On October 12th, 2022, Dreamcatchers was able to gather in person to hold our annual Client Success Recognition luncheon in honor of National Disability Employment Awareness Month to celebrate participants that have become hired.  The event has not been held since 2019, due to COVID, so this year was the celebration of all of the participants for the past three years who have become employed.  This year’s theme was “Releasing the Power of your Dreams!” It was a huge success with more than 120 attendees including participants of services, their family members, employers, community partners, donors, Dreamcatchers’ Board of Directors and staff, and state and county officials.  

This year also celebrated Dreamcatchers’ 20+ years of providing employment assistance to people with disabilities.  Dreamcatchers’ Board of Directors shared the history and future of the organization.  Christina Canevari, Resource Specialist from CA Department of Rehabilitation, also shared about the start of Dreamcatchers with the department and the great successes that have been achieved over the years.

The day was filled with wonderful stories of perseverance, inspiration, and dreams being achieved! Several participants shared powerful testimonies of how Dreamcatchers and finding employment has changed their lives.  

“Dreamcatchers has given me the tools and confidence to pursue a career in the Vet Med field. I’ve been working as a Veterinary Assistant for almost a year. Working this position has been a dream of mine to work caring for the wellness of animals. Caring for animals is my passion as a life-long animal lover. The team at Dreamcatchers guided me through every step obtaining a successful job. Thank you Dreamcatchers for your amazing services!” 

Jessica

“My name is Jamie H. and I am part of the Fresno Dreamcatchers program. My Employment Specialist is Cindy V. She is very helpful, has a big heart, and she gets me through things I don’t know how to do. She is very encouraging, provided hope for me not to give up, and helped me with employment preparation. She got me ready for my job. She is very good at what she does. Cindy still follows up on me, even after I got a job, and asks me how everything is going. I recommend Dreamcatchers for anyone who needs help finding employment. Thanks to Cindy and Dreamcatchers for all they’ve done for me. I will pay it forward one day.”

Jamie

This celebration event honors and shines the spotlight on individuals that Dreamcatchers has helped and who have worked so hard for all their accomplishments.  Dreams are reached and lives are changed through the power of employment!  Congratulations to all of the dreamcatchers!

“When I was introduced to Dreamcatchers Empowerment Network, I was living in my car and struggling to get through the Fresno summer. I was feeling isolated, frustrated and very hopeless. The staff at Dreamcatchers turned it all around for me by their caring, concern, and great attitudes. They gave me a reason not to give up, to keep pressing on, and believe that things would get better; and they have! I’m now employed at Fresno P.A.C.E. and have a roof over my head. I owe so much to the Dreamcatchers staff for helping me to make it happen… Dreamcatchers Rocks!!!“

Steven

Thank You to All Our Donors for Their Generous Contributions to Our Event!