our story
Our story revolves around a survivor of abuse and violent crime who transformed their experience into the vision for an extraordinary organization. This organization reaches out to teen girls and young women, offering them more than just a free formal dress; it provides an opportunity to step into their God-given purpose and realize their full potential. In our journey, we've learned that out of the ashes, beauty emerges, and even the mess becomes a powerful message.
The Dresses and Dreams Project is more than just a dress, it’s an experience. Besides our Operation Prom Girl program for teens, we provide gowns, shoes, and jewelry to military women and special needs programs. It is a safe place to learn about identity and healthy relationships; provides resources and support to serve as a pathway to breaking the cycle and embracing her life’s purpose.
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Romans 12:2
3000
2013
Dresses & dreams was founded
women & teens helped
Meet the
pearls
We are a collaborative offering vulnerable teen girls and military women with opportunities to make their hopes and dreams a reality. Providing free formal gowns, resources, advocacy and inspiring events to those with challenging circumstances and providing a pathway to a dignified life and their God-given purpose.
Dawn Schultz
Founder and President
Dawn began the Dresses and Dreams Project organization as ” Operation Prom Girl” in 2013, shortly after moving to the IE from Los Angeles County where she held an occupation as a makeup artist for over 20 years. She is a single mother of three and a blessed grandmother to a beautiful granddaughter! She is a multiple trauma survivor who believes every day of our lives holds God-given opportunities. She is a visionary who has a passion for matters plaguing our society like addiction, human/child/organ trafficking, fatherless family systems, addiction, and domestic violence. She enjoys water, worship, walking, mentoring, poetry, cooking, making artisan products and apothecary, and spending quality time with her kids.
Natalie Morgan
vice president
Natalie Morgan is dedicated to service as a volunteer and in Christian ministry leadership. Born in Atlanta, Georgia she has spent most of her life in Southern California raising a family. In the past several years she and her husband founded Builders of Faith Ministries, a non-profit organization with the mission of serving others who are in need and spreading love through this service. Natalie is also ordained pastor. Builders Of Faith administers a prison ministry program, Angel Tree, a holiday Christmas extravaganza for children with incarcerated parents and underwrites scholarships and camp opportunities for youth. Natalie is a member of the Rock Church, San Marcos Campus and has volunteered with the Billy Graham Crusade, and A Night to Honor Israel (John Hagee Ministries). Natalie enjoys morning Bible Study, cooking, decorating and spending quality time with loved ones. She spent six years volunteering with The Dresses & Dreams Project before becoming the Vice President.
Candice Gordon
secretary
Candice Gordon is a family photographer who also serves as part of a team specializing in elopement photography and coaching. Alongside her professional endeavors, she teaches photography classes within the community as a way to give back. With a passion for education, Candice has dedicated over 15 years to volunteering in schools, allowing her to build connections with numerous students and nurture their enthusiasm for learning. A resident of Menifee, CA, she is a married is a mother of two and continues to serve at her daughter’s elementary school.
Reanna Ritter
Treasurer & accountant
Reanna was born and raised in beautiful South Lake Tahoe and is the youngest of six siblings. She was raised in a religion that undermined women. She watched people suffer and as a result and decided she would not allow that in her life. She spent the next 15 years working in restaurants and retail at various levels. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting in 2012, and her Master’s in Business in 2017. Later, she started her accounting career in payroll and was quickly promoted to Financial Controller and progressed in corporate accounting for midsize restaurant chains for the next 4 years. Reanna then started Ritter Accounting and Consulting and works with a wonderful team of people.
Bridgette Moore
CITY COUNCILWOMAN FOR WILDOMAR, CA , ADVISORY BOARD
Bridgette Moore was part of the inaugural city council in 2008. She has served three terms and is currently serving her fourth term. She was the first woman to serve as Mayor in 2010. She was appointed to Mayor again in 2016 and has called Wildomar her home for the past 22 years. She is married to her husband, Stewart Moore, and they have one son, Jake. Bridgette also has two grandsons from her bonus daughter, Catherine.
Keisha Montefleury
founder of abundantly authentic, advisory board
Keisha Montfleury is first a believer in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, then a mom, and next an entrepreneur. She believes that it is our responsibility to encourage the young generations so they are armed with the tools, knowledge, and strategies to thrive as individuals. It’s important for our girls to practice HEALTHY CONFIDENCE and that is why she enjoys being a part of Dresses & Dreams Project. She is also the proud mom of 3 beautiful kids, and currently resides in Southern California.
Rosie Lovato
college and career, founder of generations rise, advisory board
Roseann Lovato is the Founder of Generations RISE 501(c)3. She has worked for the State of CA (most currently works as an Analyst) for over 18 years. She received a BA in Sociology (CSUF), and Master’s Degree in Education, with an emphasis in Career and Technical Education (CSUSB). She has mentored and volunteered with other organizations and has served as a Career Coach. She currently holds a CA CTE Teaching Credential to teach Business & Finance. She declares her Christian Faith and acknowledges that God has called her to mentoring and the teaching of life skills to at-risk youth for the purpose of prevention of unhealthy behaviors that often leads to harsh consequences including drug abuse and incarceration.
Thank you, to our...
sponsors
We would like to thank all of the businesses and individuals who have believed in our mission and vision and that have supported our organization in 2023 by becoming a financial sponsor or community partner. May God richly bless you!
- Summer Pines Media
- Candice Gordon Photography
- Chick-fil-a
- Menifee: Interfaith and community service council
- Kristina Spielman
- Jim & Anita Ward
- Altura Credit Union
- Target
- Eastern Municipal Water District
- Schools First Federal credit union
- 102.5 The Vine
- Nothing Bundt Cakes: Temecula
- Raising Cane’s
- Bob and Jackie Chade
- Inland Empire Health Plan
- Ranch RV & Self Storage
- In his hands ministry
- Molina Healthcare
- GSFE
- Walmart
- HOPE Collaborative
- Builders of Faith
