Power of the Dream Inc

The Power of the Dream was started in 2008  to address the critical need for asset development for persons with disabilities; specifically focusing on the development of micro-businesses. Currently in the United States the majority of adults with developmental disabilities are not employed or are underemployed, live in group homes or with their parents, and receive government assistance. The government does not allow them to have a savings account, receive monetary gifts, own a home, or even have a jar full of change.  If they do own assets with monetary value, or have any savings, then their government assistance will be decreased or eliminated. This rule keeps them in poverty and makes its nearly impossible to save and plan for the future. 

Since our inception, we have assisted 27 individuals through various stages of micro-enterprise development. The HANDmeUPs thrift store will extend our reach well beyond the individual enterprise. Our initial full-scale business will allow many more persons with disabilities to work, learn job skills, and be involved in the community. The Power of the Dream vision is to see Persons with autism and other developmental disabilities share in the American Dream. The goals are to reduce this population's reliance on government assistance, to increase their assets, and allow them to have a more secure future. We will do this by creating self-sustaining businesses that provide jobs, by assisting individuals with self-owned small (micro)businesses, by offering education and training, by advocating on quality of life issues and by collaborating with other organizations who share our mission.