OUR STORY...

Dandelion Dreams, Inc was birthed from a passion shared between Shaun and me.  Simply stated, we loved helping people and knew our impact would be more significant if we could work with others who shared the same compassion.  

 

Our Dandelion Love affair

When we first met in 2006, many (including us) were questioning if we were a good fit for each other!  We were and still are total opposites!  He is a free-spirited risk taker and quite honestly a part-time comedian, while I tend to be structured, traditional and as he would say, predictable. Our differences were so noticeable at that time that we affectionally compared our relationship to the likings of a dandelion – he represented the white floaties, and I was the stem. 

The contrast between our personalities, however, were magnetic almost instantly!  We worked beautifully together and captured each other’s hearts!  Though different in disposition, our passions aligned effortlessly, and it was incredible how God designed us for each other. Aside from our love for each other, we were eager to align our values to help under-served communities; ultimately creating an impact that served a higher purpose than ourselves.

The parallel to the dandelion

 

We’re sure you’re thinking, “Ok, so that’s where the name Dandelion Dreams comes from.”  Well, not exactly and we are actually happy we CAN’T claim it to be that easy.  Yes, the relationship comparison is cute, but we had no idea then that God’s alignment in 2006 would lead us to our calling in 2017.    

The dandelion…a seemingly simple little flower…has an incredible history that parallels our relationship with each other, those we come in contact with, and how we see our influence (Dandelion Dreams) impacting people and communities all over the world!!

 

Here are some facts…

  • There are over 100 species of dandelions...ALL of which are beneficial

We desire each of our Program Priorities to be beneficial 

  • The dandelion grows all throughout the world and is familiar to nearly everyone

We are eager to help as many as possible and want our impact to be unforgettable

  • The name is believed to be derived from the Greek words taraxos, meaning disorder, and akos, meaning remedy.  

Dandelion Dreams was birthed out of our excitement to "remedy disorder"

  • Dandelions appear bright and full as it generates the yellow to orange flower on a stem
    By faith, Dandelion Dreams will be a beacon of light and awaken the dreams of many who have lost hope. 
  • Dandelions often change from the flower to the white seed head over several days
    We hope Dandelion Dreams will help to remedy disorder quickly
  • The white floaties that the dandelion produces are specialized seeds.  This rapid seeding ability makes dandelions extremely successful at populating a widespread area -- gardeners cannot keep up with the constant growth!!  Successfully grown dandelion roots help your soil remain aerated. As the roots grow deeply, they reduce soil compaction by creating air and moisture pockets underground. As a result, other tender plant roots have a chance to move into the aerated soil for ample foliage and stem growth. Overall, successful dandelion seeds and seedlings create a fertile environment for all plant growth. 

Our impact is deeper than what’s on the surface and this description alone is parallel to our vision.  A “tender plant root” to us is simply someone who may need our help, so we structure our program priorities in a way that will facilitate growth and are humbled when Dandelion Dreams is, forever, embedded in the stories of those we've helped.  This is why the Dandelion is so fitting!! 

 

 

Aside from the dandelion's life cycle and benefits to all plants, it is used for medical and nutritious benefits: 

  • Eradicating warts, bee stings, and sores
  • Facials and skin refreshing
  • A nutritive herb rich in potassium, calcium, and lecithin, along with iron, magnesium, niacin, phosphorus, proteins, silicon, boron, and zinc. Dandelions also provide several B vitamins along with vitamins C, E, and  "P" vitamins (Plant nutrients known as flavonoids or bioflavonoid with numerous health benefits).
  • Treatment of liver disease, anemia, hepatitis, elevated blood pressure, etc
  • And so much more!!

 

Overall, we feel the Dandelion's history figuratively tells our story and sums up our "WHY" and purpose.