2023
OCT 1 - DEC 31
FY24 Q2 REPORT
butterflydreamz.org
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About Us Based in Gary, IN and Newark, NJ, Butterfly Dreamz, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that helps girls develop into women who achieve their dreams and fill the roles of leadership in this nation and world.
Our Impact Goals Leadership Growth & Identity
at least 90% of youth experience leadership growth and identify as confident leaders.
Improved Mental Health
at least 90% of youth mentees report improvements in their mental health.
Post-Secondary Education & Career Access
at least 90% of youth mentees receive acceptance into a college, university, or another post-secondary program.
Community Awareness & Engagement
at least 90% of Butterfly Dreamz families and partners report being more aware of and engaged in issues impacting the health and well-being of women and girls of color.
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The Need
Girls of color in the United States, particularly Black girls, are fighting systemic inequities that threaten their personal, professional, and academic well-being.
“Between other people’s opinions and everything I’ve experienced, self-esteem is a big struggle for me. I am still learning how to love my body, but I am doing better than I was before…” -Amber 12th grade (Newark, NJ)
Generational poverty, institutional racism, and sexism frequently result in adverse outcomes for girls and young women of color. Heightened Stress & Anxiety - Over 70% of girls in Butterfly Dreamz communities report being frequently stressed out due to a variety of social challenges, including community violence, chronic health conditions, lack of support, and financial struggles. Identity Threats - Daily microaggressions, demeaning beauty standards, and harmful stereotypes negatively impact our girls’ selfidentity and confidence. Inadequate School Support- When our girls look for the support they need at school, they often can’t find it. Black girls frequently experience “adultification bias,” where they are perceived to be more mature and less in need of nurturing, protection, support, and comfort. Many public schools, particularly those in low-income communities, are significantly understaffed. In Indiana, the school counselor-to-student ratio is 694 students to one school counselor. In New Jersey, there are 655 students to one school social worker.
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Our Approach Butterfly Dreamz works at the intersection of health and education to advance the leadership and well-being of women and girls. Through our programs, research, and advocacy, we: Equip girls to be confident leaders who disrupt the status quo. Build an intergenerational network of women and girls who are committed to growing as leaders, supporting each others’ endeavors, and making a positive impact on their families and communities. Cultivate community and corporate partnerships that combat injustice and influence organizational and systemic change.
When our girls thrive, so do their families, their schools, and their communities.
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What We Do
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Cocoon Club Network of Support Our Cocoon Club (cocoonclub.org/join) is a supportive online community that connects girls and young women, ages 12 to 24, to education and health resources, leadership opportunities, and mentorship to achieve their unique goals.
Leadership & Wellness Programs Our leadership and wellness programs advance health equity by providing students at underresourced schools with access to culturally affirming and gender-responsive mental health services, including individualized wellness coaching and preventative programs that help develop young people’s social-emotional and leadership skills. Our school-based teams include our Community Health Workers (CHWs) and CHW Apprentices, who serve as Community Wellness Coaches.
Participatory Research & Advocacy Our youth interns work with our staff to conduct community-based participatory research (CBPR) projects that examine the intersection of community health and public education to promote the well-being of women and girls of color, particularly Black women and girls.
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Q2 Impact We served 1,009 youth and family members in Q2! 767 girls and women used our Cocoon Club Mobilize app in Q2. 97% of Cocoon Club members viewed the youth development content posted on the app feed. We employed 15 youth and young adults in paid internships and apprenticeships in Q2.
Overview of Youth Served in Q2 In partnership with The Black Man Can, Inc., we provide culturally affirming and gender-responsive mental health services and youth development programs to young people attending under-resourced schools in Newark, NJ and Gary, IN.
Non-binary 3%
Male 22%
Hispanic or Latinx 13.9%
8/10 youth in our community say that school causes them to feel “very stressed and/or anxious.”
Female 72%
White 5%
Black/African American 77.2%
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Q2 Highlights
We served 1,009 youth and family members in Q2; 50% of our young people live in Newark, NJ and 21% live in Gary, IN.
A Network of Support 97% of Cocoon Club members use our community Mobilize app to connect to mentorship, leadership development resources, and college and career opportunities. 89% of youth program participants feel supported by Butterfly Dreamz, Inc. and The Black Man Can, Inc.
Leadership & Wellness Two (2) school-based programs launched in Q2: Grover Cleveland Elementary School in Newark, New Jersey (318 students enrolled; >80% eligible for free or reduced lunch) and West Leadership Academy in Gary, Indiana (1230 students enrolled; >80% eligible for free or reduced lunch). 90% of students report that Butterfly Dreamz wellness coaching is beneficial to their mental health and well-being.
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“One thing that I enjoyed today was the partnership and creativity.” —Foyr, 7th grade (Newark, NJ)
I just want to compliment this whole thing. It has got me more prepared for college and the preparation for it. It is a great program and it was extremely helpful. Got me a little bit more comfortable about my future. —Trevor, 11th grade (Newark, NJ)
I learned more about being a leader, such as the different forms of power and how that power can be used in both good and bad ways, as well as how we can use that power. I was able to learn more about what I valued as well. —Cynthia, undergrad student (Gary, IN)
Partner with Us Education Partners Bring Butterfly Dreamz leadership and mentoring programs to your school or community center.
Health Partners Collaborate with us to advance equity for women and girls of color by connecting youth and their families to quality healthcare and education resources.
Corporate Partners Invest in women and girl leaders by becoming a corporate sponsor, and invite Black women at your organization to join our partner network and professional learning community: sisterhoodofsuccessfulwomen.com.