About Dream Makers

Every year, 23,000+ teenagers age out of foster care at 18 years old without a family to help them transition into adulthood.

Not only did these youth enter foster care due to experiencing neglect, abuse, or abandonment, but they are now left to fend for themselves during a pivotal time in life.

With virtually no support system, many struggle daily to survive.

Our team is a small group of individuals who view James 1:27 as a personal mandate and care deeply about caring for the fatherless by supporting former foster youths.

Over the last five years, we have raised over $1.9 million to serve thousands of youth across 39 states.

We are grateful to report that we have never had a single dream go unfulfilled.

10 Social Wounds of Foster Care

Learn more about the effects of aging out of foster care.

What we do:

Give youth a chance to dream. Many youth face barriers that stand in the way of the empowered and connected lives they dream of having. You can directly help them overcome these obstacles. Every dream on our site represents a meaningful pursuit towards a more fulfilling and worthy life. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of these youth and help them reach their dreams.

Remain a source of support. You can meet the needs of our youth so they can have essentials like food, hygiene supplies and professional guidance. In addition, we celebrate important milestones like graduations, birthdays, holidays, and provide ongoing hope, encouragement and resources monthly to empower them on their journey towards independence.
Supply entrepreneurial support. You can shop at Market 18, a store where every item and design is made and sold by a former foster youth.

Dream Makers began in 2015 as a successful program of America's Kids Belong and we are now an independent nonprofit.

Meet the Team

Julie Mavis

Founder and Executive Director

Julie is the founder of Dream Makers, Co-Founder of America's Kids Belong, and author of Recipes for Risk.

She brings over 10 years of experience in the nonprofit sector and a personal passion for kids without families as a former foster parent.

Julie (Mimi) loves spending time with her 4 grand babies; (3 of them were adopted from foster care). She enjoys staying active and going on adventures with her dog, Avery, and her husband of 32 years, Brian. Julie also loves being with her family, friends, traveling, and looking for God's beauty.

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Nicole Hirai

Project Director

Nicole is a Colorado native and has a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Colorado.

She was a missionary for six years in Costa Rica before joining Dream Makers, where a passion for young adults aging out of the system was ignited.

She and her family took teen boys and girls into their home throughout their time in Costa Rica. She has a heart to serve those who are generally unseen by society.
Outside of work, Nicole can be found homeschooling her kids and caring for her family. She loves gathering with friends and family, enjoys a good laugh, and desires to seek God in all ways.
Annika Marek-Barta

Content Creator
Annika spent 5 years in foster care before aging out and was adopted at age 26. Her heart beats to see seats added to tables.

Her passion is found where creativity and advocacy meet – usually with a camera in hand or with a laptop to create graphics on. She has volunteered as a Court Appointed Advocate and is devoted to making the voices of youth in foster care/former foster youth amplified as she shares her story to bring change and education to those involved in the system. She longs to give glory to God in all things!

In her free time, she delights most in being with her loved ones. She enjoys antiquing/thrifting, exploring the Pacific Northwest and beyond, and visiting local cafes + restaurants.

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Shelby Merten

Director of Donor Relations

Shelby was captivated at a young age to pursue helping kids in foster care. She grew up in a family that fostered for kids of all ages, including a young man who had aged out of the foster care system. She saw the challenges he faced firsthand and is honored to be a small part in making it an easier transition for other youth.
She has a passion for shedding a light and teaching people around her about these kids.
She lives in Colorado with her sweet husband and wild puppy where they love doing anything and everything outside.

She is an extrovert who loves her friends and family and may overuse the word "fun". But, above all, everything she does is driven by her love for Jesus.

EMAIL
Taylor Toepke

Operations Manager

Taylor holds a Bachelor’s in Management Information Systems and a Master’s in Business Analytics.
During and after school, she spent the majority of time working in I.T and teaching students about computers. In 2021, Taylor interned for Dream Makers and helped put together Christmas stockings for our youth.
Taylor’s current endeavors involve helping families and kids in all walks of life and being part of an amazing team with the same passion.
When she is not working, you can find her at Barnes and Noble, Starbucks, or catching up on the latest Marvel venture.

EMAIL
Sarah Burgdorf

Dream Maker Intern

Sarah is a former foster youth who aged out at 18. Knowing what it feels like to be on the other side, she has a big heart for those who have been in similar situations.

She is about to become part of the 3% of former foster youth that graduate from college and will be majoring in Education.

In her free time, you can find her curled up with a good book or hiking with loved ones and her furry friend, Kermit.