WBC LaunchU Grad's Business Supports Kids Impacted by Trauma

In the LaunchU business class, I learned how to bring all the pieces of the business together and thoroughly think through the different aspects and obstacles I may face to best prepare myself for what is ahead. — Rachel Cohen

My Bear Jeff is a buy one, give one teddy bear company to support kids impacted by trauma. Every time a bear is purchased, its twin is delivered to a qualifying child through our nonprofit partners.

Rachel Cohen created this company from the intersection of several personal experiences. The first being a rare heart diagnosis at the age of 4 and recovering from a high-risk procedure that could have cost her life. The second came from her time in Southeast Asia working with children who were dealing with extreme trauma every day. She returned home with a pure, burning desire to support these kids.

After her return, she recognized trauma was a growing issue also in America. In the US alone, 46 million kids are affected by trauma every year. The need to feel safe, secure, comforted and have connection are foundational needs for healthy brain development.

Rachel recognized that something as simple as a treasured teddy bear could create a critical form of comfort and support that a child needs, and the idea for My Bear Jeff was born.

Since 2016, the progress for My Bear Jeff went from just an Instagram account with a gigantic bear to an idea concept to finding an outstanding manufacturing partner, creating a prototype, partnering up with excited nonprofits and launching a successful Kickstarter campaign in 2019 to bring this idea to life!

To date, My Bear Jeff has given away over 850 teddy bears in our communities!

The company is currently giving all giveback bears to support Afghanistan refugees. Learn more here.