Proud. Inspired. Cheering You On.
Hi, Dream Makers community!
Did you know that there are over 900 young adults just like you reading this email right now? That may seem like a random statistic to share, but to us, it’s anything but random. That number represents a mighty community of system-impacted youth who, yes, have unique challenges and obstacles to overcome, but who also have uncommon courage, resilience, determination, and compassion.
In my role at Dream Makers, I have the privilege of reading your applications, and I’ll be honest, the things you share in vulnerability make me cry. My heart breaks over the injustices you’ve faced, the ways you’ve been neglected and betrayed by the very people who were supposed to love, protect, and provide for you. But heartbreak isn’t the only thing I feel when I read your stories. More often than not, I’m full of joy and cheering you on for the amazing ways you’re fighting for a better future!
Almost half of the dreams we’ve fulfilled this year have been for education or career development. How awesome is that?! You’ve stared down giants like college tuition, getting your GED, starting your own business, or establishing a stable and meaningful career, with courage and a heart full of belief. You are doing it, and your accomplishments deserve to be celebrated.
The other half of the dreams are for the essentials of life, like reliable transportation, furniture, insurance, or health & wellness items. What I see over and over again from you is a gritty resolve to create the kind of stability you lacked - to build a foundation for a future filled with life, love, safety, and joy. Do you know that your choice to do better for yourself and your family is changing the future of your family tree? Legacies are shifting as you take one hard-fought step after another. And that, too, deserves to be celebrated!
The main message here is, we’re so proud of you!!! And, we’re not just proud, we’re inspired. You are living with courage and grit, but you’re also extending love and compassion. It is not an exaggeration to say that 90% of the applications we receive include something about making a difference in the lives of others, especially those who are going through similar circumstances.
So, when you look in the mirror today and feel tempted to be discouraged by the challenges or the limitations, remember that you have already overcome so much! You are achieving your goals and investing in a better future, one step at a time!
With admiration,
Natalie Razavi
Project Director
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