Dont Stop Dreaming

Don't Stop Dreaming is a movement to reach youth, and more specifically at-risk youth, across the city of New Orleans and show them what a dream realized can be. Our mission is to encourage and promote purpose, community, self-worth and empowerment through the development of multi-level educational resources, civic engagement and regional community supports with an emphasis on their natural giftings. I want our children to be better students, better young men and women, better spouses and parents in our community. Trauma doesn't have a color, race or zip code.

The program was initially designed as a mentorship and enrichment summer camp geared towards at-risk young boys, whose parent is incarcerated, has been incarcerated, deceased or absent in their lives. We found the need is greater and grew to accommodate all youth across the city of New Orleans. Trauma doesn't have a color, race or zip code. Don't Stop Dreaming now has year around programming incorporating our founder's 30+ years of community service and youth events to reach our children across the city.
Derrick P. Henderson Sr. developed and leads the Don't Stop Dreaming Mentoring Program. Derrick is a former teacher. He has been volunteering successfully with at-risk youth for over 34 years and is a father figure to many in the city of New Orleans. His efforts led to Don't Stop Dreaming receiving a proclamation from the City Council of New Orleans for its efforts in our inaugural year. Since, Derrick Henderson, Sr has received the Harry Belafonte Lifetime Achievement award for Mentor of the Year from community leaders and Outstanding Community Leader at the Emline Ball in 2025.

New Orleans is at a critical juncture. Don't Stop Dreaming offers a bridge to opportunities.

Testimonials

Don't Stop Dreaming met a need I didn't know I needed. My son doesn't have a male role model in the house and this mentoring program gave him someone who he looks up to. He knows Coach Derrick really loves him and only wants the best for him. He tells me all the new things he is going to do when he grows up because he knows he can reach his dreams. - Mom of mentee