The D.R.E.A.M. Program will be a new initiative. This program will symbolize our commitment to the community and our strong belief in a brighter, healthier future together. We need your support, please donate.

The DREAM Initiative will be a 12-month, school-based wellness program launched in partnership with Old Redford Academy Middle School in Northwest Detroit. It will provide free, weekly health education sessions centered on diabetes prevention and management, nutrition, and physical activity.  Designed for underserved families, students, and staff, DREAM will meet participants within their trusted community space.

Each session will incorporate culturally relevant, trauma-informed, and evidence-based tools to address the root causes of diet-related illnesses like Type 2 diabetes, obesity, and hypertension. To increase food access and promote healthy meals, DREAM will partner with local gardens and farms to supply seasonal produce for cooking demos, wellness kits, and direct distribution.

Why This Will Matter

Detroit’s Black community experiences a high burden of chronic diseases. According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, over 14% of Black adults in Detroit are diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes—nearly twice the rate of white residents. Many more are undiagnosed or unaware of their risk, especially in ZIP code 48219, where fresh food, screenings, and preventive care remain limited.

This work is personal for founder Nat Bushell, who has witnessed loved ones suffer from preventable conditions caused by systemic inequities and lack of access. DREAM will exist to challenge those barriers and create community-driven wellness solutions.