Dreams for Change

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Dreams for Change Dreams For Change: Empowering individuals and families to break the cycle of homelessness and poverty through innovative solutions and support services.

Dreams for Change is a non-profit organization founded in May 2009 by Teresa Smith, Ph.D. Its mission is to help families and individuals who are struggling due to the recession’s economic downturn. It accomplishes this by creating innovative and cost-effective programs that empower and stabilize their lives. The organization initiated the first congregant Safe Parking Program, a beacon of hope for families and individuals experiencing homelessness while living in their vehicles. Since then, Dreams for Change has pioneered other effective programs that have transformed the lives of thousands, preventing them from slipping into homelessness. Dreams for Change is dedicated to providing a 3 Paths to Stability approach. These paths include:

1. Support: Case Management, Safe Parking, and Safe Sleeping

2. Employment: Workforce Training, Job Readiness & Personal Development Classes, along with job placement or education opportunities

3. Assets: Free Tax Preparation and Financial Literacy

Through these programs, Dreams for Change aims to provide support, and help people stablize employment, housing, and income to people in need, helping them to achieve stability and improve their lives.

Looking for a simple way to make a big impact? Your family, church, business, or community group can make a difference b...
10/14/2026

Looking for a simple way to make a big impact? Your family, church, business, or community group can make a difference by hosting a donation drive for Dreams for Change!

It's easier than you think! Decorate a collection box, share a flyer, and invite others to donate blankets, hygiene products, or other essentials.

One person may give just one or two items, but when a community comes together, those small contributions add up to something incredible.

Dropping off your donations is just as easy! We'll coordinate a convenient day and time for you to bring your collected items to our office.

Small acts. Collective impact. Real change.

Ready to get started? Email us at [email protected] to learn how to host your own drive!

Dreams for Change is proud to partner with United Way of San Diego County and the San Diego County EITC Coalition to pro...
10/13/2026

Dreams for Change is proud to partner with United Way of San Diego County and the San Diego County EITC Coalition to provide free tax preparation through our VITA program!

We're recruiting volunteers for the upcoming tax season. No experience needed! Free training is provided.
Help local families claim valuable tax credits and keep more of what they earn.

Sign up today or send us a message to learn more!

Have a few hours to give? Spend them making a difference in your community!Every Wednesday, Dreams for Change provides f...
10/12/2026

Have a few hours to give? Spend them making a difference in your community!

Every Wednesday, Dreams for Change provides fresh produce and essential food items to more than 140 local households. Volunteers help make it possible by sorting, packing, and distributing food to our neighbors.

We're looking for volunteers to join us! No experience is needed, just a willingness to lend a hand.

Through our partnership with HandsOn San Diego, signing up is easy.

Find your volunteer opportunity and register today: https://www.handsonsandiego.org/opportunity/a0CQQ0000CZX1JL2Q1/food-dreams-for-change-food-bank

Fall means back to school and welcoming a new group of college interns to Dreams for Change!Students pursuing their BSW ...
10/09/2026

Fall means back to school and welcoming a new group of college interns to Dreams for Change!

Students pursuing their BSW and MSW degrees are completing their required fieldwork hours across our programs, gaining hands-on experience and building connections along the way.

Meet Alex, one of our newest interns! Alex recently spent an evening playing games and enjoying recreational activities with children at one of our sites.

We're grateful for the students who believe in our work and choose Dreams for Change as part of their social work journey!

Every Wednesday, more than 140 households come to Dreams for Change for fresh food.Before distribution even begins, Geor...
10/07/2026

Every Wednesday, more than 140 households come to Dreams for Change for fresh food.

Before distribution even begins, George Jones and our volunteers are already hard at work. George picks up approximately 1,300 pounds of fresh produce and nearly 150 dozen eggs each week, then works alongside volunteers to sort and prepare everything for distribution.

George has led this effort since 2020, and after six years, he knows many of the people who come each week by name.

One grandmother told us how much she looks forward to the eggs and fresh produce because she uses them to make huevos rancheros for her grandchildren. Another participant takes the fresh produce home to can and preserve, sharing what she makes with friends and family.

Nearly 150 dozen eggs sounds like a number. For one Abuela, they are breakfast with her grandchildren.

For more than 140 households, Wednesday means fresh food, familiar faces, and a little more room in the weekly budget.

Sometimes stability begins with knowing there will be food on the table this week.

New CalFresh work requirements took effect June 1, 2026. If they apply to you, you may need to work, volunteer, or parti...
10/06/2026

New CalFresh work requirements took effect June 1, 2026. If they apply to you, you may need to work, volunteer, or participate in approved education/training for 20 hrs/week. Don’t rule yourself out.

Los nuevos requisitos de trabajo para CalFresh entraron en vigor el 1 de junio de 2026. Si cumples con las condiciones, es posible que debas trabajar, hacer trabajo voluntario o participar en un programa de educación/capacitación aprobado durante 20 horas/semana. No asumas que no calificas.

Did you know Dreams for Change offers two Workforce Training tracks?🍴 Dreams Cuisine teaches food service skills, while ...
10/05/2026

Did you know Dreams for Change offers two Workforce Training tracks?

🍴 Dreams Cuisine teaches food service skills, while our Human Services track prepares trainees for work in shelter services, security, and peer support.

Not everyone goes on to work in these fields. What they gain are skills, experience, and confidence that can help overcome barriers to employment.

We believe in people, their potential, and the opportunity to build what comes next.

An evening spent sharing a meal, playing games, talking, laughing, and getting to know one another.For people experienci...
10/01/2026

An evening spent sharing a meal, playing games, talking, laughing, and getting to know one another.

For people experiencing unsheltered homelessness, opportunities to connect and build community can be just as important as the services and resources available to them.

Every person has a story, strengths, challenges, and hopes for what comes next. At Dreams for Change, our work begins with believing in people and creating opportunities for connection, stability, and change.

How would you like to get involved?

What if a few hours of your time could help someone keep more of the money they worked hard to earn?Each tax season, Dre...
09/29/2026

What if a few hours of your time could help someone keep more of the money they worked hard to earn?

Each tax season, Dreams For Change provides free tax preparation to individuals and families through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Our volunteers help people file accurate returns, avoid costly preparation fees, and access tax credits and refunds that can make a real difference in a household budget.

But volunteering with VITA gives something back, too.

You don’t need to be a tax expert to get started. Volunteers receive training and support while building valuable skills, gaining hands-on experience, meeting new people, and helping members of our community navigate something that can often feel overwhelming.

Whether you’re looking to give back, build your resume, learn a new skill, or simply do something meaningful with your time, there’s a place for you on our VITA team.

Tax season will be here before we know it. Join us and help make free tax preparation possible for our community.

📧 [email protected]

Last week, our Dreams Cuisine team made more than 300 blueberry honey parfaits!Fresh blueberries, a little honey, and a ...
09/29/2026

Last week, our Dreams Cuisine team made more than 300 blueberry honey parfaits!
Fresh blueberries, a little honey, and a whole lot of care went into every cup. Our team worked together to prepare, portion, and package each one for distribution to our community.
More than 300 parfaits made and ready to go!

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San Diego, CA

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+16194970236

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