Hero Story

Identify Your Dream (IDYD) Corporation, founded in 2015, has curated the Annual “Stomp Out Violence March & Rally”, “Conversations with Survivors”, “Sweet Dreams Toy Giveaway”, and IDYD’s Dreamers Mentoring Program. The purpose of IDYD is to raise consciousness of the adverse effect of trauma on the community, families, and children, with a focus on the impact trauma has on the brain. After collaborating with Oakland University, IDYD has facilitated trauma-informed workshops in schools.

This work stemmed from the founder’s passion to help foster healing in the city of Pontiac, where her brother was killed. After speaking with the superintendent of the Pontiac School District, they identified over 200 students impacted by violence just in the high school. This organization, which is comprised of an educator, health care workers, and a psychologist who specializes in grief therapy, understands the pathology of unaddressed trauma and the devastating effects it has on the development and behavior of these students. They saw an area of need and were fully committed to the task. Today they continue to hold space for grieving families, serve as a resource hub for young people in need of mental health services, and provide a safe space for children ages 4-18 who have lost a loved one to violence through their mentoring program. This organization deserves recognition for its selfless work and life-affirming service.