12/02/2025
✨ Client Story Spotlight: Dream ✨
When Dream first came to Connecticut Renaissance, her family had recently relocated to a Domestic Violence Shelter while searching for stable housing. She was helping care for her younger brothers, lacked basic necessities, and was struggling to cope with past traumas and manage her anger.
At the CYFSC, staff immediately connected Dream and her family with housing support, furniture, and essential needs. Dream fully embraced the skills taught in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy groups and quickly became a model client—dedicated, engaged, and open to change.
After discharge, she stayed in touch with staff for support, and in 2019 she returned through the LYNC Program—reuniting with her former Advocate, Crystal Wyler. Dream and her mom were relieved and grateful to see a familiar, trusted face. The family received food assistance and basic-needs support right away, and Dream began participating in anger-management groups where she once again excelled.
Shortly after admission, Dream learned she was newly pregnant and moved in with a new guardian. Crystal helped her secure prenatal care, WIC, and other essential supports. Our Transportation Specialist, Wanda Lopez, also gathered baby-item donations from the community and took Dream shopping for maternity essentials.
Today, Dream continues receiving case management as she prepares for this new chapter of motherhood—still growing, still using her skills, and still showing incredible strength.
When asked how CT Renaissance has impacted her life, Dream shared:
“I was in a bad place before I came to the program, but I knew I would get help once I got here. I was labeling all of my emotions as ‘anger,’ and you gave me the skills to break things down, deal with my triggers, and learn coping skills. I take these skills with me in everything I do. You encourage us to try things on our own, but give us enough support to feel strong and not alone.”
Dream’s courage, growth, and resilience remind us why this work matters. 💛
