At the Defiance Area Foundation, we believe in meeting people where they are—and helping them move forward, one step at a time. The Dream Center Donor Advised Fund is one of the many ways our donors make that possible. Through this fund, families in crisis are met with not just aid, but hope, healing, and long-term support.
In December 2017, the Dream Center received a call about Cynthia, a single mother of five children, including a baby and a 25-year-old son. She was working multiple jobs just to stay afloat—but with a broken-down car and mounting bills, she was at her breaking point. In the middle of a harsh Ohio winter, Cynthia couldn’t even get to her jobs or her children’s appointments. She was ready to give up. She needed a miracle—and thanks to the Dream Center and a generous donor through this Donor Advised Fund, that miracle arrived.
The Dream Center provided Cynthia with a reliable vehicle, giving her immediate relief and renewed hope. With tears in her eyes, she shared, “This is the best gift ever! I was out of hope. This has given me a new hope to move forward in life. Thank you! Thank you!”
But the support didn’t stop there.
Through the life coaching pathway, Cynthia began tackling some of the deeper challenges she and her family were facing. She eliminated burdensome rent-to-own payments on household appliances with the help of her coach and the Dream Center team, who helped her purchase and deliver gently used appliances instead. Cynthia also began to explore financial stability, healthy relationships, and personal growth through group opportunities.
And when Cynthia opened up about her son’s struggles with addiction and mental health, the Dream Center responded again—connecting him with a life coach and guiding him toward resources for recovery.
This is the power of a Donor Advised Fund in action. The Dream Center Donor Advised Fund, housed at the Defiance Area Foundation, is changing lives by walking alongside families—not just offering quick fixes, but building long-term solutions through community care, coaching, and compassion.
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Want to support transformation in our community?
Creating a Donor Advised Fund at the Defiance Area Foundation allows you to direct your giving while making an ongoing difference in the lives of individuals like Cynthia. Learn more at www.defianceareafoundation.org.
