The New American Dream Foundation

10/29/2026

The American Dream grows stronger when we stand up for one another.

At the 2026 American Dream Awards Gala, we proudly honored State Senator Julie Kushner with our American Dream Champion Award.

The granddaughter of an immigrant, Senator Kushner understands the hopes and sacrifices that shape generations of American families. Her advocacy for workers, immigrants, and access to opportunity reflects a commitment to ensuring that more people have a fair chance to build their future.

Our foundation has also seen that commitment firsthand through her leadership in securing state support for our Senior Hot Meal Program, helping us continue bringing nourishment and connection to local seniors.

Thank you, Senator Kushner, for standing with our community and helping make the American Dream possible for others.

Join us in congratulating our 2026 American Dream Champion.

Photography: F5 Images

10/28/2026

Strong families help build strong communities.

At the 2026 American Dream Awards Gala, we proudly honored Families Network of Western CT with our American Dream Community Hero Award.

Through their work to prevent child abuse and neglect and support parents and caregivers, they help families build safer, healthier futures. For immigrant families navigating unfamiliar systems and raising children far from their support networks, that connection can make a lasting difference.

Thank you, Families Network of Western CT, for the compassion and dedication you bring to families in our community.

Learn more about their work and how you can support their mission: https://fnwc.org/index.html

With gratitude to our American Dream Community Hero Sponsor, Ives Bank.

Photography: F5 Images

10/28/2026

Supporting a Military Family Member? CT Paid Leave May Help.

Military families may face important moments that require time away from work—including welcoming a service member home from deployment or supporting a loved one during certain military-related circumstances.

Eligible Connecticut employees may qualify for CT Paid Leave for certain military family-related reasons.

If you're unsure whether your situation qualifies or need help with the application, The New American Dream Foundation is here to help you navigate the process.

📩 Contact us to learn more about CT Paid Leave and available application support: https://www.thenewamericandreamfoundation.org/ct-paid-leave-assistance

10/26/2026

Congratulations to our 2026 American Dream Scholarship recipients, each awarded $3,000 at this year’s American Dream Awards Gala:

-Gussi Angelina Vera Cajas
-Maksym Pshenainikov
-Suyun Han
-Julia Pereira

With roots in Ecuador, Ukraine, China, and Brazil, these students bring their own stories of perseverance, family sacrifice, and hope to the American Dream.

We are proud to invest in their education and celebrate the people they are becoming. To our scholars: your stories matter, your dreams deserve support, and we cannot wait to see what you accomplish next.

Thank you to our American Dream Scholarship Awards Sponsors, Ventura Law, Northwell Health, Newtown Savings Bank, and Union Savings Bank Foundation, for helping turn opportunity into a path forward.

Join us in congratulating these four remarkable students!

Photography: F5 Images

10/25/2026

10/23/2026

“Sometimes the greatest American dreams are not the ones we achieve alone, but the ones we achieve together.”

The story of Danbury’s Portuguese Cultural Center reminds us of what becomes possible when people set aside their differences for a greater purpose.

Building that shared dream meant finding common ground, bringing people together, and believing that what they could create together would serve generations to come.

At the 2026 American Dream Awards Gala, we proudly honored Augie Ribeiro, Ray Boa, Jose Boa, Francisco Bahia, and the late Antonio Fernandes with our Lifetime Achievement Award for their roles in turning that vision into a lasting home for Portuguese culture and community.

Twenty-five years later, their legacy reminds us that unity takes commitment, generosity, and the willingness to look beyond ourselves.

Thank you to our Lifetime Achievement Sponsor, Union Savings Bank, for helping us honor this enduring legacy. Thank you rmedia for helping us tell stories!

This is "2026 Lifetime Achievement Award PCC" by Emanuela Palmares on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

10/23/2026

One week later, and we’re still reliving the inspirational magic of the night!

Our 2026 American Dream Awards Gala was an unforgettable celebration of culture, heritage, unity, and the dreams that bring us together.

Thank you to our sponsors, partners, honorees, volunteers, and guests for making this extraordinary evening possible!

Here’s a glimpse of a night we’ll never forget! Stay tuned for more videos and photos…

For more information on our work, visit: www.thenewamericandreamfoundation.org

10/21/2026

Were you seen in “Little Portugal”? 🇵🇹📸✨

Our guests brought the elegance, smiles, and community spirit to the 2026 AMERICAN DREAM AWARDS Gala!

From Lisbon to Porto to Douro, our photo backdrops offered a little journey through Portugal and a beautiful way to remember a special evening.

Find your photo, share your favorite, and tell us: Which destination did you choose?

Thank you for celebrating with us and supporting The New American Dream Foundation.

Pictures by F5 Images

10/21/2026

💙 Your Health Matters. CT Paid Leave May Help.

Managing a serious health condition can be challenging enough without worrying about navigating the leave process on your own.

Eligible Connecticut employees may be able to use CT Paid Leave to take time away from work to address their own serious health condition and focus on their recovery.

Not sure where to start? The New American Dream Foundation provides support with the CT Paid Leave application process, helping you understand the paperwork and steps involved.

📩 Reach out to learn more and get help applying: https://www.thenewamericandreamfoundation.org/ct-paid-leave-assistance

10/19/2026

We did it! One Night. One Destination. One Community.
On Friday, our community came together for an unforgettable evening celebrating Portugal, honoring remarkable people, and supporting the mission of The New American Dream Foundation.

Here is a first look at the joy, beauty, and connection that filled the 2026 American Dream Awards Gala!

With grateful hearts, we thank the sponsors and partners who made this evening possible:

-Presenting Sponsor
Ventura Law

-American Dream Lifetime Achievement Sponsor
Union Savings Bank

-American Dream Community Hero Sponsor
Ives Bank

-American Dream Scholarship Awards Sponsors
Ventura Law
Northwell Health
Newtown Savings Bank
Union Savings Bank Foundation

-Senior Hot Meal Patrons
Mulvaney Mechanical
Linde

- American Dream Community Partners
Connecticut Health Foundation
City of Danbury
Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants
RobyDodd Family Charitable Foundation
Fairfield County’s Community Foundation

-American Dream Production Partners
Fc Event Design
Amber Room Colonnade
rmedia
Powerstation Events
F5 Images
Adam Broderick Salon & Spa

Your generosity and talents helped create a beautiful celebration while supporting education, healthcare access, community navigation, and emergency assistance for immigrants and their families.

To our guests, table sponsors, donors, honorees, scholarship recipients, performers (special thanks to Sons of Portugal Folklore Dance Group & Sonia Bettencourt), and volunteers: thank you for giving this evening its heart. ❤️

More photos and special moments are coming throughout the week! What was your favorite moment of the evening? Share in the comments below!

Photos by F5 Images