Bringing Bigger Dreams to the District: Meet DREAM D.C.

DREAM D.C. staff at fundraising event at Navy Yard.

DREAM D.C.’s story starts like many great things: slow and steady. DREAM’s mission has always been closing the opportunity gap for youth through mentoring, experiential learning and educational enrichment. It is amazing to be able to spread that mission further along the east coast with each expansion to new regions and one of DREAM’s newest regions is Washington, D.C. Bringing DREAM to D.C. was no easy feat, but having the perfect person, like Youth Service Director, Cindy Mills, is what it takes to transform closing the opportunity gap from a mission to a reality.

Cindy during DREAM D.C.'s participation in Park Morton's Toys for Tots Holiday Event

The Heart Behind DREAM D.C.

If you ask Cindy her vision for supporting the youth in D.C., she would say it's, “creat[ing] a strong, community-centered program where youth feel safe, supported, and encouraged to explore new opportunities.” Cindy has years of experience in youth development and family-focused nonprofit programs. She has held leadership roles at various organizations where she worked closely with youth and families from underserved communities.

“What brought me to DREAM is my passion for relationship-building and creating programs where young people feel supported, seen, and connected to opportunities they may not otherwise have access to. I’ve always believed consistency, community, and mentorship can truly change the direction of a young person’s life.” — Cindy Mills, Youth Service Director 

Cindy is originally from New York, but her previous time living and working in the DMV made her feel connected to the community in D.C. Anyone who knows D.C. and its strong, passionate, and outspoken culture doesn’t need to wonder why. Cindy shares, “The opportunity to help launch DREAM D.C. felt like a natural fit both personally and professionally. It’s exciting to help build something from the ground up and create meaningful opportunities for youth and families in D.C.” Now that Cindy is leading the way, the building has already begun! DREAM D.C. is already connecting with the community and fostering meaningful connections.

Launching DREAM D.C.’s Legacy Through Community

Park Morton Apartments

DREAM D.C.'s inaugural housing partnership with Park Morton, a property managed by The Community Builders (TCB), is an exciting venture as the region prepares to officially launch its summer enrichment programming! Stacking all the building blocks for DREAM to begin programming in D.C. has been a long laborious process but Cindy’s grit and determination is helping bring the region to life. Cindy and the amazing D.C. team have been working closely with TCB staff and Park Morton residents to coordinate programming space, connect with families, and implement strong relationships within the community.

Furthermore, DREAM D.C. is also building partnerships that support programming and long-term mentorship. Currently, DREAM D.C. is connecting with Howard University students and is hoping to onboard more to serve as mentors for Park Morton youth. Cindy hopes, “As [DREAM D.C.] continues growing, to expand partnerships with universities, local businesses, and community organizations that can help create meaningful opportunities and support systems for youth and families across D.C.”

Cindy is deeply committed to building programming that nurtures and enriches the youth. DREAM D.C.’s programming will focus on mentorship and academics as well as less obvious aspects of youth development such as social-emotional growth, and exposure to experiences that help youth build confidence and community. 

Cindy and staff during Navy Yard Happy Hour Fundraising event.

To do so, Cindy is leading fundraising opportunities as she continues to aid in building DREAM’s impact in D.C. Recently, DREAM D.C. hosted a successful fundraising event at Navy Yard that brought together potential partners and the DREAM community. With support from the advisory board, new DREAM D.C. staff, and the D.C. community, the region raised funds towards supporting youth programming and community engagement efforts.

The Future of DREAM D.C.

As DREAM D.C. is driving up momentum towards great summer enrichment programming and deepening its roots in the community, the future is full of possibility. Through strong partnerships, dedicated staff, and a commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for youth, DREAM D.C. is building a stronger, more connected community. At the heart of that vision is Cindy’s belief that lasting impact extends beyond the youth themselves.

“I also want families to feel connected and involved in the program, not just the students,” Cindy shares. “Long term, I hope DREAM D.C. becomes a trusted and impactful resource within the communities we serve.”

If you'd like to be part of the DREAM D.C. community or follow along the journey, you can connect with the region through Instagram or Linkedin.