ABOUT D.O.L.E.
A Dream is defined as "a series of thoughts, images, and sensations occurring in a person's mind during sleep."
When these same actions occur while we are awake, and we start to do things to make those images, thoughts, and feelings a reality.... You have now begun the DREAM OUT LOUD EXPERIENCE!
Who We Are
The Dream Out Loud Experience Of Texas is a group of young adults from the Austin Area who have known each other for 15 years or more; some since elementary school. The Dream Out Loud Experience is an Austin-based organization charged with poverty alleviation and dream empowerment for impoverished youth. Growing up we have learned the value of networking and giving back to our community.
According to the 2016 U.S. Census Bureau, a family of four (two adults, two children under 18) that earns less than $24,339 meets the poverty line. Also in 2016, a family of two adults and two kids were living in extreme poverty if their annual household income dipped below $12,170. Among the 14.1 million kids living in poverty, 44% — about 6.2 million children total — are growing up in extreme poverty. In addition, the children living in poverty are not prepared for primary schooling. A 2015 report from the United Way for Greater Austin revealed that the child poverty rate within Travis County is 24 percent.
We understand that there are families that are less privileged and do not always have the resources to give their child/children tools necessary to start off an excellent school year. Although we can’t do it all it is our dream that this small effort will assist the community that we are a product of. Along with our donations and different partnerships and their donations it helps to make this dream a reality.
What We Do
What started as an idea in 2010 has ballooned into August 22, 2015 being recognized as “Something @ the Park” Day, a holiday in the city of Austin, Texas signed officially by the Mayor of the City of Austin, Steve Adler.
This “Something @ the Park” (SATP) event draws community leaders to East Austin to engage under-served youth and take part in bringing families and communities together. The goal of this event is to support impoverished children and bridge gaps in service for Austin area youth, families and communities while giving voice and life to their dreams just as we did to ours.
Each year, SATP aids hundreds of children and families by providing them the proper tools to start a successful school year. However, without donations, SATP would not have enough resources to continue its mission in service to deliver.
Looking Forward
We have been able to provide over 675 backpacks to school aged children in the Austin and surrounding area. Generally at Something @ the Park Events we are able to give out over 550 backpacks full of school supplies. The remaining backpacks were delivered to school and churches who also service families in our community. And even though we fell short from the previous we were able to give out more job opportunities and other resources for families.
The Dream Out Loud Experience is currently still attempting to reach a goal of 1000+ backpacks filled with school supplies to distribute to youth during this year’s event.
So, whether your contribution is school supplies, money for us to get supplies, your presence at the event or even any ideas or people we can contact that may want to help us reach our goal; we are grateful for the opportunity to serve. We know that not only does this event help to bring joy to children, but also truly equips them for learning, and promotes confidence that they too can achieve academically. Together we can transform lives and build brighter futures for our children.
Your help encourages these children to Dream Out Loud