At just 12 years old, Lily faced a life-altering tragedy when her mother succumbed to addiction. With a father consumed by sorrow and mental health struggles, it wasn’t long before social services intervened. By this point, she had already ventured into a rebellious lifestyle—stealing car keys and prioritizing fun over school. This marked the beginning of her tumultuous journey through the foster care system.
According to various reports, Lily endured a challenging six-year period, navigating through six different foster homes and multiple stays in juvenile detention. She experienced life on the streets and relied on a boyfriend for a temporary place to stay, ultimately facing homelessness. In 2015, she made the significant decision to emancipate herself from the state, a move that liberated her from foster care but left her without a safety net. “I cried, I was so happy. I felt like a feather flying away,” Lily recounted.
Despite her newfound freedom, life was far from easy. Aging out of the system meant constantly moving between friends’ couches, occasionally staying in hotels when she could afford it. Eventually, Lily met her partner, Jack, and they found a home together with a few roommates, complete with an air hockey table and a backyard for barbecuing. Yet, she still lacked the stable foundation that many take for granted, something she openly shared in interviews.
Introducing Dream Makers
This is where the organization Dream Makers comes into play. As explained by the program’s director, Emily Carter, Dream Makers, a part of Kids Belong, was established to fulfill the dreams of youth transitioning out of foster care. The idea is to support these young people with requests that often focus on educational or career-oriented needs, such as art classes or music lessons. “We want them to know that there are people in the community who care about them and want to help them succeed,” Carter emphasized.
Since its inception, Dream Makers has granted over 340 wishes, covering a wide range of needs from bus passes and work uniforms to college textbooks and dental care. “Laptops are our most requested item,” noted Carter, highlighting the necessity for students pursuing higher education or a GED.
Some wishes are transformative. Carter recalled a poignant story about a 21-year-old girl who was losing her sight and required $30,000 worth of dental work. After a local dentist learned about her situation through social media, he generously offered to perform the procedures at no cost. There are also instances of car giveaways that can significantly change a young person’s life, such as when a girl who spent four hours commuting to work received a donated vehicle and broke down in tears of joy.
Lily’s Wish
Lily’s wish was for a camera, reminiscent of the one her mother used to own. “When I got it, I was almost in tears,” she expressed. “The camera they provided is beyond amazing.” She hopes to use it to kickstart a photography business specializing in weddings and other events.
For Lily and many others, Dream Makers represents more than just wishes fulfilled; it’s a lifeline. It reassures them that they are not alone and that someone out there cares about their success. If you’re interested in supporting Dream Makers and helping young individuals navigate life after foster care, you can visit www.dreammakersproject.org to contribute to a dream or assist in funding a collective wish.
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In summary, organizations like Dream Makers provide essential support for youth transitioning out of foster care. They not only fulfill practical needs but also instill hope, showing these young individuals that they are valued and supported by their communities.