year man in the middle of completing his Nursing Certificate Program receives the unsettling news that is education will no longer be covered due to school budget cuts. Living with his parents and his four brothers, the family would not have been able to afford for him to continue. Nominated by his Aunt, the foundation was able to step in and provide a scholarship for him to continue school without any disruptions.

Homebound

The CMK Foundation helped a homebound wheel-chair user currently living alone receive a ramp outside of her home to easily enter and exit. CMK Foundation’s local partner Pam Chambers, Director of CMK Home Care of Charleston, manage the project by teaming up with John Jordan and Lee Blackmon of Southeastern Custom Homes. Southeastern Custom Homes provided complimentary building service and donated all of the supplies used for the ramp.

A Supportive Father

A single father finds it hard to support his 5 year old son due to a chronic illness limiting his ability to work. Needing assistance with paying his utility bills; Create More Karma Foundation was able donate money towards his growing electric bill.  This father, nominated by a family member and a dear friend, was a true representation of a Karma Star. Even though the foundation was only able to make a minor contribution, this gentleman showed the greatest appreciation.

The ARK

We would like to welcome The ARK, a non-profit organization based in Summerville, South Carolina, as our new foundation recipient. For the past sixteen years they have been providing daily respite care and consultations to community members with Alzheimer’s and dementia. They are also proud of their NOAH project which is a community outreach effort to assist small towns and rural communities in developing their own services to help families coping with Alzheimer’s disease.

A Community of Students

A former resident’s nomination, gave the foundation an opportunity to give over 100 book bags to students of a small community in Jamaica. We are glad that we could help these students start their school year off right.

And Never Give Up
One of the most inspirational stories the foundation has to date is a young woman who overcame many obstacles to gain her Associate Degree and is now taking the first steps to obtain her Bachelors. The foundation helped her pay for her meal plan this semester with the hope of contributing more to her education through this year’s foundation holiday.

Operations Santa Clause

This year we participated in the United State Postal Services Operations Santa Clause, where we were able to select and answer Dear Santa letters. Through this program we helped 2 families; one single mother of 3 and another single mother of 5. Between the recipients we donated 4 bikes, 2 iPods, and toys to put under their Christmas trees this year.

Walmart for the Season

This year to spread the wealth we gave a gift that offered recipients a choice. We donated Walmart gift cards to 10 Karma Stars for them to during the holiday season or to assist with every day home needs. Below is a snap shot of their stories below.

• Sixth Street Shelter
• A single father of two
• Single grandmother raising three grandchildren
• Single grandmother raising 9 grandchildren
• Family of seven with a young child diagnosed with Hydrocephalus
• Young single mother diagnosed with Huntington’s Disease
• Single, currently pregnant mother of already 2
• Single mother of two toddlers; youngest having special needs
• Single Mother of 3 boys
• Single Mother of 5

Ronald McDonald House, South Carolina

We donated 2 iPods for their fundraising efforts.

Single Father of 2

A single father, who recently lost the mother of his two children, requested nothing for his self but asked for clothing for his two daughters. The foundation donated clothing as well as winter coats.

CMK Foundation Makes a Difference in Charleston!!

A bed-bound woman currently receiving weekly in-home medical care, house became infested with bedbugs causing problems with her medical care due to people refusing to come into her home. A nomination by her geriatric care manager allowed CMK Foundation, CMK Home Care, SCAIP and a 50% discount from Palmetto Exterminators to get the service they needed to get rid of all the bed bugs. A great team effort within the community!

“I want to thank CMK because you gave us a chance to succeed in life. I am so overwhelmed that your company wants to help the future and beginning of greatness”
~ Philadelphia School District Student

During the 2009 Holiday Season this student and her classmates were recipients of school supplies.

“Dear Pam, I cannot thank you and CMK enough for your donation to our client. We were desperately trying to find help for them and your offer came like a gift from God!The home is being treated- it is a multi-step process but they are close to the end. Please tell everyone at CMK how grateful we are!!”

~Mary Ross McQuage Aging Resources Charleston, SC

Identify a Karma Star