Our Story & Founder
The concept for Rock Recovery (Rock) – an organization dedicated to bridging gaps in eating-disorder treatment – was born in the summer of 2007, when our founder, Carylynn Kemp Larson, faced a fearful relapse. At the time, Cary was a working professional, nearly finished with her doctorate. She had a strong treatment team in place, supportive friends and family members, and she attended weekly support group meetings. The combination of these activities had helped her achieve what she thought was a full and lasting recovery.
Following a devastating life change, Cary realized that her recovery was not as strong as she’d believed. Terrified of slipping into an all-consuming set of disordered behaviors, she sought out additional support.
To her dismay, she found nothing that allowed her to pursue recovery while maintaining her daily life activities, and the residential programs she contacted questioned whether she was “sick enough” for their services. Knowing the depths from which she had come, Cary’s therapist convinced several residential treatment centers that she was indeed in need of care. In June 2007, Cary entered a 30-day residential treatment program.
While in treatment, Cary’s awareness of the need for an organization such as Rock intensified. Each time a fellow resident would transition out of care, the treatment team would invest significant time and effort into an after-care program. Where would the resident live? What would the treatment team look like? Despite their best efforts, the resources just didn’t exist.
On the day of her discharge from residential treatment, the need for transitional treatment became very personal. Fear of the unknown loomed over her. Would she be able to maintain recovery after investing so much of her time and finances in residential treatment? Slowly, Cary’s vision for nationwide recovery services emerged.
In January of 2008, after finishing her doctoral degree, Cary began praying regularly for direction. How was she supposed to serve? Who was she called to reach? Her persistence was finally rewarded by a clear and unmistakable message – “I already told you. Trust me. Step out in faith and see that I will provide.” There was no question, Cary needed to stop talking about her plan and just do it. As if to confirm her calling, a friend showed up on her doorstep that same weekend with a “Business Plans for Dummies” book.
By March of 2008, a name was chosen and a business plan was written. Rock was officially founded in December 2008 and gained nonprofit status in March of 2009.
To date, Rock has helped hundreds of men and women find free and healing in its eating disorder therapy services and educated thousands of individuals on the truths of disordered eating and how to help friends and family members in need. Rock is constantly working to grow its services, capacity, and outreach efforts to better serve this desperate need in the community.
We would love for you to help us grow our capacity to serve. Learn how you can get involved here.