Dreams for Change

Debra, a 33-year-old woman, was residing at Rachel's Shelter and moved into her new place on Friday, July 26, 2024. Debra learned about the Dreams For Change Workforce Program through a flyer. Through the program, she had the opportunity to attend Soft Skills Workshops to help her cope with her mental illness. With a strong passion for culinary arts and the aspiration to become a chef, she was immediately interested in the opportunities the Workforce Program offered. Eager to pursue her dream, the case manager promptly enrolled Debra in the Kitchen for Goods Culinary training program, where she could gain practical experience and the skills needed to kickstart her culinary career. We congratulate Debra on her new home, dedication and wish her well on her journey! #RachelShelter #WorkforceProgram #SoftSkills #CulinaryArts #kitchensforgood #ChefTraining #Empowerment #DreamsCuisine #DreamsforChange

In January 2014, Ava Murphy began her journey with Dreams for Change as a Social Work City College student interning at one of San Diego's first Safe Parking sites. Little did she know that this initial step would lead to a ten-year commitment to serving hundreds of families and over a thousand individuals. After completing her required hours, Ava continued to volunteer her time and was eventually hired on July 21, 2014. Her dedication and compassion have helped numerous families find homes and provided support during challenging times. In early 2021, Ava transitioned to the Dreams Cuisine workforce training program, where she works with individuals facing significant barriers to employment. Her efforts have played a crucial role in helping many of the trainees secure full-time jobs. Throughout her journey at Dreams for Change, Ava's professionalism and ability to bring about positive change have been invaluable. Join us in congratulating Ava on this milestone. #DreamsForChange #SafeParking #CommunityService #WorkforceTraining #SupportingFamilies #PositiveChange

We're #hiring a new Fundraising and Development Manager in San Diego Metropolitan Area. Apply today or share this post with your network.

Empowering Lives Through Financial Literacy At Dreams For Change, we believe that financial literacy is crucial for overcoming and preventing homelessness. It's not just a helpful skill but an essential one for stability and independence. Unfortunately, many people lack this skill, which can contribute to cycles of poverty and homelessness. Financial literacy is more than just budget management; it's the foundation of a stable life. Imagine facing an unexpected expense with less than $500 in savings, a situation that almost half of Americans have experienced. This precarious financial position can quickly lead to dire consequences, including the risk of homelessness. For many people, financial instability is not a choice but a result of gaps in education and resources. At Dreams For Change, we are dedicated to filling this gap because we believe that knowledge is power. It empowers individuals to make informed decisions, plan for the future, and navigate the complexities of financial systems. Many of our workforce trainees' stories underscore the transformative impact of financial literacy. Many have discovered that understanding how to manage their finances effectively is the key to unlocking a stable future. At Dreams For Change, we take a holistic approach to addressing homelessness. Our financial literacy workshops are just one part of a broader strategy that includes workforce development. By combining financial literacy with workforce development, we equip our trainees with the skills they need to secure employment, manage their finances, and gain independence. Join us in our mission to make a difference. Whether through volunteering, donating, or spreading the word, together we can empower more people to build a stable, secure future and break the cycle of homelessness for good. Let's turn knowledge into power and stability into a reality for those who need it most. #EmpowerLives #FinancialLiteracy #BreaktheCycle #EndHomelessness

Jane made a tough decision to move from Texas to San Diego with her partner and two children in search of better opportunities. Her partner had a job offer in San Diego, and they believed that relocating would provide them with a brighter future. However, despite their efforts, Jane and her partner struggled to make ends meet in their new city and eventually found themselves homeless, living in their car with their two children. With the support of the Dreams for Change staff, Jane and her family were able to secure a two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment. This newfound stability and security provided them with a safe place to call home and allowed them to focus on building a better future for themselves and their children. Now that they had a roof over their heads, Jane was actively seeking permanent income opportunities while her partner was making progress in his job. With determination and support, Jane and her family were on the path toward stability, financial security, and a brighter future in their new home in San Diego. #DreamsForChange #NewBeginnings #FamilySupport #StrengthThroughStruggle #BuildingABetterFuture #SanDiegoStrong

Check out this insightful article about who uses Safe Parking programs in San Diego County and how they provide secure overnight parking for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. #SafeParking #HomelessnessSupport #SanDiegoCommunity #StableHousing #SocialImpact

Big thanks to all the Subaru dealerships in San Diego County for their generous donations! 🌟 The lunches, clothing, hygiene kits, blankets, water bottles, and pet supplies have made a huge difference for the participants at Safe Sleeping. Plus, thank you to San Diego Rescue Mission for the haircuts. Your support means the world to us. 🙌 #DreamsForcChange #SanDiegoRescueMission #Subaru #SubaruGivingBack #CommunitySupport #Gratitude #SanDiegoStrong

I'm excited to share the Dreams for Change 2023 Annual Report! Our team has worked tirelessly to make a positive impact in our community, and I'm proud to say that our efforts are paying off. The report highlights our achievements, challenges, and future plans to continue making a difference in the lives of those we serve. I invite you to take a look and see the impact we're making together. Teresa Smith, PhD, CEO #DreamsForChange #AnnualReport #CommunityImpact

“The biggest joy next to a client obtaining their own place is the client who we have been told has been shelter and service resistant for many years asks us to help them take that first step, be it detox and rehab, healthcare or simply willing to explore what it will take to move forward,” Smith said. #sandiego #homelessness #housing #SafeSleeping #Dreamsforchange #homelessoutreach #downtownsandiegopartnership Voice of San Diego

So proud of our students breaking barriers and building community at the 2024 San Diego Community College District Undocumented Student Conference. We were blown away by attendance—maxing out capacity! Dreamers are an integral part of our campus communities and immigration is driving our economy. Many thanks to Alliance San Diego and Dreams for Change (and all the presenters) for showing our Undocumented and Immigrant Students how to create income generating opportunities for themselves and contribute to the tax system through income and self-employment taxes via an ITIN. Onward in our missions at San Diego Miramar College to make the invisible visible! #dreamers #undocumented #homeishere #immigration