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From left: Three of Journey to Dream’s leaders are Chief Development O cer Samantha Sims, CEO Nesa Grider and Development Coordinator Sarah Ryan. (Photos by Don Munsch/Community Impact)
Journey to Dream Denton County organization assists teens
The school programs under The Dream Initiative are ongoing and a big part of the overall organiza- tion’s programs. “Through those programs, we had teens that were coming to us and disclosing that they were homeless, and they needed a place to stay. They needed shelter; they needed more support than just at school,” Ryan said. Kyle’s Place opened in 2017. It was named after Kyle Milliman, a Hebron High School student who died in 2012 and whose life and example served as an inspiration. Kyle’s Place started with eight beds. It’s grown to a capacity of 19, Ryan said. Outside of the actual building, the facility can help both young people in the community and foster care. It’s a transitional living facility that helps people move on to the next phase of their lives. “We’re pretty much always full,” Ryan said. “We actually have a waitlist usually for Kyle’s Place, so that’s part of why we’re trying to grow right now so that we can meet that need. When the teens come into Kyle’s Place, they typ- ically are coming through [Child Protective Services] or being referred to us. So we sit down with them, make sure that we can actually serve them and that we’re able to meet their needs, and that they’ll it well at the home with the other teens.”
BY DON MUNSCH
Local nonpro it Journey to Dream seeks to be a guiding light for young people. The organization relies on its donors—it is not state or federally funded—and held its gala at the Hilton Garden Inn on June 17 in Lewisville to fund its two main programs, Kyle’s Place and the Dream Initiative. CEO Nesa Grider and Devel- opment Coordinator Sarah Ryan spoke about the nonpro it’s needs at the Journey to Dream of ice in Lewisville. “We realized that there weren’t a lot of resources out there for teens needing support for mental health, struggling with anxiety, depression, bullying—all those challenges that teens go through,” Ryan said. Journey to Dream employs 33 people, who work in different capacities throughout the organi- zation—including at Kyle’s Place, which is a residential facility that houses homeless teens ages 14-19. The Dream Initiative is a school- based program. The nonpro it accepts monetary and in-kind contributions, and volunteers are eagerly accepted. Between Kyle’s Place and the school programs and outreach, Journey to Dream serves about 15,000 young people every year, Ryan said. Journey to Dream began in-school programs in 2004, Ryan said.
Kyle’s Place is a shelter for homeless teens o ered by Journey to Dream.
FULFILLING DREAMS
Journey to Dream is a nonpro t that provides shelter and other options for homeless youth in Denton County.
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Caring and professional adult guidance
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Case management
Family-run, craft beers, fine wines and local specialty vendors
Referrals for necessities like food and clothing
Life skills training
www.lakesideurbangrocery.com 214-513-4000 Monday Closed Join us for tastings every Saturday
Mental health care and assessment Individual counseling Medical and dental care referrals
Tues - Sat 9am - 8pm Sunday 10am - 4pm
Journey to Dream 579 N. Valley Parkway, Ste. 200, Lewisville 469-470-2382 www.journeytodream.com O ce hours: Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
2500 Lakeside Pkwy. Ste. 100 Flower Mound, TX 75022
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Free samples of our new Draft beers
LEWISVILLE
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FLOWER MOUND HIGHLAND VILLAGE ARGYLE EDITION • AUGUST 2023
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