DREEAM is an acronym for Development, Retail, Employment, Education, Administration, and Multimedia. A work day in the DREEAM Unit would look like this: When you visit the Connections House, you will be given a friendly greeting and tour by a member of this unit who is working in the reception area.
Connections House records and statistics are carefully recorded by the DREEAM Unit and a variety of other administration duties are completed on a daily basis.
New member orientations and other membership responsibilities are coordinated by the DREEAM Unit.
A variety of multimedia activities also take place in DREEAM: production of the Connections House newsletter, updates and development of content for the website, creation of promotional and educational videos, the Connections House podcast, and much more marketing and brand development work.
DREEAM is responsible for career and education services and programming for our members, including supporting members who want to work or go back to school, coordinating a monthly career lunch and dinner that address vocational and educational topics of interest to our membership, operating the Dress for Success thrift store where members can buy professional clothing and accessories for a reduced price, and managing our snack shop: Pat’s Place. Members working in Pat’s Place and the thrift store have the opportunity to gain and develop valuable retail skills.
For members working towards paid employment, the DREEAM Unit offers many supports: Members can make appointments to work on interview skills and develop a resume or cover letter, get support applying for jobs in person or online, and receive assistance with entitlements and reporting to social security.
DREEAM coordinates our Transitional Employment, Supported Employment, and Independent Employment programs. For our members who are employed, the DREEAM Unit fosters member success by providing supports and advocacy and addressing member needs, questions, and concerns.
For members wishing to return to school, the DREEAM Unit helps with online applications, touring campuses, and applying for student financial aid and Board of Governors Fee Waivers.
Tutoring is also available for members enrolled in school.