330+ schools, 25K kids impacted. We are dedicated to changing the future for underserved children through the power of dance.
“I’ve taught dance in classrooms, kitchens, lobbies, warehouses and courtrooms, and have seen youth come out of their shell and thrive. It doesn’t matter where the classes are held, what matters is how we show up to create a safe space for our young people.”
—Melanie Buttarazzi, Founder and Executive Director
Fostering Dreams Project was founded in 2014 with a deep commitment to creating safe, empowering spaces for foster and system-impacted youth through the transformative power of dance and the performing arts.
What began as a grassroots initiative in partnership with residential recovery centers and community-based organizations evolved into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2017.
Since then, FDP has grown into a countywide movement for healing, creativity, and youth empowerment.
Real Impact. Real Results.
“It’s easier for me to be living on the streets, running from the cops and looking for my next high than it is to be in your dance class—but I'm telling you this because you never let me give up. You taught me how to stick with things, and nobody’s ever done that for me before. So I want to thank you—because today I enrolled in college. I’ve always wanted to be a chef, and I plan to stick with it.”
—Francis from Freehab addiction recovery center
“This program is so great for the kids, they need an outlet like this to help them learn differently and express themselves.”
—Vice Principal of Palmdale
Where We’ve Proudly Transformed Lives
We bring dance, music therapy and performing arts programs to schools and Short Term Residential Therapeutic Programs, reaching youth who need it most.
Through movement, music, and creative expression, students learn to regulate their emotions, improve focus, and feel more connected in the classroom.
Our programs inspire youth to show up, participate, and believe in themselves.
With each session, they build confidence, strengthen peer relationships, and discover what’s possible when they commit to something positive.
The Fostering Dreams Difference: A Case Study
We are proud to share that our impact across Los Angeles County has made waves since we began this important work.
What we’ve noticed is that, not only are the kids impacted by our programs, but teachers and administrators also transform and approach their work differently.
Alta Loma Elementary partnered with Fostering Dreams for before-school enrichment. The teachers with Fostering Dreams were highly engaging. Our parents, students and teachers had positive feedback to share about Fostering Dreams and the creativity they provided students.
Parents reported that it helped to motivate their kids to get up for school. In fact, we found that 78% of the students in the program either improved or maintained their attendance rate.
