My Nonprofit Reviews
J Lee S.
Review for Dare to Dream Children's Foundation, Dallas, TX, USA
Dare to Dream Children's Foundation has been a part of my family for over twenty five years. I came to know the founder (Jan Tennyson) from the YMCA Casa shelter. I was an adolescent counselor working with sexually abused, physically abused and neglected youth ages 6-18 years old who lived with challeging life issues. Jan was one of the many programs that came to provide services that encouraged the children to "Dare to Dream." Through this particular program and more than the others we used, I learned as an adolescent counselor, that Dare to Dream was really encouraging the youth at the YMCA Casa Shelter. Many of the youth inn the shelter would always as; "Where is that lady who plays the key board with the dream music!" I later joined the program to help hurting children not hurt! As I learned more about Dare to Dream Children's Foundation, I got more involved and begain to be a substaining contributor to finacially support the program by deducting each pay period a percentage. The program gives annual or as needed reports on your contributions, which helped me feel good about where the finacial contributions go. (All donations are tax deductable) Dare to Dream have served youth programs all over the world as far as Russia and Romania just to name a few! I love this ministry and its founder who is loving, caring and very supportive to greeds and cultures. I encourage all who look to financially support a childrens program to, choose Dare to Dream Children's Foundation...over 25 years of caring for the needs of challenged youth and famlies. For more information visit Dare to Dream online at www.daretodream-dallas.org
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Will you volunteer or donate to this organization beyond what is required of board members?
Definitely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you tell others about this organization?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
Review for Dare to Dream Children's Foundation, Dallas, TX, USA
I have known Dare to Dream Foundation for 20 plus years in various capacities; viewer, donor, volunteer, advisory board member, presently board member and blessed friend to Jan Tennyson!
I was working for the YMCA-Casa Shelter as supervisor in 1989 when I first knew of this organization. The founder shared her story of her life challenges and dreams as a foster child and dared our clients to do the same. It was refreshing to close our eyes and hear her play on her portable keyboard; "Twickle, twinkle little STAR..." While our eyes were closed Jan spoke in a very soft assuring voice "See what you want to be in life and what its going to take for you to do it" and after we open our eyes! We share our vision with one another. Jan, ask me (a staff-Adolescent Counselor) what is your dream Jimmie, well i was just called to preach God's word and still serving as deacon at my church...I said, "I would like to be a pastor some day!" Well, some 11 years later and presently the Senior Pastor at my church...my vision came true. Jan has always been an encourager to me and my family and to everyone I have witnessed her meet! Dare to Dream Foundation's founder has blessed everyone who comes in contact with this ministry....To Dare To Dream and share the love of Christ!
Young people who has been encouraged to dare to dream, I can only imaging the many who have had their dreams and visions come to past! Thousands on thousands will say that the power of the Dare to Dream program has encouraged them to dream big, set goals and be responsible to take measures for achievement. I have and are being an encourager to others in my church and on my job, using the DTD methods.
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I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
my personal life...the challenges my family faced through the years. Dare to Dream has been there to support us in all areas of need!
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
increase Jan's salary
How did you learn about this organization?
1989 while working for the YMCA Casa Shelter. DTD was a program that provided a service of lifes and motivation for our clients.
What is this organization's top short-term priority?
Reaching the Foster Care population and providing aftercare!
What is its top priority in the long run?
Seeing young peoples hopes and dreams come to reality: families reconciled, no drug usage, high schools grads, college entries and no parenting teens.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
Thank you so much for your comments on the effectiveness of Dare to Dream. It is an honor to serve. Jan Tennyson
