Gainesville-based nonprofit Dream on Purpose receives $200,000 grant from state of Florida

Voleer Thomas
·4 min read
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“Greater Is Coming” was the theme for this year’s 8th annual Dream on Purpose dinner that featured the presentation of a $200,000 state grant to the organization.

Dream on Purpose Inc. hosted its annual dinner billed as “Dine with DOP” on Saturday at the Fairfield Inn & Suites at 3877 SW 37th Blvd.

Dream on Purpose is a non-profit that was officially incorporated in 2015 to impact the lives of youth through education and life skills.

Shareen Baptiste, president and founder of the organization, said she is grateful the organization received the grant secured by the office of Sen. Keith Perry, R-Gainesville. The funds come from the fixed capital overlay (FCO) appropriation grant.

“I’m very excited about the future,” Baptiste said. “This is launching us to reach our goal to secure a facility.”

Baptiste said her strategic priority is to open a youth center by 2025 in honor of the organization’s 10th anniversary.

“I’m grateful he (Perry) saw the potential and impact we are making and he went on and fought for us,” Baptiste said.

Perry said this is his 14th year in politics and serving the youth is one his top priorities.

“I’m always looking for projects our state can invest in,” Perry said. “Everything came together. If it weren’t for individuals to bring the ideas, there wouldn’t be things to invest in. When you have an idea, you have to put it into practice. I’m doing a small part in making sure more mentoring is being offered to help our young people.”

The event featured a testimonial from Shanaya Brown, a senior at Gainesville High School who has been a part of Dream on Purpose for three years.

Brown, a senior at Gainesville High School, is president of the Black Student Union at GHS.

“This organization helped me prepare for my senior year,” said Brown, president of the Black Student Union at GHS. “I’ve learned the right steps I should take to reach my goal. The road to success is not easy, but anything worth having is not easy.”

Brown talked about being involved in DOP’s programs, including Cupcakes and Conversations: College Discoveries; Career Launch Intensive, a coaching and mentoring program and Crown Placement, a self-care program.

“I’m on the path to completing my dreams because of Dream on Purpose,” Brown said.

Brown said she has been accepted into 11 colleges and one of her goals is to receive the Nobel Peace Prize one day.

“I plan to continue being involved with Dream on Purpose even though it is my last year,” Brown said.

Dream on Purpose has impacted the lives of more than 1,300 youth since 2015, Baptiste said.

“Over the years our organization has been a beacon of hope and a safe space to nurture their goals,” Baptiste said.

The keynote speaker was American sprinter Talitha Diggs, the 2023 SEC indoor champion in the 400-meter race who is also the American record holder in the 400 with a time of 50.15 seconds.

College Discoveries: Sweet opportunities

She used the word ‘Give’ as an acronym for goals, invest, vision and enough during her speech.

“It’s not always about what you have but what are you willing to give,” Diggs said. She said she writes her goals out on a mirror or paper.

“It’s easier to strive for something when you know what you’re working towards,” Diggs said.

Dream on Purpose President and Co-Founder Shareen Baptiste, left, holds a $200,000 state-grant check with State Sen. Keith Perry, R-Gainesville, right, during the 8th annual Dream on Purpose Dinner. Perry helped secure the funds for the nonprofit that was officially incorporated in 2015 to impact the lives of youth through education and life skills. (Credit: Photo by Voleer Thomas, Correspondent)

It is also important to invest time in yourself such as resting, and that a person must have a clear vision to achieve their goals, Diggs said.

“Are your choices aligned with your vision?” Diggs asked.

Guests attend “Dine with DOP” on Saturday at the Fairfield Inn & Suites at 3877 SW 37th Blvd. hosted by Dream on Purpose. The organization received a $200,000 state grant to help with its mission to impact the lives of youth through education and life skills. (Credit: Photo by Voleer Thomas, Correspondent)
Guests attend “Dine with DOP” on Saturday at the Fairfield Inn & Suites at 3877 SW 37th Blvd. hosted by Dream on Purpose. The organization received a $200,000 state grant to help with its mission to impact the lives of youth through education and life skills. (Credit: Photo by Voleer Thomas, Correspondent)

It is also important to have confidence on your journey through life, Diggs said.

“We have to truly recognize that we are enough to what God created us to be,” Diggs said. “You have to have authenticity and be unapologetically yourself. It gives you the confidence to be who you are and command any room you walk in. Walk in the room like God sent you there because he did.”

This year’s Dream on Purpose awards were given to Perry for Partner of the Year, Serge for Supporter of the Year, Jacori Livingston for Dreamer of the Year and Irene Corriette for Volunteer of the Year.

This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: $200,000 grant from state to help local nonprofit with its mission