By Deanna Adams

We all have a story, and we all have a dream.  And there is one organization based out of Beachwood whose mission it is to turn a negative into a positive.

Believe in Dreams is a nonprofit that fulfills the dreams of children who are economically disadvantaged and/or have survived a nonmedical adversity.  For the past 10 years, it has been their mission to bring smiles to kids, ages 1–18, by providing them access to enriching opportunities and experiences, a connection with community, and hope for the future for them and their families. 

The idea was born out of tragedy.  In 2009, Cleveland entrepreneur and owner of the John Roberts Salons, John DiJulius III, lost his wife, Stacy, mother of his three sons.  Faced with raising his three young sons, DiJulius thought of ways to make a difference in other children dealing with hardship and how he might bring joy back to their lives.  And so, he created Believe in Dreams in 2014.

“I started out as a volunteer because John needed help,” says executive director Katie Eichenauer, who is a social worker.  “I was happy to help build on the program, and it grew pretty fast.”  Their staff consists of other social workers and professionals, along with interns. 

Some of the struggles the children may go through include the loss of a parent or another loved one, abuse, poverty, and homelessness.  If a child is eligible, the only other requirement is that someone other than a family member must nominate them, which includes teachers or other professionals. 

Eichenauer adds that the organization is not in competition with other agencies like them but rather works in collaboration with them.  “We complement those other amazing works out there because we all share the same goals.  To give children more opportunities that they wouldn’t have otherwise.”

Much of what they do develops through word of mouth and help from the community.  When Kelly, mother of five, lost her husband four years ago, her children’s ages were 11, 10, 7, 5 and 2.  She hadn’t heard of Believe in Dreams until one of her children’s teachers called saying that each of her kids had been nominated to receive a dream. 

“We live in such a great community,” says Kelly, who resides in Thompson.  “When word got out about their dreams, the whole school decided to get involved.” 

This meant a big surprise for the kids.  “We live in a small house, so when it came time for the dreams to be announced, they ended up having it in the school cafeteria,” she says.  “All the teachers rounded up the entire school, and when the kids walked in and they saw everyone there, including their dad’s best friends, their eyes got so big.  They were just shocked.  It was particularly special because it was to be their first Christmas without their father.”

Among the things Kelly’s children received included winter jackets and boots, gift cards for Peek ’n Peak Ski Resort and Busy Bees Pottery & Art Studio, much-needed dressers for the girls, a power wheels Jeep for the only boy, and a weekend at Kalahari Resorts in Sandusky.

“I was completely amazed at how much they did for my kids.  It was a very emotional day for everyone. There were tears of joy and it gave them some good memories of that sad time in their lives.”

Best of all, the children learned a life lesson that will last long after the dreams were completed.  “They learned how good it feels when people do kind things, and that there are still reasons to smile.  They now love giving back and doing things for others.  They are very active with the alumni events, such as the annual BID 5K Race at the Cleveland
Metroparks Zoo.”

Today, Kelly says her children, Makenna, 15, Aliza, 13, Alaina, 11, Stella, 9 and Lars, 6, are all doing well, and they now have some wonderful memories of that time, thanks to everyone involved with Believe in Dreams. 

Lettie, who lives in Cleveland, is raising her granddaughter, along with her husband, after their daughter’s death eight years ago when the girl was just 5.  “Believe in Dreams is just a wonderful organization.  I will say that when they contacted me, I was hesitant.  We don’t get outside help and didn’t want anything extra or to take advantage, so when they asked I said, ‘let’s keep it simple.  A need instead of a want.’  So my granddaughter, who is now 12, received a laptop and she got a dance lessons package, which she really enjoys.”

Lettie noted several things that she likes about the agency.  “There are no political or religions tied in, they help those from all walks of life.  And it doesn’t have to be an immediate tragedy, either, just something that altered a child’s day-to-day life.  Plus, they don’t forget you afterward.  They have an alumni program, which allows us opportunities to participate in their future events and give back to others in a tough spot.”

So far, the organization has fulfilled 775 dreams and hopes to keep moving forward.  “We’re excited about our 10th anniversary,” Eichenauer says.  “But we always need a little help from the community.” 

In celebrating this milestone, they are currently asking those who can to help them turn 10 new “dreamers into believers” by donating $10 or more, then share why they “believe in dreams” on social media.  Their goal is to raise $15,000 to fulfill 10 new dreams by the end of 2024. 

For more information, see their website at www.believeindreams.org.  Or call 440-484-2376.  Believe in Dreams is located at 26300 Cedar Road, Suite 1105, Beachwood, Ohio 44122. 

~Photo provided by Believe in Dreams