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Dream Program

Dream Foundation’s Dreams touch lives, meet essential needs and provide inspiration, comfort and closure at the end of life. Our Dreams have provided psychosocial and emotional support tailored to thousands of terminally-ill adults and their families. Our work plays a critical role in the special end-of-life care that focuses on improving quality of life for patients and their families. With the support of a nationwide network of volunteers, hospices, health care organizations and committed donors, Dream Foundation has given life to more than 34,000 Dreams since 1994.

If you only had one year to live…what would your DREAM be?

Dreams can be as simple as an iPad to connect with loved ones afar, creating happy memories at a family dinner, or meeting a personal hero—a request that provides support and compassion. Through this non-medical form of end-of-life compassionate care, Dreams provide inspiration, comfort and closure to Dream recipients and their families.

Qualifications
Dream recipients live in the United States, including Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico, are 18 and older, are diagnosed with a life limiting illness with a life expectancy of 12 months or less, and lack the resources to fulfill the Dream themselves.

Dream Application
To receive an application, please download the application PDF or complete the online application. Please contact application@dreamfoundation.org for more information.

We do not fulfill certain types of Dreams.

Dreams for Veterans

Officially launched in Washington, D.C., in 2015, Dream Foundation’s Dreams for Veterans program tailors the Dream experience to veterans and their families. Dream recipients are U.S. military veterans, active service members, and members of the Reserve and National Guard. This program acknowledges veterans and honors their service by fulfilling their final Dream, providing them, their families and caregivers inspiration, comfort and closure at the end of life.

If you served, you can Dream.
Dreams not only serve veterans, but also bring comfort and peace to their loved ones and caregivers. Dreams play a critical role in the special end-of-life care that focuses on improving quality of life for veterans and their families.

Qualifications
Dream recipients live in the United States, including Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico, are U.S. military veterans 18 and older, diagnosed with a life limiting illness and a life expectancy of 12 months or less, can provide proof of U.S. military service* and lack the resources to fulfill the Dream themselves. If the applicant is currently serving on active duty, in the Reserve or National Guard, proof of service is required.

*If applicants are unable to provide a copy of their discharge papers or other proof of service, or prefer not to share those forms, please feel free to apply for a Dream through our Dream Program.

Dream Application
To receive an application, please download the application PDF or complete the online application. Please contact application@dreamfoundation.org for more information.

We do not fulfill certain types of Dreams.

Help Spread the Word
You can help veterans in need by referring them to Dreams for Veterans or donating time or resources to the program. For more information, please contact DFV@dreamfoundation.org.

Flower Empower

Dream Foundation’s Flower Empower program is a Santa Barbara-based, volunteer-driven program that delivers floral bouquets, fresh-baked cookies, fine chocolates and cards made by local students and volunteers to people in hospitals, hospices, cancer centers and their homes. Volunteers prepare dozens of arrangements every week using donated flowers. Flower delivery referrals come from cancer centers, nurses, doctors, hospices, elder support organizations and others.

If you know someone who has lost a loved one, is recovering from surgery, or is in the hospital or a rehabilitation facility, you can refer a flower recipient by contacting us online at Dream Foundation or by calling 888-4Dreams.

Flower Empower Florist Network
We are also looking for florists across the country who would like to donate their time and floral arrangements, and deliver them to hospitals, hospices, cancer centers and other places to people who could benefit from a bouquet to brighten their day.

If you are interested in volunteering for Flower Empower in Santa Barbara, or joining the Flower Empower Florist Network, please contact flowerempower@dreamfoundation.org.

Dream Toy Program

Dream Foundation Dreams not only touch the lives of Dream recipients, but also those of their families. Nearly 25 percent of Dream recipients have young children living at home. Dream Foundation’s Dream Toy Program reaches hundreds of children each year who are losing a loved one. Our dedicated volunteers fill boxes with hand-selected toys that are delivered to Dream recipients across the country to give to the children in their lives. With each unexpected gift, we provide an opportunity to create happy memories and smiles. Thanks to the generosity of Dream Toy Program supporters, Dream Foundation delivers hundreds of toys each year. In 2022, the Dream Toy program logged 408 volunteer hours and, as a result, we delivered 930 toys to 136 families with 310 children in their homes.

“The toys and games were chosen perfectly for them and they have given the kids great comfort. I can’t thank you enough nor tell you quite adequately how meaningful this package was to all of us. It just felt like a box of pure love.” Colleen Flaherty, family Dream Toy recipient

If you reside in the Santa Barbara, Calif., area and would like to volunteer for the Dream Toy Program, please email us at volunteers@dreamfoundation.org.

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