Story Time with Dream North and Friends

Support for foster and systems-impacted youth

Expand existing project, program, or initiative (expanding and continuing ongoing, successful work)

The Story Time initiative empowers youth facing challenges, as depicted in the "Forgotten Baby" book series. Through storytelling, mainly for vulnerable populations like foster care children, we aim to share real-life experiences and promote understanding by inspiring more children to read, write and embrace literary arts, in turn leading to more youth becoming professional writers (authors, journalists, etc.). We are focused on bridging cultural and socio-economic gaps, incorporating literature into the everyday norm of the ever-developing child and utilizing coordinated events and workshops to shed awareness on the racial and judicial inequities that at-risk children face in underserved demographics on a county-wide scale. By partnering with local constituents, such as the LA Police Museum and LAUSD, we bridge cultural barrier gaps between government agencies and at-risk demographics, providing safe learning spaces that promote educational and career preparedness.

Through our free literary efficacy workshops and internship programs, sponsored by Supervisor Holly J Mitchell, we mentor 50 students annually, in turn impacting more than 200 foster youth. These interns assist in event production and book reading and creative writing workshops, receiving stipends, travel opportunities, letters of recommendation, recognition awards, resume and cover letter assistance, and job placements with affiliated industry professionals. Our programs build character, humility, and trade skills, while uplifting inner city youth and preparing young leaders to graduate high school and enter the workforce, making invaluable societal contributions.
Interns will also contribute to our “Forgotten Baby” children’s book series, becoming co-authors and illustrators. Book I is already published, and Book II, "Mytae and Marta," co-authored by former foster youth Zemirah Madison and illustrated by aged-out foster Arthur Romeo, focuses on Mytaé adjusting to foster care with the help of her friend Marta. “Forgotten Baby" is a children's book series for readers aged 8 and up, portraying the struggles of foster care with an engaging and thought-provoking narrative. The public has shown interest in "Forgotten Baby" for its unique perspective on the foster care system, re-sensitizing people to the challenges faced by children of color from urban areas.
Through our program we improve grades and create more literary professionals, contributing to workforce development.

Two-thirds of children in our service area have encountered the judicial system due to circumstances beyond their control. Dream North aims to provide stability and sustainability for youth, addressing generational economic gaps. Most children in our programs come from multi-problem families. Data from 2015 shows 83% of 9th graders and 88.3% of 11th graders considered suicide. PTSD significantly affects urban communities, with African Americans twice as likely to suffer from their white counterparts. Children in poverty and single-parent homes are often exposed to violence, drugs, and illegal activities, increasing risks of academic failure, gang involvement, teen parenthood, and legal issues. Our approach aims for regional scalability, addressing real-life challenges and fostering empowerment through literary and community-based initiatives. Since 2016, Dream North has uplifted over 3,000 at-risk youth in Los Angeles, reducing gang involvement and improving academic performance.

1. Conduct surveys at start, midpoint, and end to gauge engagement, opinions, and satisfaction levels among participants, guests, and staff.
2. Track participant success to assess impact on individual and community behaviors, setting checkpoints for progress. Goals include: 80% improving grades, graduating high school, enrolling in college; 70% enhancing quality of life; 40% entering writing or creative fields.
3. Hold regular feedback sessions with participants to adapt programs based on their needs and feedback.
4. Establish youth advisory boards to involve participants in program shaping and ensure their voices are heard.
5. Implement gender-inclusive facilities and policies for a safe, welcoming environment for transgender participants.
6. Conduct frequent check-ins with participants to address individual needs and challenges, offering personalized support.
7. Each year, publish 1-2 “Forgotten Books” co-authored by up to 5 foster youth per book.