MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: The Dream Candy Organization

maria Stories

Our September Member Spotlight is on The Dream Candy Organization. When we talked to Co-founder and Executive Director, Deelle Hines, she highlighted the amazing impact they’ve had so far in their rural community:

“Now that we are almost 2 years into our work, we’re starting to see amazing changes in the lives of children who regularly come to our programs. Children who have once struggled to make friends are now making beautiful connections with their peers that have continued outside of our space. Children who have struggled with confidence are now trying new things and stepping up to be leaders in their classrooms. Children who have struggled with anxiety are using techniques they’ve been taught to help themselves through challenging situations. Children are doing kind things for other people in the community and for their parents without being prompted. Children are introducing their friends and family to the self-care practices which is creating a ripple effect of positive change. Children who once felt like they had no direction in their lives has discovered what they are passionate about. The Dream Candy kids are blossoming before our eyes and it’s a beautiful transformation to watch and play a role in.”  

Read on to learn more about Dream Candy, their two social enterprises and the inspiring impacts they’ve had in the lives of youth in their community in just two short years.

 

Interview with Deelle Hines – Co-Founder and Executive Director of The Dream Candy Organization

 

What is the overall social and/or environmental mission?

To provide a loving and inclusive space for youth to learn self-care practices that instills a healthy body, mind and spirit.

How many social enterprises does your organization run?

Currently, we run two social enterprises. The first is the Dream Candy Space that offers youth self-development programs, workshops, special events and meeting space. Our team works very hard to ensure the self-care needs of our community are being met.

The second is our Deck the Stalls Projects which is a positivity project for our local businesses and schools. Our team goes into locations to paint positive words, quotes and art work on bathroom stalls. These projects help fund our Dream Candy space and provide income for local artists.

What would you consider to be your biggest success story(ies)? Preferably stories of community impact.

In December 2017, my business partner, Camilla MacDonald, and I sat in a local coffee shop and created “Dream Candy.” We knew children in our community were struggling and we wanted to use our combined skillset to do something about it. We started with 2 instructors, 2 programs and bounced around to different community centers. That year, we were thrilled to help approximately 60 children. This year, we have our own space, 3 instructors, 6 programs and our drop in numbers are close to the 1500 mark.

When we put our Dream Candy idea out into the world, we knew based on research that if youth were introduced to self-care practices, it would change lives, but we did not have the proof for ourselves. Now that we are almost 2 years into our work, we’re starting to see amazing changes in the lives of children who regularly come to our programs. Children who have once struggled to make friends are now making beautiful connections with their peers that have continued outside of our space. Children who have struggled with confidence are now trying new things and stepping up to be leaders in their classrooms. Children who have struggled with anxiety are using techniques they’ve been taught to help themselves through challenging situations. Children are doing kind things for other people in the community and for their parents without being prompted. Children are introducing their friends and family to the self-care practices which is creating a ripple effect of positive change. Children who once felt like they had no direction in their lives has discovered what they are passionate about. The Dream Candy kids are blossoming before our eyes and it’s a beautiful transformation to watch and play a role in.

Like I said, we knew if youth were introduced to self-care practices it would change their lives, but one thing we never expected was the children adopting “dream candy” as a verb in their vocabulary. For example, if they hear someone saying something nice about themselves they will say “hey, that sounds really dream candy.” Or if they hear about someone doing something kind for someone else they will say “that was really dream candy of you to do that.” I mean, how cool is that?

What gets you excited about coming to work every day?

I’ll be honest, starting a non-profit from the ground up has been one of the hardest adventures I’ve ever been on, however, it’s also the most rewarding and meaningful work I’ve ever done, so I wouldn’t change it for the world. I’m inspired by the work we do for youth in our community, which makes getting up in the morning exciting. I’m proud of our team for creating a space where everyone is celebrated, accepted, loved, understood and appreciated for who they truly are. There’s nothing better than going into a work environment that promotes positivity and love for all.

What is the promise you see in the future of social enterprise?

For me, this is an exciting time to be involved in business. I can already see a shift taking place in our community in the way business is done. Business owners are starting to understand the value of working together for a greater purpose because when we all work together, we all win. This forward way of thinking can only continue to grow and I’m excited to see where it takes us.