About Dreams for change
Dreams for Change: Pioneering Programs to Make a Difference
Dreams for Change is a nonprofit organization that has been making a difference in the lives of people in San Diego, California, since 2009. The organization was founded by Teresa Smith, who saw firsthand the struggles of homelessness and poverty while working as a social worker. She realized that there was a need for innovative solutions to help people get back on their feet and achieve self-sufficiency.
Today, Dreams for Change pioneers programs that address some of the most pressing issues facing low-income families and individuals. These programs include tax assistance, safe parking, workforce training, and Dreams' Cuisine Food Trucks.
Tax Assistance Program
The Tax Assistance Program is designed to help low-income families and individuals file their taxes accurately and on time. Many people who are struggling financially may not have access to professional tax services or may not be able to afford them. Dreams for Change provides free tax preparation services through its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.
The VITA program is staffed by trained volunteers who provide one-on-one assistance with filing federal and state income taxes. This service helps clients maximize their refunds while ensuring compliance with all applicable tax laws.
Safe Parking Program
The Safe Parking Program provides a safe place for homeless individuals living in their cars or RVs to park overnight without fear of harassment or violence. This program addresses the growing problem of homelessness in San Diego by providing an alternative to sleeping on the streets or in unsafe areas.
Dreams for Change partners with local churches and other organizations to provide secure parking lots where clients can park overnight. The lots are staffed by security personnel who ensure safety throughout the night.
Workforce Training Program
The Workforce Training Program helps low-income individuals gain skills that will enable them to find better-paying jobs and achieve financial stability. The program offers training courses in fields such as customer service, hospitality, healthcare, construction trades, and more.
Dreams for Change partners with local businesses to provide job placement services for program graduates. This helps ensure that clients have access to meaningful employment opportunities that can lead to long-term success.
Dreams' Cuisine Food Trucks
Dreams' Cuisine Food Trucks is a social enterprise that provides job training and employment opportunities for low-income individuals while also serving delicious food to the community. The food trucks serve a variety of dishes, including tacos, burritos, sandwiches, salads, and more.
The program provides hands-on training in culinary skills, customer service, marketing, and business management. Graduates of the program are equipped with the skills they need to start their own food businesses or find employment in the hospitality industry.
Conclusion
Dreams for Change is an innovative nonprofit organization that is making a real difference in the lives of people in San Diego. By pioneering programs like tax assistance, safe parking, workforce training, and Dreams' Cuisine Food Trucks, Dreams for Change is helping low-income families and individuals achieve self-sufficiency and financial stability.
If you're looking for ways to support this important work or get involved yourself as a volunteer or donor visit their website at dreamsforchange.org today!