Effective Relationships with Teams
The Dream Builders Team Helps People Realize Their Dreams
Becky’s trip to the Foxwood Casino only made these two closer.
ReFocus is an organization dedicated to serving individuals with differing physical and developmental abilities. I [Kelly] am a member of a ReFocus team called The Dream Builders. It was developed to help the people we support realize their dreams. You might guess that this program is very popular, but unfortunately, it is often challenged financially to make people’s dreams come true.
Currently, The Dream Builders are made up of 22 employees, including program coordinators, assistant coordinators, and direct support professionals (DSPs). To raise support for Dream Grant, we organize several events throughout the year. The biggest one is the ReFocus Annual Auction, which is held every October. We start soliciting in February for items and experiences for the upcoming auction. In 2024, the auction raised $87,000. All proceeds raised at this event and throughout the year go toward supporting the dream of the people we support. Once a year, each person supported submits a Dream Grant request. The Dream Builders work hard to raise enough money every year so that each person’s dream comes true.
Over the years, the team has grown closer. We consider ourselves family. We set ground rules, for example: Be honest, be open, everyone's opinion matters, and overall, respect one another. There have been times when we haven't vibed or reached our goal. We have had to regroup, have hard conversations, and remember why we are here.
There are many different personalities in a team of 22, but in the end, we all have the same goal: to encourage the people supported to have the best possible life. To work at ReFocus, you have to live the mission, and when we do, we all come together as a team. Over the years, the team has grown closer. We consider ourselves family. We set ground rules, for example: Be honest, be open, everyone's opinion matters, and overall, respect one another. There have been times when we haven't vibed or reached our goal. We have had to regroup, have hard conversations, and remember why we are here. Those hard conversations aren't as hard when we are transparent and open to feedback.
DSPs at ReFocus play a vital role in supporting people in making decisions about their dream grant requests. DSPs are dedicated to their work of supporting people. And because they support people with their everyday needs, they really know the person. They learn through listening and paying attention throughout the year. They notice when someone would like to have or do something that they haven’t been able to afford. DSPs advocate for the people they support when they notice someone lights up when they see or hear something that interests them. DSPs use their skills to help people choose between options. DSPs are also instrumental in helping people write and submit their Dream Grant requests. The request is the first step to making the dream become a reality.
Once a grant is funded, in many cases, the DSP is responsible for ensuring that the person supported lives out their dream. Let’s look at some instances where DSPs were a large part of supporting people to live out their dream.
Dream Grant applications vary greatly. DSPs have supported people to visit family members who live in another country, swim with dolphins in Florida, buy furniture for their apartment, and take a day trip to Cape Cod for a souvenir and lobster dinner.
Recently, Becky Bernard wanted to stay overnight at Foxwoods Casino in Connecticut. Becky and her DSP, Roselin Trinidad, went to the Grand Cedar Hotel Resort. They enjoyed restaurant meals at the resort and had plenty of snacks in their room. The room was very nice, and it had a great view. There was plenty of time for souvenir shopping. Becky purchased a sweater and shopped at Bath & Body Works. Becky and Roselin played the penny slots. “There was a lot of walking, but it was a lot of fun,” Becky remembers. “I was so happy to have received this Dream Grant. I was really looking forward to it.”
Roselin was a very important part of Becky’s dream coming true. Becky asked Roselin to be the one to go on the trip with her. Roselin knew Becky well and wanted to make sure that Becky had her best day and night at the resort. Together, they planned the logistics of the trip. They planned things Becky would really enjoy. “It was fun to see her so happy,” Roselin recalls. Now, Becky is already thinking about next time. “I am already thinking of a new experience for next year,” she said. “It’s something I look forward to every year. It is a privilege. I am so appreciative of this opportunity.”
If it wasn’t for amazing DSPs who are willing to embark on journeys and experiences with the people they support, they might not be able to live out their dreams. For the DSPs who go with someone on a trip like Becky’s, it means they give up time with their families or friends for a night or longer just to support someone else in fulfilling their hopes and dreams. For the DSP, it can be both fun and challenging. As with Roselin, DSPs often do a lot of preparation work, but it is totally worth the experience of seeing the joy of people realizing their dreams.