Not staying behind.

“In 2016, I took matters into my own hands and got onto a Greyhound Bus and took a three-day trip to Taos, New Mexico. I finally left what was hurting me. It was two years in Taos when CPS took me out of my household and into the Transitional LivingProgram at DreamTree.

I want to tell my story to the world because I know there is a kid out there somewhere begging to know if they are alone. You are never alone. People are waiting to help you. I want to be that person to someone. I want to be that person that people refer to if someone is going through something similar. I want someone to look at me and say, ‘If she went through this and survived, then so can I.’ There is more to life than your past. You can and will come out stronger than your abusers. Do not let them have control of you any longer.

Now in 2020, I live on my own with my amazing boyfriend. I have two dogs, Daisy and Koda, I graduated high school, which was unheard of in my family, and I started college this year. I will be starting my second semester soon. I have dreams of being a nurse. I also wish to tell my story to everyone. When I was locked in my abuse, I never had any dreams. I only knew how to survive. I did not know there was a life beyond trauma. It has only been two years since I have left, and I have a huge journey of healing in front of me, but for the first time in my life, I feel that there is finally something worth living for. Life is beautiful,and it is just waiting for me and you to take it. Your past will never define you. You are worthy of love just as much as I am. Do not let these hardships take you over,especially in 2020. Reach out to people and find help. You are never alone on your journey.”

- Hayley, DreamTree Graduate
Feature in The Hum Magazine / Read Hayley’s article

“I want to tell my story to the world because I know there is a kid out there somewhere begging to know if they are alone. You are never alone. People are waiting to help you.”

— HAYLEY, DreamTree Graduate

This is the family DreamTree built.

“This is the family that DreamTree built,” says Jessica, a DreamTree graduate.

Jessica and Archie arrived separately to DreamTree Project in 2001 with their lives in crisis. Through our Transitional Living Program, they found refuge & resources to begin the years of hard work ahead of them, but they also found each other.

This spring, when the couple returned to DreamTree for the first time in all these years, they brought with them their three children — ages 10, 12, and 15.

Presently, Jessica, Archie and their family live in Texas. The couple are chefs at a health food store. They’re very open with their children about their difficult pasts and how they were able to overcome them. Their number one priority is making sure their kids receive an exceptional education and that they’re safe and happy. Jessica noted during their visit, “If it weren’t for DreamTree Project, we wouldn’t be together, and we sure wouldn’t have made it.”

Catherine Hummel, Executive Director of DreamTree Project, commented, “They are bright, attentive kids, interested in veterinary medicine, marching band, and virtual reality. It was incredible to see how bright the future can be for any of the youth we have in our emergency shelter or transitional program today.”

Success stories like these are possible with donations from community members like you.

People like you give Jessica and Archie a chance.

Giving back in a big way.

“If it weren’t for DreamTree Project, we wouldn’t be together, and we sure wouldn’t have made it.”

— Jessica, DreamTree Graduate

When we have the support we need growing up, it’s easy to take it for granted. When we don’t, every success is a major step to becoming an adult.

A youth in the DreamTree Apartments will soon graduate to independence. For the last (2) years, she has transitioned into young adulthood. With the help of her Case Managers, she obtained a copy of her birth certificate, secured a job at Assistance Dogs of the West, and graduated from high school here in Taos. This Fall, she will begin a 10-month tour with AmeriCorps.

Today, with experience attending school and work shifts regularly, a high school diploma, and vital life skills, this youth is well on her way to becoming a productive, independent adult.

make an impact on a teen’s life today.

Support our mission to help provide housing and compassionate support services to youth in crisis.

The joy of cooking — together.

A few weeks ago, we were curious how the shelter group (7 youth) would react to our scheduled Saturday activity: buying food at the farmer’s market to prepare a meal. We told them we trusted their ability to find and buy foods they really wanted. We were relieved when they dove right in and rocked it.

They were so excited!

They trusted their peers to return extra money, combined funds to make larger purchases and refrained from buying things only for themselves.

They chose heirloom tomatoes, several kinds of lettuce and greens, onions, homemade tortillas, and fresh roasted green chile.

When they came home, they all wanted to be in the kitchen and help out with cooking the meal — TOGETHER!

They laughed, jammed music, smelled produce and were really excited about their home-cooked lunch. We had an amazing taco salad that day! The best part was watching them work together and feeling inspired and encouraged to do this work because, with days and moments like these, you could see their joy and excitement.

Let them know they’re not alone.

Recently, a youth showed up at the shelter after an AWOL around midnight. They were very intoxicated and sent to the ER for medical clearance. I was on call, so I joined them at the ER and stayed with the youth for hours.

Although I could have been upset — I felt so much compassion for them. It was clear this youth was seeking love and attention from their parents by using drugs and alcohol.

I told them how responsible and wise it was to come back to the shelter and ask for help. Once the youth sobered up, I brought them back to the shelter and they went right to bed.

I feel dedicated to my work and have faith that our work at DreamTree really helps save the lives of our youth and give them another chance.

“DreamTree really helps save the lives of our youth and give them another chance.”

— Alexandra, Teen Service Specialist

A brighter future.

Diego is a 16-year-old who returned to DreamTree’s Emergency Youth Shelter, on his own accord, after living on the streets. During his second stint at DreamTree, he took advantage of our outdoor programs & found new passion for nature, hunting & fishing.

When it came time for Diego to leave, he invited DreamTree youth, staff & his grandfather to a “Graduation Dinner.”

With maturity & enthusiasm, Diego left DreamTree for a residential treatment center, with the intention of returning to DreamTree’s Transitional Living Program.

Our staff loved getting to know Diego, we know his future is bright!

Healing family ties.

Sara, a pregnant teen living in our DreamTree Casitas Transitional Living Program, hadn’t spoken to her mother for months.

Over Christmas, her mother contacted her DreamTree Case Manager to plan a surprise visit. This reunion was the breakthrough this family needed.

Today they are working to heal their relationship and Sara’s mother joins her for every prenatal doctor’s visit. With the help of DreamTree staff, Sara also goes to school full-time and aims to earn her diploma.

“We are proud of our youth and excited for their futures.”

— Rhona, DreamTree Case Manager

Aiming for success.

The right school can mean the difference between success and overwhelm. For Jaime, a busy classroom distracted him from learning. He became embarrassed and defensive about his special needs in reading and math, so he started avoiding school. Together with us, Jaime* identified a school that was right for him. DreamTree gave him lots of encouragement and support.

Today, with these supports, Jaime* has improved his attendance and is on track to graduate in December. We are proud of Jaime* and excited for his future. We’re happy he’s getting the academic support he needs.

Longterm stability.

Recently, we were helping Roberta,* one of our Transitional Living residents, complete a housing application to receive rental move-in assistance. We were looking for an affordable long-term lease. We spoke through the process in clear, concise steps. Through this process, we were able to find a permanent housing solution that was satisfying and affordable for Roberta.* We felt impactful and fulfilled assisting Roberta* find a safe and stable home to thrive in.

“I feel impactful and fulfilled assisting youth to find a safe and stable home to thrive in.”

— Shay, OPERATIONS COORDINATOR

Positive role models.

As *Nina was transitioning into foster care, she was nervous about getting to know new people. One of our Teen Service Specialists, who provides 24/7 supervision to our shelter youth, encouraged her to take one step at a time in getting to know her new family. When Nina* returned from a visit, she communicated many positives about her developing relationship with her foster care family. She transitioned successfully into her new home, and took with her positive connections to DreamTree staff as well. She continues to feel connected to positive adult role models and a safe place to call home.

Building confidence.

Last month, we talked with *Nick who told us he was being bullied. We listened to his story and were able to validate his experience. We told him that bullying is not okay, and he does not deserve to be treated that way or tolerate it. We are grateful to be able to help Nick* know that he is not alone, and that he is supported to open up and share his feelings.

“We are grateful to be able to help our youth know they are not alone, and that they are supported to open up and share their feelings.”

— Richard, Staff Supervisor

A place to call home.

We received a phone call from one of our ex-residents. She had been at DreamTree Project longterm before she went to Job Corps in Albuquerque last October. Although we knew Marie* very well, we could barely recognize her voice initially between sobs over the phone. Nevertheless, we could clearly hear that she was very distressed and in trouble. After a few moments of reassurance, we discovered that she was our former resident! And that she was being asked to leave Job Corps immediately due to COVID-19. She was panicking because she had nowhere to go, and did not know what to do. Luckily, she still had our number in her phone and reached out. After speaking to one of her supervisors at Job Corps, we made a plan that someone would drive Marie* to Santa Fe the following day, and we would meet her there and bring her back to DreamTree. She has somewhere safe to live while we all ride out this corona virus crisis. In the short time she has been with us, we have already helped Marie* reinstate her food stamps, and she is among familiar faces. DreamTree to the rescue!

Bettering peer dynamics.

Sitting down to write a behavioral contract with any youth is never easy. This winter, I needed to write a contract with Michael* who was having trouble with peer dynamics, verbally threatening others. It felt positive to speak with him, because he was able to share with me the underlying cause of his behavior. As it turned out, Michael* struggled with housing instability and peer dynamics for a long time. I gave him lots of encouragement for establishing appropriate boundaries with his peers, and he was receptive. Since then, Michael* has been successful in setting appropriate boundaries and has consistently met every condition of his behavioral contract.

“It feels positive to speak with them…give them lots of encouragement.”

— Shanti, DreamTree Case Manager

Motivation and dreams.

Two weeks ago, Theresa* requested support in learning about the local High School Equivalency (HSE) Program (formerly known as GED). It was exciting to explore Theresa's* options for continuing her education. The challenge was completing her HSE, so she could apply for an undergraduate degree. I encouraged Theresa*, letting her know that her dreams were attainable. She was so motivated, she took one exam that day a second the next evening. She is now enrolled in the HSE course and meeting her educational goals, at her own pace and with plenty of support.

Building leadership skills.

We’ve been working with the Genders and Sexualities Alliance at Taos High School for the last three school years, as part of DreamTree outreach. Leah* is their new president, an underclassmen who stepped into the role this semester for a senior who is graduating this year. In February, when the Director of the New Mexico Transgender Resource Center came to Taos to give a Transgender101 talk, Leah* needed to coordinate the venue, time, and press. She increased her youth leadership role by organizing the event, taking notes, and following up with other youth afterwards. We are really proud of her developing leadership skills.

“I am really proud of their developing youth leadership skills.”

— IRENE, DEVELOPMENT OUTREACH COORDINATOR