"A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives." - Jackie Robinson
Our Impact
In 2021, Dreams for Change has helped over 9,000 people with an operating budget of under ONE MILLION DOLLARS. We are proud to serve the community and uplift individuals and families that need just a little help.
2021 Program Results
Safe Parking Program
28th Street & Imperial Ave Locationst
Total Households (vehicles) Enrolled: 319
Total People: 403
Permanent Housing 106
Shelter Housing 109
Who we served
Men: 219
Women: 183
Non-Binary: 1
Under 18: 58
Age 18 - 50:294
Over 50: 146
VITA & EITC Financial Literacy Programs
2021 Tax Program Results:
5665 tax returns
$10.5 million in refunds
Workforce Development & Eat Better Today Programs
Over 8,000 meals served by food trucks in 2021
2021 Workforce Stats Total Trainees: 71
41 men and 31 Women
Job placements: 25
Advance Training: 5
Thank you to over 220 Volunteers across all of our programs!
Willie
In August of 2021, a former Dreams for Change participant had to start over. Willie was one of the many people who lost their jobs and housing during the pandemic. He found himself living at the convention center and looking for any chance to change his circumstance. Willie decided it was better to reside in his car at our Imperial Avenue Safe Parking location. Each day Willie looked for work, worked with his case managers, took a financial literacy workshop, and cared for his dog. Through these challenges, Willie did his best to stay optimistic. His effort paid off. He found a job at a local steakhouse and temporary housing, where he saved money and now has permanent housing. Willie was grateful to have the help and stability Dreams for Change and the staff provided."
Working Together with Businesses
Demeta was referred to Dreams for Change in February of 2021. Her primary goals were to earn enough income to support her children and find stable housing. She was eager to pick up extra shifts each week and regularly met with her case manager to work on her long-term housing and employment plan. In September of 2021, she found employment with one of our new partners LAZ Parking and quickly became a star employee and gained recognition from the corporate office. Demeta also successfully found an apartment for her family and is working on a job promotion and building her savings.
Rebuilding a Life
Diana, a single mother of 3 and a community outreach worker, was worried that she missed the stimulus and child tax credit deadline. Diana called 2-1-1 and asked for help. The outreach specialist referred her to Dreams for Change's Free Tax Assistance program, where we helped her prepare four years of tax returns and connected her to her stimulus and Child Tax Credit. Diana recently let us know that she now has the money for school supplies and Christmas gifts for her children.
