The quote “Bloom where you are planted,” has a new meaning and purpose through the Dream Foundation’s program, The Bloom Experience.
The Bloom Experience is a program of Dreams Foundation, Inc. designed for young ladies in grades 8 through 12 with the mission of helping girls build confidence, strengthen their faith, develop leadership skills, and expose them to opportunities that encourage personal growth and success.
The Dreams Foundation Founder Shaudell Brooks said the program was developed after many years of working with young female students.
“The idea came from years of working with young people and recognizing the need for a space where girls could be poured into intentionally,” she said. “While many programs focus on academics or athletics, I wanted to create something that focused on the whole girl, her confidence, character, purpose, and future.”
The first Bloom Experience was launched this summer with a cohort of young ladies from across the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Ms. Brooks said that girls with a purpose “bloom.”
“Through Bible studies, sister circles, guest speakers, community experiences, service projects, and leadership activities, we are helping them discover who they are and who they can become,” she said.
Ms. Brooks is one of those blooming young ladies who didn’t allow her disability or wheelchair hinder her blooming. She serves as founder and executive director of the foundation and currently works in public education where she helps students prepare for life after high school.
“My passion for advocacy, mentorship, and creating opportunities for young people led me to start Dreams Foundation in 2016,” Ms. Brooks said. “What has been most rewarding about Bloom is watching the girls become more confident, more engaged, and more connected with one another. The growth we’ve seen in just a few weeks has been incredible.”
She said she was raised in a supportive family that encouraged her to pursue her goals and never allow obstacles to define her future. Ms. Brooks was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy when she was only two years old.
“Throughout my life, I have encountered people who underestimated my abilities because of my disability,” she recalls. “Rather than focusing on limitations, I chose to focus on possibilities.”
Muscular Dystrophy is a genetic condition that causes progressive muscle weakness. Ms. Brooks uses a wheelchair for mobility, but beyond the wheelchair, there is no obstacle too big to conquer.
“While Muscular Dystrophy affects me physically, it has never limited my ability to lead, advocate, serve, or pursue my goals. In many ways, it has given me a unique perspective and a passion for creating a more inclusive world,” said Ms. Brooks.
She is a 2011 graduate of Pascagoula High School and has an associate degree from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and a Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of South Alabama. She said this education journey taught her perseverance, self-advocacy and the importance of creating opportunities for others.
“As a young girl, I wanted to live a life that made a difference,” she said. “I dreamed of attending college, becoming independent, helping others, and proving that a disability would not prevent me from achieving my goals. I have always enjoyed encouraging people and being involved in my community, which ultimately led me to the work I do today.
For the past 10 years. Ms. Brooks has worked with students in the College and Career Center at Pascagoula High School. She is also a children’s book author and focuses on inclusion, confidence, faith and representation.
“My goal is to create stories where all children can see themselves reflected, especially children with disabilities who are often underrepresented in literature” she said. “I hope to inspire young readers to embrace who they are, dream boldly, and understand that their differences can be a source of strength.”
She said her faith has been the foundation of her journey and believes challenges are meant to strengthen.
“Every obstacle I have faced has deepened my commitment to helping others discover their purpose and potential.”
