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. This $1,500 may be divided into no more than two requests per year, and the combined total of both requests cannot exceed $1,500. In other words, a youth may submit one request for up to $1,500, or two smaller requests that add up to $1,500, but no more than two requests can be made in the same year.

Example:

A youth submits a request in March for $900 to cover a certification course fee. Later in October, they submit a second request for $600 to purchase a laptop for schoolwork. Both requests are approved because the combined total equals $1,500 for the year.

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 shoes to get a different size).

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