Flower Empower Program Overview
Flower Empower is one of Dream Foundation’s many programs that benefit the community and help Dream Foundation to fulfill our dream-granting mission.
Flower Empower is a Santa Barbara–based, volunteer-driven program of Dream Foundation that delivers joy and compassion through hand-crafted bouquets, homemade cookies, artisanal chocolates, and cards made by local children and adults.
Each week, volunteers young and old create and deliver around 200 floral arrangements to people receiving hospice services, cancer centers, and homes across our community. Referrals come from healthcare professionals and community members to brighten someone’s day with a meaningful gesture.
Since 1994, the program has delivered more than 125,000 bouquets with the help of generous local growers, bakers, chocolatiers, and dedicated volunteers.
Follow us on instagram at @flowerempower_sb
Refer a Recipient
Know someone who could use a spark of kindness?
Email flowerempower@dreamfoundation.org or call 805.564.2131 with their name, address, and a short note about why they should receive flowers.
Wedding & Event Flower Donations
Turn your celebration/event into a ripple of joy. We work with couples, florists, and planners to repurpose wedding and event flowers into fresh bouquets for those in need of cheer.
Click here for donation guidelines, and follow the instructions to donate your event flowers for a second life.
Our Flower Empower Partners
Santa Barbara County is rich in agricultural history and is the leading producer of high-quality cut flowers in both California and the nation. Local growers (see below) generously donate beautiful blooms and plants to make the Flower Empower program possible.
In addition to bouquets, flower recipients enjoy freshly baked cookies, lovingly made and donated by the Himovitz Family, and artisanal chocolates from Chocolats du CaliBressan.
Presenting Floral Partners – $25,000-$49,999
Contributing Floral Partners
Floral Supporters
Join the Flower Empower Movement
We’re looking for florists across the country and volunteers in the Santa Barbara area who would like to donate their time, floral arrangements, and help deliver bouquets to Dream recipients and their families.
The joy we see in our recipients faces speaks for itself — but science backs it up. Studies show that flowers can have a powerful impact on emotional wellness and recovery:
- Faster Healing: Patients who viewed plants recovered more quickly and had shorter hospital stays. (Kansas State University, 2009)
- Reduced Stress at Home: Flowers reduce anxiety, ease the blues, and improve overall mood. (Harvard University, 2006)
- Increased Social Engagement: Seniors who received flowers became more socially active and connected with neighbors, caregivers, and medical professionals. (Rutgers University, 2001)
If you’re interested in volunteering with Flower Empower in Santa Barbara or joining our national Flower Empower Network, please contact flowerempower@dreamfoundation.org.