Hello. I am Karie Paradis and I am a survivor of mental illness. I am the founder of a charitable organization named The ME Project. I am raising funds to develop and launch my first two programs. 

The first is "Someone Cares for ME". This will be a team of volunteers that will go to inpatient mental health facilities to serve as visitors for patients who have no family or friends that can visit them. 

The concept of self-love, self-acceptance, and self-care will be at the forefront of every visit conducted. I strongly believe this is the first step in recovery, whether the crisis is mental health related or addiction related. 

My second program is Warm ME. This is a program where we provide crocheted or knitted blankets to patients in outpatient settings. They are used for patients who are in need of a comfort item and also to patients who need the blankets for warmth due to their socio-economic struggles. In December, the ME Project provided 9 blankets to an organization in Storrs, CT named, The Quinebaug Treatment Programs Laura Closet. In the coming weeks, the ME project will donate another 8 blankets.

So far I have raised $2,900 plus $400, outside the Go Fund Me App, totaling $3,300. My start-up goal is $5,000. I have used about half the funds for a graphic designer and to pay for a portion of the legal fees. I am in need of more funds to finish paying the legal fees, for printing flyers and hand outs for the patients.

In both programs, I will be giving patients a pen that states, "Someone Cares” and a hand-out outlining the concepts of self-love and how to practice them. 

My plan is to bring these programs to other care settings in the future. Also, in 2025, I plan to do some advocacy work to specifically improve living conditions in mental health facilities. 

This dream has been living in my head for at least 20 years and now is the time to start creating it. I want people who are suffering and are in crisis to know that someone out there cares. That alone can make a difference in someone's life! Please consider giving. People helping people is what it’s all about.

For those of you have companies that match donations, I am a 501 c 3 nonprofit and here is my TIN #, 33-1838371. When you fill the form out for matching, they will ask for my TIN. 

Founding members are Robert and Lucy Paradis, Stephen Seiler, Karie Paradis, Marra Spallone, Marianne Tavenner, Francoise Paradis, Duane Paradis, Alyssa Paradis, Gerry Paradis, Jacqueline Paradis, Matthew Hartman, Michele and Dave Garand, Bob & Colette Bouchard, Dawn Addington, Brett Shanaman, Joe Mercer, and 1 Anonymous Giver. 

Officers of the ME Project:

CEO, Treasurer and Founder-Karie Paradis

Vice President- Stephen Seiler

Secretary: Michele Garand

Board Members:

Karie Paradis (CEO and Founder)

Stephen Seiler (CISO, Cyber Security)

Francoise Paradis (Clinical Advisor)

Marra Spallone (Adolescent and Teen Advisor) 

Brett Martin (Chief Marketing Officer)

Michele Garand (Operations Strategist)

No raffles, sweepstakes, giveaways, or returns on investment are offered in exchange for any donations made to this GoFundMe.