The Dreamers & Believers program serves the following populations:

Child & Youth In Care (Ages 0-15)



The Dreamers and Believers program provides up to $500 per child in foster care each calendar year to support enriching experiences or to purchase meaningful, approved items. This $500 may be divided into no more than two requests per year, and the combined total of both requests cannot exceed $500. In other words, caregivers may submit one request for up to $500, or two smaller requests that add up to $500, but no more than two requests can be made in the same year.

Example: 

A resource parent submits a request in March for $300 to cover soccer registration.  Later in October, they submit a second request for $200 to purchase a tablet for schoolwork. Both requests are approved because the combined total equals $500 for the year.

Youth & Young Adults with CP&P Experiences (Ages 16-26)



The Dreamers and Believers program provides up to $1,500 per young adult who has experience with CP&P, NJFC Scholars, PACES, LifeSet, or Peer to Peer each calendar year to support enriching experiences, educational expenses, or to purchase meaningful, approved items.
 
Students may request up to $750 per application, with a maximum of two requests per calendar year. The combined total of both requests cannot exceed $1,500 annually.
 
Please note: NJFC scholars must use their NJFC funding first before applying to Dreamers and Believers. If you have any questions about eligibility, please contact Ebony Lenard, Director of Scholarship Programs, at elenard@embrella.org

Example:

A student submits a request in March for $750 to cover a certification course. Later in October, they submit a second request for $750 to purchase a laptop. Both requests can be approved, as the total equals the $1,500 yearly limit.

Child & Youth In Care through CP&P (Ages 0-15)

• Total $500 per Year
• Can apply 2x per Year
• Max Cap per request $500



Youth & Young Adults with CP&P Experience (Ages 16-26)

• Total $1,500 per Year
• Can apply 1x per semester / 2x per Year
• Max Cap per request $750

Child & Youth In Care through CP&P (Ages 0-15)


• Activities or experiences that support a child’s interests, hobbies, or personal growth
• Enrichment programs such as sports, camps, lessons, or clubs
• Items that enhance learning, creativity, or skill-building (for example: electronics for schoolwork, musical instruments, art supplies, etc.)
• Approved items that can be purchased through Amazon

Youth & Young Adults with CP&P Experience (Ages 16-26)


• Enriching Experiences: 
  • Summer or holiday camps (sports, arts, STEM, leadership)
  • Workshops or classes (coding, art, music, theater, writing)
  • Sports league registration fees or equipment
  • Travel for educational or cultural experiences

• Educational Expenses:
  • Tuition or course fees for additional classes or certifications
  • School or college supplies (backpacks, notebooks, stationery)
  • Textbooks or reference materials
  • Tutoring or academic support programs
  • Technology needed for learning (laptop, tablet, printer)

• Meaningful, Approved Items:
  • Musical instruments or art supplies
  • Educational software or subscriptions
  • Tools or equipment that support skill development or hobbies
  • Items that aid in independent living or personal growth

Child & Youth In Care (Ages 0-15)


• Clothing or shoes
• Furniture
• Food or formula
• Expenses towards vacations
• Other basic needs already supported through CP&P


Youth & Young Adults (Ages 16-26)


• Expenses towards vacations
• Other basic needs already supported through CP&P

Credit Card Fees

Please note embrella does not cover the credit card fee from vendors.

Item Requests 


• Documentation that shows the cost of the item, and complete product details such as size, color, style, quantity, and any other relevant specifications.
• Shipping address- Please include Apt #, Unit #, Floor, etc. Must provide a complete address.


Experiences – Vendor Information

• Vendor Name
• Vendor’s E-mail
• Vendor’s Physical address
• Explanation of why the request will benefit the child or young adult in care.
• Documentation showing the cost of the item.

embrella will notify the applicant of approval in 4 – 6 weeks. 

If approved:

Items Requested 


• Checks are no longer mailed to caregivers for item requests.
• All approved items will be mailed directly to the name and address supplied.


Experiences 


• embrella pays the Vendor directly.

The following are common reasons why applications are denied:

• Your request does not meet the criteria of a qualified Item or Experience.
• Your request is for an item that is already covered by a CP&P stipend.
• Your provided address was not verifiable.

Returns are not accepted unless there are special circumstances (i.e. returning a bike to get a different height).

Child & Youth In Care (Ages 0-15)


• Lindsay Fox, Development Associate, at lfox@embrella.org

Youth & Young Adults with CP&P Experience (Ages 16-26)


• Ebony Lenard, Director of Scholarship Programs, at elenard@embrella.org