Karma for Cara Foundation microgrant recipients have competed in an application process alongside other young people who have spearheaded exceptional service projects that benefit their communities. In order to qualify for a K4C award, an applicant must be 18 years of age or younger, and the project must take place in the US.
K4C microgrant recipient, Ryan (16, from FL), used her award to run a writing workshop called All Write for youth. She and her teammate Isla possess a love for storytelling and believe in the power of words to inspire, health & bring people together.
Globally, it is estimated that one in seven (14%) of 10–19 year-olds experience mental health conditions, yet these remain largely unrecognized and untreated. Many young people lack access to creative outlets that help them process emotions in a meaningful way. Numerous studies have shown a correlation between journaling and stress reduction, self-awareness, and emotional resilience. Despite these benefits, many students do not see themselves as “writers” and miss out on the power of self-expression.
The All Write workshops offer a safe way to process emotions, reflect on experiences, and grow. Through this initiative, the team aims to foster a supportive environment where participants can explore their personal stories and discover the transformative power of self-expression.
| What inspired you to start this project? | We were inspired to start All Write after seeing how much students benefit from having a supportive space to write about their feelings, ideas and experiences. We wanted to create something simple, accessible and meaningful that could have a lasting impact on their mental and emotional well-being. |
| While working on your project, what surprised you? | One of the biggest suprises was how quickly the students opened up to the process. Once they had their journals and a few thoughtful prompts, they were eager to participate and share. We expected engagement, but the level of honesty and creativity exceeded anything we imagined. |
| What do you feel you learned from this experience? | We learned how powerful journaling can be when it’s introduced with intention and framed as empowering, rather than academic. We also learned how important it is to create a welcoming environment and meet students where they are. In addition, we gained experience in designing a workshop, preparing materials, and managing timing. |
| How did Karma for Cara impact your project? | In total, when partnering with Breakthrough, we distributed journals to 470 students across three different program sites. The microgrant made it possible for us to run All Write at a higher level of quality, and helped us provide custom journals with prompts and supplies to students. |
| How will your project continue to impact others? | Students left the workshop with tools they can use long after the program ended. They now have their own journals, a set of prompts, and a new understanding of how writing can support emotional wellness. |
