“The importance of HUMAN CONNECTION AND COMMUNITY cannot be overstated”
-The Ryan Perry Foundation
Our work is guided by Ryan – the qualities he embodied, the passions he pursued and the challenges he worked so hard to overcome. Though Ryan’s dreams were cut short, the Foundation is committed to keeping his memory alive by helping others reach their full potential and embracing and supporting initiatives which reflect Ryan’s core beliefs and interests.
Compassion, understanding and human connection are values Ryan demonstrated throughout his life. These ideals are represented in all of the initiatives supported by the foundation. While a significant portion of our work is dedicated to providing holistic support to young adults struggling with substance abuse, the Foundation is equally focused on supporting Ryan’s passions – particularly food and fashion.
Holistic Support
Young adults struggling with addiction often face mental health challenges and lack the resources and support systems to seek effective treatment. The Foundation approaches its work in this area through a holistic lens, recognizing young adults not only need clinical resources but emotional encouragement and a reliable, supportive community.
WE KNOW THAT:
Addiction is a disease.
There is no one story of addiction and it is imperative to look at the individual, not the addiction and build a support system and treatment plan that is unique to each person.
Resources to access effective treatment are critical.
Effective treatment often entails addressing mental health issues.
Access to effective treatment makes is crucial.
Recovery is a marathon, not a sprint.
Our goal is to demonstrate the positive impact of creating individualized treatment plans that take into account the unique characteristics of each person. We are not limited to one single recovery center or treatment program.
case Study
In October of 2019, The Ryan Perry Foundation met Robert (age 15) and developed a relationship with him and his family to understand his individual needs and collaboratively create a plan best suited to address his particular challenges. The Foundation was able to provide a partial scholarship for his stay at an inpatient treatment facility. Robert graduated from his program and although there were bumps along the way, he is healthy, happy and sober. Now that he is home, Robert faces the challenges of ordinary adolescent life. Robert has worked hard and now has the tools and skills to manage life in a healthy and sober way. The Ryan Perry Foundation is now Robert’s community and will continue to monitor and support his recovery efforts.
Update:
Robert celebrated his one-year sobriety in September 2020. He is finishing high school, working part-time and saving to attend a trade school after graduation. Most importantly, he is proud of what he has accomplished and is looking forward to continuing his journey and forging a life of purpose.
Ryan’s Passions
Ryan had a keen sense of style, an enthusiasm for cooking, a deep affection for people from all walks of life and loved music, art and everything related to pop culture. He was known among his friends as a guy that loved to cook – often preparing tasty meals with a myriad of ingredients that didn’t naturally belong together. Ryan employed the same successful strategy with people. He was a networker, often bringing together friends and acquaintances in an effort to create meaningful connections.
Finding ways to support Ryan’s passions is an integral part of the Foundation.
Food for Front-Line Workers
Combining Ryan’s concern for people and love of food, the Ryan Perry Foundation worked to deliver hot meals to one of the hardest hit hospitals during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic on the anniversary of his death.
“We’ve just had a rough morning and we are so incredibly thankful...this is more than we could imagine. We are used to getting the same boxed lunch everyday ”
TEN 22
TEN 22 is an exciting new virtual restaurant in development by Ryan’s friends, James Richards and David Richer. In James’ words:
“The food is inspired by Perry’s ability to go into any fridge and take a bunch of random ingredients that appear to be incompatible and making not only something good but almost gourmet, which is where he got his nickname Chef P.”
Nothing is more consistent with our purpose and values and we look forward to watching Ten 22 grow!
Stay tuned for more information!