In an effort to support local youth who have survived non-medical adversity, EmVision Capital Advisors has recently partnered with Believe In Dreams. This non-profit organization grants dreams to youth who have faced traumatic, non-medical events, giving them access to enriching opportunities, connection to their communities, and hope for their futures. 

“Supporting this organization just makes sense for us,” said Michael Embrescia, wealth advisor, president, and CEO, EmVision Capital Advisors. “We love kids, we have a strong tie to the community, and we feel the more you give back the more you receive.”

It all Started with a Cup of Coffee

Embrescia used to frequent a local Starbucks in Aurora. While there, he met a group of local businessmen including Eddie Cheyfitz, sponsorship and events coordinator and founding member, Believe in Dreams. 

“The power of networking and community support is amazing,” said Embrescia. “Eddie had a vision, shared it with our group, and together we were able to help him bring it to life. As long as Eddie is part of this organization, we are too.”

Embrescia is a Care More Dream Granter. For years, he and his team have been supporting Believe in Dreams by sponsoring their annual gala event and participating in their annual golf outing. 

“We’re grateful for the connections we made at that coffee shop,” said Cheyfitz. “Together, we’ve raised $800,000 to go toward dreams. It’s really incredible.” 

How Believe in Dreams Works 

A local child who has positive character traits and motivation to reach for their dreams is nominated by a professional adult such as a school counselor, social worker, or teacher. The nominee must be under the age of 18 on the date of the application submission. He/she must be disadvantaged (up to 200% of federal poverty guidelines) and have had an adverse childhood experience or trauma. Nominate a child.

Since Believe in Dreams’ inception 8 years ago, and because of community support, the organization has been able to grant more than 500 impactful dream packages for youth in Northeast Ohio. 

Some fulfilled dreams include:

• Providing lessons, classes, and camps  
• Giving access to memberships and cultural events 
• Sending nominees to sporting events and amusement parks
• Organizing job shadowing opportunities 
• Connecting nominees with someone who inspires them

In addition to coordinating impactful dream experiences that will help local youth develop post-traumatic growth and resilience, Believe in Dreams also provides needs assessments and resource linkage services to the families they serve. 

View the dream gallery and dreams currently in the works.

Michael Embrescia’s First Fulfilled Dream

“About a year ago, I had the privilege to join the Believe in Dreams team to deliver a dream to a local boy and girl. The siblings didn’t have much of their own and had faced poverty and homelessness. They were living with their loving mother who struggled with her own trauma and didn’t have the means to provide more than basic needs. We delivered and set up a bed for each of them. We brought them clothes. We also got them a pet fish and bicycles. The joy on their faces was remarkable and something I’ll never forget.” 

-Michel Embrescia

More About Believe in Dreams

Believe in Dreams has a comprehensive development plan that is reviewed on a regular basis. It’s structured to enable the organization to be sustained through diversified streams of income that include grants, galas, golf outings, 5K races, and more. Each year, Believe in Dreams is awarded the Platinum Seal of Transparency through Candid®. In 2022, the organization began working with Case Western Reserve’s Partnerships for Evaluation, Research and Implementation (PERI) to help develop a more robust impact data collection process and longitudinal study. 

“We are committed to evidence-based practice and ensuring we meet our mission,” said Cheyfitz. “We are well on our way to meeting our goal of fulfilling 1,000 dreams by 2028.

Want To Get Involved?

Any and all help is appreciated. Learn more about donating, supporting, and/or volunteering.