About Dream Makers

  • 1 in 5 become homeless within a year, and 50% of the homeless population spent time in foster care.

  • 60% of sex trafficking victims are former foster youth.

  • 71% of young women who age out become pregnant by 21.

  • Only half are employed by age 26, and fewer than 3% earn a college degree — though 70% dream of attending.

  • 25% struggle with PTSD, and 50% face substance abuse challenges.

Every year, 23,000+ teenagers age out of foster care at just 18 without a family to guide them.

Many entered foster care due to neglect, abuse, or abandonment, and on their 18th birthday, they are expected to survive on their own. Without support, everyday life is a struggle — and the risks are real:

Many of today’s social problems — homelessness, trafficking, incarceration, and poverty — are rooted in these realities. Supporting youth as they age out of foster care isn’t just compassionate — it’s strategic. By investing upstream, we help prevent homelessness, trafficking, and other long-term social wounds before they begin.

Our team is a small group of individuals guided by James 1:27, caring deeply about walking alongside the fatherless as they step into adulthood without family support. Thanks to Dream Makers like you, every dream we’ve promised has been fulfilled — but countless youth are still waiting for their turn. Your generosity brings hope, confidence, and a foundation for a brighter future.

What We Do:

We connect the community to the real barriers youth face — and give you the opportunity to step in and make a direct impact. You are the Dream Maker. Your generous support will:

  • Fulfill Dreams: Support education, career goals, creative passions, or personal milestones — from laptops for school to work outfits or essentials for a first apartment.

  • Provide Urgent Support: Contribute food, clothing, transportation, and other essentials so youth can focus on building their lives, not just surviving.

  • Develop Life Skills: Equip youth for independence through financial literacy, job readiness, personal growth, and spiritual guidance in the love of Jesus.

Your Impact:

Every gift builds confidence, removes barriers, and opens doors to a stable, fulfilling future. By contributing to the Dream Fund, you help ensure no youth faces adulthood alone. Your support meets urgent needs, fulfills dreams, and allows us to respond quickly when crises arise.

Thanks to Dream Makers like you, youth know they are seen, valued, and capable. Your generosity provides essentials, fulfills dreams, and gives hope, stability, and guidance as they step into adulthood.

Take Action → Support the Dream Fund
Your gift helps youth not just survive — but thrive.

BECOME A DREAM MAKER

Meet the Team

  • A woman with long blonde hair wearing a black turtleneck sweater smiling at the camera.

    Julie Mavis


    Founder and Executive Director

    Julie is the founder of Dream Makers, Co-Founder of America's Kids Belong, and author of Recipes for Risk.

    She brings over 10 years of experience in the nonprofit sector and a personal passion for kids without families as a former foster parent.

    Julie (Mimi) loves spending time with her 6 grand babies; (3 of them were adopted from foster care). She enjoys staying active and going on adventures with her dog, Avery, and her husband of 32 years, Brian. Julie also loves being with her family, friends, traveling, and looking for God's beauty.

    EMAIL
  • A smiling woman with curly brown hair, glasses, wearing a black leather jacket and a gold necklace, standing against a white background.

    Natalie Razavi


    Project Director

    Natalie is thrilled to join the Dream Makers team after serving for three years as a member of the Volunteer Board. Being consistently inspired by Julie's heart and passion, she is honored to step into this role and serve youth across America who are facing the challenges of transitioning to independence from foster care. 

    She has served in pastoral ministry with her husband for 25 years and has committed her life to loving and serving Jesus and His mission. Natalie has a special interest in Soul Care and is actively serving in her church to see people healed and set free in the love of Jesus. 

    Natalie finds joy in spending time with her husband and son, finding the perfect song, making and eating delicious food, taking in the beauty of creation, gathering around a table with friends and family, and instigating spontaneous adventures! 

    EMAIL
  • A woman with long dark hair and gold hoop earrings, smiling, wearing a white crochet top and black shirt against a white background.

    Annika Marek-Barta


    Content Director

    Annika spent 5 years in foster care before aging out and was adopted at age 26. Her heart beats to see seats added to tables.

    Her passion is found where creativity and advocacy meet – usually with a camera in hand or with a laptop to create graphics on. She has volunteered as a Court Appointed Advocate and is devoted to making the voices of youth in foster care/former foster youth amplified as she shares her story to bring change and education to those involved in the system. She longs to give glory to God in all things!

    In her free time, she delights most in being with her loved ones. She enjoys antiquing/thrifting, exploring the Pacific Northwest and beyond, and visiting local cafes + restaurants.

  • A woman with long, wavy blonde hair and blue eyes smiling at the camera, wearing a dark blazer and a light-colored shirt.

    Shelby Merten


    Director of Donor Relations

    Shelby was captivated at a young age to pursue helping kids in foster care. She grew up in a family that fostered for kids of all ages, including a young man who had aged out of the foster care system. She saw the challenges he faced firsthand and is honored to be a small part in making it an easier transition for other youth.

    She has a passion for shedding a light and teaching people around her about these kids.

    She lives in Colorado with her sweet husband and wild puppy where they love doing anything and everything outside.

    She is an extrovert who loves her friends and family and may overuse the word "fun". But, above all, everything she does is driven by her love for Jesus.

    EMAIL
  • Close-up of a smiling woman with long, wavy brown hair wearing a black shirt.

    Taylor Toepke


    Operations Manager

    Taylor holds a Bachelor’s in Management Information Systems and a Master’s in Business Analytics.

    During and after school, she spent the majority of time working in I.T and teaching students about computers. In 2021, Taylor interned for Dream Makers and helped put together Christmas stockings for our youth.

    Taylor’s current endeavors involve helping families and kids in all walks of life and being part of an amazing team with the same passion.

    When she is not working, you can find her at Barnes and Noble, Starbucks, or catching up on the latest Marvel venture.

    EMAIL
  • Close-up of a man with glasses, full beard, and large curly afro hairstyle, wearing a black shirt.

    Michael Davis-Thomas


    Dream Makers Intern

    Michael has transformed his trials into triumphs. He endured severe abuse and neglect, navigating Michigan’s foster care and juvenile justice systems for over 11 years.

    Dedicated to faith and advocacy, Michael views his work in child welfare and juvenile justice as his ministry. He serves in various roles, including a policy consultant, peer support specialist, and CEO of MDDTSpeaks. He is also the founder of the Resilient Voices & Beyond Foundation.

    Michael’s life is a testament to the power of resilience, faith, and the relentless pursuit of one’s dreams.

  • A young woman with long, wavy brown hair smiling, wearing a beige top and a delicate necklace, against a plain white background.

    Sarah Bielicki

    Project Assistant


    Sarah has always had a heart for helping those in foster care and always knew she wanted to foster and adopt in the future. In college, she had the privilege to teach acting to youth in foster care and they truly made an everlasting impact on her.


    Sarah's mission in life is to create a safe space where others feel seen, cared for, and radically loved – the way God has for her. She leads with intentionality, attention to detail, and empathy as she works to play a small role in delivering blessings to each youth that comes in contact with Dream Makers.


    Outside of work, Sarah enjoys time with family and friends, hunting for new coffee shops, taking her dog on a new nature adventure, and traveling.

    EMAIL

Volunteer Board Members

  • Smiling woman with shoulder-length dark brown hair, wearing a light-colored top, standing in front of a wooden background.

    Cyndie Meisner

    Board Chair

  • Close-up portrait of a smiling woman with shoulder-length brown hair, wearing a white blouse and jewelry, outdoors on a sunny day.

    Tamara Gaffney

    Treasurer

  • A smiling woman with long blonde hair standing outdoors in front of green trees.

    Baadrea Bagley

    Secretary

  • A woman with long brown hair, blue eyes, and earrings with a tree design, standing outdoors with trees and sunlight in the background, smiling and wearing a sleeveless blue and orange patterned top.

    Melissa Garber

  • Happy woman with wavy brown hair wearing a white lace dress and earrings, smiling at an indoor event.

    Lori Bruegman

Advisory Board

  • A smiling middle-aged man with a beard and gray hair, wearing a black shirt, sitting in a bar or restaurant with bottles of alcohol and bar equipment in the background.

    Scott Werner

  • A smiling woman with long black dreadlocks adorned with gold and silver beads, wearing a black leather jacket and gold jewelry, standing against a wooden background.

    Embo Tshimanga

  • A smiling woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a floral blouse, gold hoop earrings, and a chunky necklace, sitting under a large outdoor tent at a social gathering.

    Melissa Schaefer