Identified Youth: Unleash Creativity
OC Dream Center × Waymakers
Identified Youth is a strategic collaboration between the O.C. Dream Center and Waymakers. By combining OCDC’s community-embedded teaching model with Waymakers’ expertise in crisis intervention, we provide a consistent, creative sanctuary for young people navigating Orange County’s most complex challenges.
This program meets twice weekly, providing a reliable rhythm of mentorship and artistic discovery for local youth.
Art as a Catalyst for Restoration
Our program uses art and music as vital tools for identity formation and trauma-informed healing. We provide a safe space for at-risk youth to:
Discover Their Voice: Overcome barriers to creative engagement through expert-led mentorship.
Rewrite Their Stories: Use music and art to process trauma and cultivate a sense of hope.
Build Resilience: Develop healthy coping mechanisms through the guidance of artists who have navigated similar journeys.
The Power of Partnership: Regional Impact
By working with Waymakers, the OC Dream Center connects youth to a network of care that spans the county. Waymakers’ proven model of impact includes:
Crisis Resolution: Over 120,000 lives touched annually through crisis intervention and stable housing initiatives.
Youth Success: 90% of youth exiting Waymakers programs show measurable improvement in their social-emotional well-being and conflict-resolution skills.
Community Strength: A dedicated focus on turning trauma into "strength and stability" for the most vulnerable populations in OC.
More Than a Workshop—A Path Forward
Identified Youth is more than a creative class; it is a space where the past doesn't define the future. By meeting twice a week, we ensure that our youth have the consistent support they need to forge a path toward lasting restoration.
For artist collaborations + donations contact info@ocdreamcenter.com