Mission & Vision
Since 2011, Comme les Autres has been dedicated to supporting individuals who have become motor-disabled due to life-altering accidents. Each personalized support plan is meticulously co-created by the beneficiary and their social worker to address specific needs and foster a path to recovery.
Founded by Michaël Jérémiasz, his brother Jonathan Jérémiasz, and his wife Carolyn Jérémiasz, Comme les Autres emerged from a deeply personal journey. Michaël became paraplegic following a skiing accident, a profound obstacle that affected him and his family. Despite the challenges they faced, they found strength together. Michaël went on to become a four-time Paralympic wheelchair tennis medalist. Jonathan pursued his passion for social advocacy and became a social entrepreneur. Driven by their personal experiences, in 2011, the Jérémiasz brothers and Carolyn founded Comme les Autres.
The association’s unique approach combines three essential elements:
- Inclusivity: Bridging the gap between disabled and able-bodied individuals.
- Adrenaline-Fueled Fun: Offering thrilling experiences to reignite the zest for life.
- Peer Support: Facilitating mentorship and camaraderie among those who have faced similar challenges.
Their mission is to ensure motor-disabled individuals not only heal, but thrive. Currently active in 8 regions across France, Comme les Autres aims to expand its reach nationwide by 2026, ensuring that all accident survivors have the opportunity to rebuild fulfilling and autonomous lives.
Actions Led
Comme les Autres has served as a beacon of hope and resilience, supporting over 1,100 individuals in their journey to rebuild their lives since 2011. The organization has organized more than 170 adventure sports trips, which serve as a crucial component of its holistic support program.
Comme les Autres provides comprehensive individual support lasting about a year, addressing all facets of life, including:
- Employment: Helping individuals find and secure meaningful work.
- Housing: Assisting with safe and stable housing solutions.
- Access to Rights: Ensuring individuals understand and can exercise their rights.
- Health: Focusing on both physical and mental well-being.
- Sports and Recreation: Promoting physical activity as a means of rehabilitation and social integration.
Each personalized support plan is enriched by group activities designed to build strong support networks. These include:
- Sports Activities: Encouraging physical fitness and teamwork.
- Cultural Activities: Providing enriching experiences that foster community and personal growth.
- Community Events: Creating opportunities for social interaction and mutual support.
Projects that U.S. Donors Can Support
Through Friends of Fondation de France, American donors can make tax-deductible donations to support the vital work of Comme les Autres. Your contributions will help provide holistic support for people who have become motor-disabled as a result of an accident. Key projects include:
- Personalized Support Programs: Each individual support program is co-constructed by the beneficiary and their social worker. These hyper-personalized programs consider all aspects of the person’s life, ensuring comprehensive care and support.
- Group Activities and Adventure Trips: Enhanced by thrilling group activities, including 4-to-5-day sports adventure trips, these initiatives enable participants to gain new experiences and build confidence.
- Dynamic Themed Programs: Short, focused programs designed to work on specific items in a group setting, providing targeted support and development.
- Regional Expansion: Currently operating in 8 regions of France, Comme les Autres intends to pursue inter- and intra-regional deployment to cover the entire French territory, increasing their reach and impact.
- Support for Family Caregivers: Plans to diversify the target audience to include support for family caregivers of people who have suffered an accident, acknowledging the critical role caregivers play in the recovery process.
Your contributions will enable Comme les Autres to continue and expand their work, offering life-changing support and opportunities to those who need it most. By supporting these initiatives, you become a part of an international effort to enhance the lives of motor-disabled individuals and their families. Together, we can ensure that everyone has the chance to lead a fulfilling and empowered life.
Discover more about Comme les Autres in this article!