Today we’d like to introduce you to Karen Allen.
Hi Karen, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was a single parenting raising 2 children. Going to school to better our lives and working 2 to 3 jobs to make ends meet. In March or April of 2001, I had foot surgery on both feet. Here I was a person who stayed busy to a person who had to rely on others to care for me. My recovery was a bit depressing. In this depressed state. One day when I was able to.sit up. I sat on my front porch crying and praying to God asking him why did he create me because if having babies, going to school and working two or three jobs was all, it was not it for me.. Suddenly the story of the Samaritan women in the bible came to my mind, I began to cry because I felt as sorry for her as I did myself but what I realized or told myself is this. She was not thirsty, she went up the hill to get water for that man at her house. What then hit my spirit is that day that she went to get water for that man was the day she met Jesus and found her purpose. On that day I was given my purpose. I was given the key that unlocks the door of purpose and was told to restore broken arrows. Give them aim. Give them hope, give them purpose.
I started my business with no money and I literally got chairs of curbs in front of people’s houses and thrift stores. I will be celebrating 25 years in business June 20th, 2026. This is the short version
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has been a struggle from day one. It is my faith and the love for those I serve that keeps me committed
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
By trade I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I have a PhD in Advanced Studies of Human Behavior. A Doctorate in Spiritual Counseling and a Masters in Counseling.
June of 2001, I started a non-profit,Jacob’s Well of Kansas City Ministries. I ran my.non-profit for 16 years. I became a for-profit in 2017, all with the purpose of unlocking the door of purpose. I also have a sole proprietor. Karen Allen,LPC, where I primarily work with women in need of mental health support.
My for-profit is The Carousel Adult Day Care. The Carousel was under my non-profit. Here we provide a medical model adult day care that provides care for veterans, adults with special needs and those suffering with Alzheimer’s disease.
I have two out-patient dementia care units and we are nationally certified in the TDI model of dementia care.
Here people are happy and thriving.We are in our third facility and this current facility was the old Dunbar school which I obtained through the Kansas City School District Repurposing initiative.
What sets me apart is my unwavering faith and love and the fact that I am.still operating after 25 years with only.medicaid dollars and no community support. We are that quiet gem in the community doing a world of good for those we serve.
Its the place where lack of funding is no barrier be ause God provides for what he produces.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I am.sure they do not know my full.story of how this business came to be. I was in a low place when God showed me he had need of me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://carouseladultcare.com/
