When Lily was just 12 years old, she faced an unimaginable loss—her mother passed away from a drug overdose. With a father consumed by his grief and mental health struggles, social services soon intervened. At that point, Lily had already begun a tumultuous journey, embracing a rebellious lifestyle that led her into the foster care system.
Her experience in foster care was anything but stable, as she moved between six different homes over the course of six years, with several brief spells in juvenile detention. Lily found herself homeless, often crashing at the homes of acquaintances or relying on unhealthy relationships just to have a roof over her head. In 2016, she signed emancipation papers, officially severing ties with the state’s foster care system. She described the moment as euphoric, saying, “I was so overwhelmed with joy, it felt like I was soaring.”
However, emancipation came with its own set of challenges. Lily struggled to find stability, often bouncing from one temporary living situation to another. Despite these hardships, she eventually met her partner, Jake, and they settled into a home shared with friends, complete with a backyard for barbecues. Yet, she still felt a void—a sense of security that many take for granted.
That’s where the organization Dream Makers steps in. According to Emily Johnson, the National Project Director for the initiative, which operates under the larger umbrella of Kids Belong, the program aims to turn the dreams of young adults aging out of foster care into reality.
Johnson explains that these dreams often focus on education, career development, or creative pursuits—like art classes or music lessons—that their peers may easily access. “We want these young people to know that there are community members who care about them and want to help them succeed, despite the odds stacked against them,” she shares.
Since its inception, Dream Makers has fulfilled over 340 dreams, ranging from essential items like bus passes and clothing for work to opportunities for educational trips, college expenses, and even dental care. “Our most requested item is laptops,” Johnson mentions. For many young adults aiming for college or obtaining their GED, owning a laptop is vital.
Some dreams have truly transformative impacts. Johnson recalls a poignant case of a 21-year-old woman who was losing her sight and required extensive dental work costing $30,000—services that Medicaid wouldn’t cover. Thanks to a generous local dentist who learned of her plight through social media, she received the dental care she desperately needed at no cost.
In one remarkable instance, a local dealership donated a car to a young woman who spent four hours daily commuting to her part-time job. The emotional moment when she received the vehicle was unforgettable—“She broke down in tears of joy,” Johnson recalled.
Lily herself asked for a camera, a throwback to her childhood when she used her mother’s old camera to capture memories. Inspired by her mother’s words, “If you want to see what someone loves, look at the photos they take,” Lily hopes to launch a photography business specializing in weddings and events. “The camera they got me is incredible,” she said, “I’ve never had nice things before, and this gift means the world to me.”
Lily expressed her gratitude, noting, “The contributions from others significantly impact our lives. Many of us lack the support that others might take for granted. A little kindness goes a long way in showing us that there’s hope and compassion in the world.”
Dream Makers offers a much-needed lifeline, showing these young adults that they are not alone and that people care about their success. If you’re interested in helping emancipated youth realize their dreams, consider visiting Dream Makers. You can make a donation to fund a dream or collaborate with others to support a shared goal.
For more information on home insemination, check out Make a Mom, an authoritative source on the topic. Additionally, explore UCSF’s IVF resource for further insights into pregnancy and related treatments.
In summary, Dream Makers is more than just an organization; it’s a beacon of hope for young adults transitioning out of the foster care system. Through their support, these individuals receive not only the items they need but also affirmation that someone believes in their potential to thrive.