Building The Dream
United Way was proud to provide a Matching Grant to Day Dreams Inc. during the month of June. Day Dreams supporters contributed $8,670 and United Way maximized those donations by matching the first $7,500, resulting in a successful $16,170 Matching Grant!
Day Dreams Inc. is a non-profit established to provide recreational, social, vocational, informational, and financial services, resources, and facilities for people with disabilities and others, to enhance their inclusion and participation in the community. Co-founded by Cindy Taylor, Day Dreams was born out of a resource gap for adults with disabilities. As the mother of a developmentally disabled daughter, Cindy noticed firsthand a lack of programming for those who graduate or "age out" of public-school programs. Thus, the dream to create an inclusive space that supports an active, healthy, productive lifestyle for all community members, was born.
Cindy shared, "Most people with disabilities have spent most of their lives up to that point as active participants within the community, either through their classroom activities, or through participating within the community while on classroom outings, family outings etc. Then, just because they have turned a certain age, suddenly, they are no longer an 'expected' participant in the daily goings on of their own community. This can be catastrophic! This already vulnerable group as well as their family members that care for them often experiences isolation and inactivity as a result of no longer having 'their place to be', challenging both their physical and mental health."
Since establishing themselves as a non-profit in 2014, Day Dreams has realized their goal of purchasing a building in order to provide a destination for expanding their vocational opportunities and serve as a venue for recreational and social opportunities. The Dream Works Resale Shoppe is open in downtown Ithaca, MI and provides vocational training opportunities to people with differing abilities. For Cindy and her group of Dreamers, the work (and the dream) continues to grow with each new step realized. Matching grant funds will be used to renovate their current location to include a snack shop, "Day Dreams Decades Diner," where members can build work skills, socialize, and enjoy community together.
United Way is proud to support the work of Day Dreams Inc. The Day Dreams Day Club meets weekly on Wednesdays, providing a variety of educational, social, and recreational activities. The Dream Works Resale Shoppe is open in downtown Ithaca and offers thrift shopping to support the mission of Day Dreams Inc. You can learn more by checking out their Facebook page.
