Iowa Youth Dream Team Vision Statement

• Youth and young adults who are "aging out" of the foster care system should have healthy and meaningful lifelong connections within their own communities.
• It is through these connections that they will be better able to gain the knkowledge, skills, and resources to support themselves and realize their goals for their lives.

Iowa Youth Dream Team Guiding Principals

1. Having an Iowa Youth Dream Team is voluntary for the youth or young adult.
2. The Iowa Youth Dream Team gatherings are youth-focused and youth-driven.
3. Youth and young adults are respected. They should feel supported and empowered as a result of these gatherings.
4. Everyone at the gathering is there with permission of the youth or young adult.
5. The gatherings are a time for honesty, peer and adult support, and a free exchange of ideas. No one should ever feel "ganged up" on or badgered by anyone during the process.
6. The Iowa Youth Dream Team gatherings are confidential.

What makes up a "Dream Team"?

• Dreamer - the youth or young adult that has requested their own Iow Youth Dream Team.
• Youth Advocate - a youth or young adult who has experienced foster care and perhaps has aged out who has been trained in the IYDT process.
• Facilitator - currently a person trained as an approved FTM facilitator AND IYDT facilitator.
• Team Members - Members that the Dreamer invites.

What is the result of a "Dream Team"?

• The Dreamer develops a dream path, while the other members of the Dream Team connect the youth to or provide resources in order for the dreamer to succeed.

How Iowa Dream Team benefits the Youth of Henry & Louisa Counties

• Youth Centered
• Empowers youth to take control of their lives and attain their dreams
• Helps youth connect with resources in their community
• Provides resiliency for youth aging out of the foster care system and/or youth entering adulthood
• Allows them to plan and work to achieve their goals

How you can becom involved in our county Dream Team

• Become a youth member of the steering committee
• Become an adult member of the steering committee
• Become an adult facilitator
• Become a youth advocate
• Become a Dream Team member and:
• Help youth navigate the college or employment process;
• Offer youth a home cooked meal or a place to do laundry;
• Send youth care packages if they are away at college;
• Provide transportation for appointments;
• Be a mentor to the youth / meet with the youth for coffee or just to talk.