About Us
OUR MISSION
Authentic Life Foundation is on a mission to bridge the gap for the uninsured, underinsured and those without the personal financial resources required to access individual, couples, family, group or substance abuse counseling in a timely manner from a licensed mental health professional.
OUR VISION
Authentic Life Foundation will provide a sustainable, community funded platform for providers willing to offer services at a reasonably reduced rate to help clients in need receive quality mental health services, regardless of their ability to pay. Building stronger practices and making a deeper positive impact on lives and the community.
OUR STATUS
We are a 501(c)(3), corporation.
Our impact in 2024 alone:
154 clients received mental health treatment services, through 1203 therapy sessions!
29%received treatment absolutely free. The remainder paid an average of 18% of discounted cost of services and NO ONE who asked for help was turned away.
If you or someone know are in need of therapy and are uninsured, give us a call and we will do our best to connect you/them with a therapist at a rate you/they can afford.
If you would like to donate to the cause you can call, donate here or drop donations by the office.
HOW WE STARTED
The Chairman of the Board, Laurie Carpenter, started a private practice in 2020, in her home . Within one year she had expanded into an office space on the Independence Square, in Missouri. At that time she brought in another therapist to help meet the need in the community.
The phone calls started pouring in from people desperate to find a therapist so we immediately brought in a 3rd therapist. It did not take long to see the struggle people were having in paying for therapy sessions. Even the clients that were able to use insurance were still struggling to meet their deductible/co-pays. We did what we could do for self-pay clients and began seeing people at a reduced rate.
With a heart for helping, Laurie struggled to turn people away so she began paying out of her own pocket for people who could not afford therapy. She soon reached out to others for financial resources and Dianna Poston from Someone That Cares Int’l Ministry (S1TC), became a third party payer to help people receive therapy.
Knowing this wasn’t sustainable for just the two of them, Laurie reached out to a few friends and together they decided to start this foundation to help people who are ready for change, regardless of ability to pay.
OUR FOUNDER
Laurie Carpenter, LCSW, LSCSW, CCATP, CCTP, is a private practice owner in Independence, and KC, MO. She graduated from Park University in 2016. Laurie is happily married with 2 children. She is passionate about life, her family, healing and inspiring hope in others, and the CHIEFS. In her free time she enjoys activities with family and friends, church, going to concerts, and watching football.
BOARD MEMBER
Christopher Carpenter, CPS, Vice President
Authentic Life Foundation
Christopher Carpenter is a regional sales representative at Delden Manufacturing. His life has been touched by many personal losses due to mental health issues. As a result he has made it his mission to help connect others with the resources they need to overcome the barriers which keep them from living their best life.
He is a mentor to many. In his free time, he enjoys reading, playing guitar, exercising and spending time with his family and friends.
BOARD MEMBER
Cathy Alvarez, Treasurer
Authentic Life Foundation
Cathy Alvaraz is a dedicated and inspiring individual, serving as the treasurer of the Authentic Life Foundation. In her role, Cathy is instrumental in fundraising efforts and engaging the community to raise awareness and break the stigma surrounding mental health. Her unwavering commitment to advocating for underserved populations spans many life domains, making her a powerful voice for those in need.
Professionally, Cathy excels as an administrative assistant at River of Refuge and as the director of operations at Life.Church. Her leadership and organizational skills are pivotal in ensuring the smooth functioning of these organizations, allowing them to effectively serve their communities.
Cathy's passion for helping others extends far beyond her professional roles. She volunteers tirelessly, dedicating her time and talents to the betterment of women and families. Her mission to remove barriers and empower individuals to become their best selves is evident in her mentorship and advocacy work.
As a loving mother of two wonderful children, who are the apple of her eye, Cathy balances her professional and volunteer commitments with grace and dedication. In her free time, she cherishes moments spent with family and friends, enjoys playing games, and brings people together with her warm and inclusive spirit.
Cathy Alvaraz's multifaceted contributions and her heartfelt dedication to making a difference in the lives of others make her an invaluable asset to the Authentic Life Foundation and a beacon of hope and inspiration for all who know her.
BOARD MEMBER
Tisha Griffith, CPS, HRS
Authentic Life Foundation
Tisha Griffith is a founding board member of the Authentic Life Foundation, where she passionately dedicates her time and energy to making a positive impact in the lives of others. With a heart for mentoring individuals in recovery, Tisha brings her invaluable experience and empathy to every interaction, guiding others towards a brighter future.
Her commitment to service extends to her church, where she actively participates and facilitates groups, fostering a supportive and nurturing community. Tisha is also on a journey to become a drug counselor, driven by her desire to provide professional support to those battling addiction.
In her professional life, Tisha excels as the office manager and administrative assistant at a local counseling practice. Her organizational skills and dedication ensure the smooth operation of the practice, allowing it to serve its clients effectively.
Beyond her professional and volunteer roles, Tisha is a vibrant individual who loves to sing karaoke, play games, and continuously learn new things. Her enthusiasm for life and learning is infectious, inspiring those around her to embrace their passions and strive for personal growth.
At the Authentic Life Foundation, Tisha plays a crucial role in fundraising and administrative duties, always ready to help in any way she is asked. Her unwavering dedication and multifaceted talents make her an invaluable asset to the foundation and a beacon of hope for those she serves.
BOARD MEMBER
Ronda Plummer, Secretary
Authentic Life Foundation
Ronda has been a Paralegal for approximately 28 years. During that time, she has worked on numerous projects involving coordinating large groups of individuals to come together for a common goal. She has also worked with the LIME Tree Recovery House providing Peer Counseling and taught various classes on general life challenges and how to overcome them. In her current position, Director of K-12 and Regulatory Affairs at Unite Private Networks, She has the pleasure of assisting underprivileged school districts across the nation in qualifying for and maintaining funding for Information Technology-related services through a program that is overseen by the Federal Communications Commission.
On a personal level, her family has been touched by mental health issues on a number of different fronts. In each instance, finding a qualified yet affordable mental health professional was overwhelming, cost prohibitive and a true impediment to getting the help her family needed in a time of dire need. She is passionate about helping others in the community to identify potential therapists and provide resources to help offset the cost that often cause them to be unable to receive the help and services they need to lead successful, healthy lives.
BOARD MEMBER
Dianna Poston
Authentic Life Foundation
Dianna Poston joined River of Refuge in 2016 as a volunteer. In 2017, she became the Administrative Assistant for the organization. Even in this role, she spent time with the families becoming a positive influence in their lives because of her passion for people in need. She later became a Case Manager.
She previously worked at Salvation Army Crossroads Family Shelter and is the Founder and Lead Minister of Someone That Cares Int’l Ministry (S1TC).
She enjoys riding her scooter, escaping to her little lake property by Truman Lake for refreshing getaways, spending time with family and friends, fellowshipping and supporting one another in encouragement and prayer. She loves a good bible study and recovery meeting. She loves a good cup of coffee with friends, a good laugh and sometimes a good cry. Dianna loves being part of the heart of her community.
UPCOMING EVENTS
**LOUDER THAN SILENCE**
**Break the stigma. Let the music speak.**
A Mental Health Benefit Concert for
**The Authentic Life Foundation**
**Date:** Saturday, **August 2, 2025**
**Location:**
516 S Powell Rd, Independence, MO 64056
**Time:** 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
**Family-Friendly Event**
**FEATURING LIVE MUSIC FROM:**
**Autumn Reign** (Headliner)
School Of Rock
**TICKETS:**
You can purchase at the link below or at the event.
- **Adults:** $30 (includes food, beer*, and live music)
- **Kids:** (12 and under) $5
- *IPA, Beer and food available while supplies last*
**FAMILY FUN ZONE** –
In collaboration with **Turn It Up Party Services**
- **Bouncy House**
- **Foam Pit with Kid-Friendly Music**
- **Access: (suggested donation) $10 per child**
Raffles and Auction:
-** We will have many items for raffle and auction
All proceeds benefit **The Authentic Life Foundation**, supporting mental health awareness, advocacy, and services in our community.
**Let’s get loud for a cause that matters.**
Join us for a night of music, movement, and meaning.
**#LouderThanSilence #BreakTheStigma #AuthenticLifeFoundation #AutumnReignLive**
TICKETS on SQUARE
https://authentic-life-foundation-thank-you-for-your-dona...
or send $30 per adult/$5 for kids
VENMO
https://account.venmo.com/u/AuthenticLifeFoundation
SantaCaliGon Days: Pie for Purpose
DATE: Labor Day Weekend 2025
Booth sponsored by
Authentic Life Clinical Counseling & Wellness
🎉 Join Us at SantaCaliGon Days Festival: Celebrating Mental Health Awareness! 🎉
Are you ready for an unforgettable Labor Day weekend? The Authentic Life Foundation invites you to our booth at the SantaCaliGon Days Festival in Independence, MO—Friday through Monday! We're bringing the fun, the compassion, and the community spirit to raise awareness for mental health and make a lasting impact.
🌟 What’s Happening at Our Booth?
💚 Mission-Driven Fundraising
Our mission is simple: supporting mental health initiatives. Every dollar raised helps provide essential services to those in need. Be part of the change!
💊 Narcan Education & Distribution
Knowledge saves lives. Learn how Narcan can prevent opioid overdoses. Our team will be on hand to educate and provide free resources.
🥧 Pie for Purpose
Get ready to laugh for a cause! Throw a pie in the face of one of our brave crew members and win a prize. It’s messy, meaningful fun—and all for mental health!
💦 Stay Cool with Cold Water
It’s hot out there! Grab an ice-cold bottle of water and stay refreshed while supporting a great cause.
🎰 Human Slot Machine
Test your luck—every player wins! Step right up and see what surprise awaits you.
💬 Why It Matters
This isn’t just about fun (though there’s plenty of that!). It’s about breaking the stigma, building community, and supporting mental wellness for all.
📅 Mark your calendars, bring your friends, and let’s make this Labor Day weekend one to remember.
🎪 See you at SantaCaliGon Days—where compassion meets carnival! 🌟
3rd Annual, Rock The Foundation Costume Party
🎃✨ Spooktacular Night of Music, Costumes & Community! ✨🎃
📅 Date: October 4, 2025
📍 Location: TBD
⏰ Time: Dinner at 5 pm
Get ready for a night of thrills, tunes, and tasty treats—all for a great cause! The Authentic Life Foundation invites you to our Halloween FUNdraiser, featuring:
🎶 Live Music Lineup
- Autumn Reign
- Liquid Sundial
Dance the night away with incredible live performances!
👻 Costume Contest
Strut your spooky stuff! Enter our costume contest for a chance to win an awesome prize. Creativity encouraged—scary, silly, or spectacular!
🧟♂️ Monster Mash Finale
We’re wrapping up the night with the ultimate dance party—The Monster Mash! Don’t miss it!
🍝 Dinner is Served
Your ticket includes access to our delicious pasta bar and decadent desserts. Come hungry and leave happy!
🎟️ Raffles, Auctions & More
- Silent Auction with amazing items
- Raffle Prizes galore
🎫 One raffle ticket is included with your entry!
💵 Tickets
- Adults: $30
- Kids 12 & under: $5
- Includes dinner, dessert, live music, and one raffle ticket!
🎟️ Purchase tickets in advance or at the door.
All proceeds support the mission of The Authentic Life Foundation—empowering mental health and wellness in our community.
🧡 Let’s Make Magic Happen!
Come for the fun, stay for the cause. We can’t wait to see you there—costumes, community, and compassion all in one unforgettable night!
4th Annual Love in Motion Gala
Date: March, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: Uptown Market, Independence, MO
Tickets: $100 each
Join us for an unforgettable evening at the Authentic Life Foundation's "Love in Motion" event! Enjoy a delicious catered meal by Local Seasons Catering, non-alcoholic beverages, and a selection of beer and wine. This semi-formal event will feature dinner, dancing, a short presentation, dessert, photobooth and a live DJ.
Highlights:
- Catered Meal: Provided by Local Seasons Catering
- Drinks: Non-alcoholic beverages, beer, and wine
- Entertainment: Dinner, dancing, short presentation, dessert, and live DJ
- Auctions & Raffles: Many exciting items up for auction and raffle
Corporate Sponsorship Opportunities:
- bronze sponsor = $1,000 - ten tickets (table), program recognition.
- silver sponsor = $1,500 - ten tickets (table), program recognition, sponsor listing on website.
- gold sponsor = $2,500 - ten tickets (table), wine at the table for dinner, program recognition, sponsor listing on website, permanent recognition in the Founder's Circle.
Our goal is to raise $100,000 to support the Authentic Life Foundation's mission. Your participation and generosity will make a significant impact.
4th Annual Ride for Mental Health
Motorcycle Charity Ride
Join us for a charity motorcycle ride to support mental health services for the uninsured!
Event Details:
Date: May, 2026
Registration & Breakfast: 9:30 AM at Sandy's Restaurant (10% of sales donated to ALF)
Dice Run: Participate in our exciting Dice Run!
T-Shirts: Available for purchase
Kickstands Up: 11:30 AM
Ride Ends: Approximately 3:45 PM at Katz Sugar Inn, 718 N Sterling Ave, Sugar Creek, MO 64054
Live Music: The Band Autumn Reign will perform at 4:00 PM
Raffle & Silent Auction: Many items to win and bid on!
Sponsorship Opportunities Available:
Main Sponsorship: $500.00 (Company logo on the back of the t-shirt)
Individual/Company Sponsorship: $100.00 (Name on the back of the t-shirt)
Contact for Sponsorship Inquiries: Chris Carpenter, 816-328-3730
Come ride with us and make a difference!
Everyone Deserves Hope! ~ Bridging the Gap Between Provider and Client
2025 Event Sponsors
https://localseasonscatering.com/
https://www.life.church/eastkansascity/
https://www.sandysbluesprings.com/
Brian Vestle
Vince Long
Gary Monroe
The Carpenter Family
The Plummer Family
Donate Today
We have multiple options to accept donations.
1) Our mailing address is: PO BOX 288, Independence, MO 64050
2) Drop by our office at: 224 W Maple Ave., Independence, MO 64050
3) Give us a call at 816-381-7690, to run a card or set up recurring donations.
4) You may donate through Square Online, with Apple Pay, Gpay or a debit/credit card at the link below.
https://authentic-life-foundation-thank-you-for-your-donation.square.site/
5) You may donate through Venmo.