our approach & support
Empowering Dreams is a non-religious, non-political registered charity committed to empowering disadvantaged youth in underprivileged communities. We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, regardless of the challenges they face.
Our mission is to provide holistic support to children by addressing their physiological, safety, love, and esteem needs, enabling them to break free from the cycle of poverty and build brighter futures.
Inspired by the Child-Centered Network (CCN) model
It is our belief that the well-being of youth is directly impacted by the support network surrounding
them
Maslow's theory suggests that focusing on just one aspect of an individual's life, like education or food support, is not enough for them to reach their full potential.
That's why our Youth Support Centers provide comprehensive programs that address all physiological, safety, love, and esteem needs, ensuring that our youth thrive.
transformative youth programs
When we identify an at-risk youth, we meet with them and their guardian, or directly with the youth if they without guardianship, to explain our services and offer a place in our Youth Support Center.
Recognizing the vital need for families and communities to support their at-risk youth independently, we provide tailored assistance, including entrepreneurship training, alternative income projects, health programs, psychological support, and mentorship. Our sustainable programs focus on teaching long-term financial and mental self-sufficiency.
Empowering Families + Communities
We establish lasting and effective partnerships with community stakeholders to support at-risk youth.
By collaborating with local family services, principals, teachers, and police, we can identify these youth and understand their unique situations and needs.
Community partnerships
OUR APPROACH
Mentorship
Psychological Services
Physiological Needs
Our youth often face challenging situations and lack positive adult influences. To guide them through these challenges, each youth at our center is assigned a life coach. This mentor meets regularly with the youth, their family, and teachers to offer support and guidance in making positive life decisions. By providing consistent, one-on-one mentorship, we help our youth develop resilience, self-confidence, and a vision for their future.
At Empowering Dreams, our mission is to provide a holistic support system that addresses the diverse needs of youth in underprivileged communities.
Our Core Programs are designed to empower each child, help them overcome obstacles, and build a brighter future. Here's a closer look at how we make a difference:
Many of our youth have experienced significant trauma, which can hinder their ability to thrive. We provide professional psychological services and counseling to support their healing and emotional development. Our trained counselors work closely with each child to address their unique needs, helping them to process their experiences and build the emotional strength needed for a healthy, successful life.
We recognize the importance of physical health in overall well-being. At our centers, we support our youth's physical well-being by providing access to dental and medical care, along with one nutritious meal daily. This comprehensive approach ensures that our youth are healthy and ready to learn, play, and grow.
Education
Youth Give Back
Strengthening Families
Education is a key pillar of our work. We offer tutoring in school subjects and additional classes in entrepreneurship, life skills, and English. These educational opportunities equip our youth with the essential knowledge and skills they need to overcome challenges and build a brighter future. Our goal is to prepare them not just for academic success, but for life.
Teaching the value of giving back is central to our philosophy. Our youth participate in monthly service activities such as ocean clean-ups, reading buddies programs, and assisting the elderly. These experiences foster empathy, responsibility, and community engagement, encouraging a culture of kindness and cooperation among our youth.
We understand that real change requires investing in each child’s family. To support this, we offer specialized programs for the guardians of our participants. These include literacy support, business training, and workshops on child development, grief and loss, nurturing, and more. By empowering families, we create a more stable and supportive environment for our youth to flourish.
Post-Secondary Education
Activities
Empowering Women
After high school, our support doesn't end. We assist our students financially, logistically, and emotionally so they can pursue further education in universities, colleges, technical schools, and vocational training. Our continued support ensures that they have every opportunity to succeed in their chosen paths.
Extracurricular activities are vital for building self-esteem and a sense of belonging. Our centers offer programs in art, music, dance, sports, and more. These activities help our youth explore their talents, express themselves, and build confidence.
We partner with SERniña (by REALgirl) to deliver transformative workshops in our centers. Led by local experts, this program offers over 180 hours of support on topics like identity, gender equality, human rights, health, and financial literacy. We are committed to fostering safer and more inclusive environments for our youth, with particular emphasis on gender equality.
Empowering Youth, Strengthening Communities
Our Core Programs
120
youth
1
centers
2023
year founded
About Us
Laura Bancroft
Laura Bancroft, founder of Empowering Dreams, is a dedicated leader in education and humanitarian work. Her journey began with a not-for-profit ESL school in Mexico in 2015, which laid the foundation for Empowering Dreams. As CEO of multiple childcare and educational organizations, Laura continues to drive impact through initiatives that focus on child development and education reform.
Stacey Gundersen
With over 15 years in Human Resources and Communications, Stacey Gundersen provides invaluable expertise to Empowering Dreams. Her background in corporate services and consulting allows her to contribute effectively to the organization’s mission. Outside of her professional life, Stacey is a mother to five boys and enjoys outdoor activities with her family.
Jenny Mendoza
Jenny Mendoza is a Registered Nurse with a decade of experience in mental and physical health. Currently working in Psychiatric Emergency Services, Jenny also supports eating disorder recovery and runs an in-home meal support service. Her dedication to health and wellness is a valuable asset to Empowering Dreams’ team.
Jessica Chabot
Jessica Chabot serves as Secretary Treasurer of Empowering Dreams, bringing over 13 years of financial management expertise. Her experience managing finances at Footprints for Learning Charter academy ensures that Empowering Dreams operates with transparency and efficiency. Jessica’s passion for supporting youth stems from her transformative experience in Ethiopia.
Corina Jeppesen
Corina Jeppesen, Chief Operating Officer of a major daycare in Alberta, brings over 20 years of experience in early childhood education and program development. Her leadership and expertise help shape Empowering Dreams' child-centered initiatives, contributing to the nurturing environments that the organization strives to create.
Jennifer and Ryan Sayers
As Centre Directors in Veragua, Dominican Republic, Jennifer and Ryan Sayers bring extensive experience in foster care and youth mentoring. Their volunteer work in Panama and Alberta demonstrates a strong commitment to youth and community, making them a perfect fit for leading the Veragua center.
Our Board
Empowering Dreams was founded with a vision for lasting change, inspired by the Child-Centered Network (CCN) model developed by our mentors at Real-Humanitarian. Since launching our first Youth Support Center in Veragua, Dominican Republic, we have been dedicated to adapting and implementing this proven approach in communities with insufficient support networks.
As we continue to grow, so does our impact. We are committed to expanding our reach by opening additional centers in areas of greatest need, ensuring more children gain access to the resources and opportunities necessary for them to thrive.
