Story by: Emily Regalado 

More than 25,000 individuals age out of foster care each year; the Dash Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering such youth. Since its creation in 2021, Dash’s team of trained coaches and partnerships have worked towards the goal of helping these new adults become financially independent. 

The founder of the Dash Foundation, Mike Williams, was once in foster care himself. When he “aged out,” Williams said that he lacked the support system and discipline to succeed; this led to his eventual homelessness. He dreamt of a way that those who were like him could have the resources and community to cultivate their own “smart dreams,” as he calls them. 

The therapeutic housing model that Williams created for the Dash Foundation includes a Smart Dreams coach who lives with a group of Dreamers—young adults that have aged out of foster care—and a therapist who comes weekly to offer support. Dreamers are held accountable to work, participate in chores, take part in community service, and make progress towards their goals while living in the Dash home. 

The Dash Foundation’s immediate goal is to reach 100 beds. They hope to eventually provide housing in more states, starting with Georgia. To donate, volunteer, become a Smart Dreams coach, or learn more about the impact the Dash Foundation is making, head over to dashfoundationinc.org