THE DREAM CENTER NAMED A WINNER IN
TOYOTA’S 2012 100 CARS FOR GOOD PROGRAM
The Dream Center Will Use New Toyota Vehicle to Help Project Prevention, The Dream Center’s foster care intervention program in Los Angeles
Toyota Donating 100 Cars to 100 Nonprofits in 100 Days –
Public to Choose the Winners on Facebook
Los Angeles-based The Dream Center, which a volunteer driven organization that finds and fills the needs of individuals and families alike, was founded in 1994 and currently serves over 40,000 people each month, announced today that it has been selected as one of 100 nonprofit winners in Toyota’s 100 Cars for Good program. 100 Cars for Good is a major philanthropic initiative in which the automaker is giving 100 cars to 100 nonprofits over the course of 100 days. The Dream Center was selected as a winner based on votes from the public on June 21, 2012 on the 100 Cars for Good Facebook page at www.100carsforgood.com.
The Sienna would be used as transportation for the additional staff and interns that are needed to unload the step vans that deliver furniture, appliances, clothing and groceries to families in need as well as to bring families that wish to take part in the weekly food and clothing giveaways held at The Dream Center. Project Prevention is groundbreaking in that it is the only program that is partnered with Los Angeles County’s Department of Children and Family Services. Referrals to the program come from DCFS case workers that have come to rely on Project Prevention in cases where children have not been abused or neglected but do need extra beds, appropriate clothing or extra food. Project Prevention services reduce DCFS caseloads and allow caseworkers to focus on situations where a child may be in danger. Project Prevention staff and volunteers assist 22 to 25 families weekly. In the last four years, the program has reunited over 80 families, has kept more than 200 families intact and saved the County of Los Angeles over $500,000.
“Everyone at The Dream Center is thrilled to have been selected as a winner for the 2012 100 Cars for Good program,” said Matthew Barnett, Executive Director and Founder of The Dream Center. “We’re grateful for this incredible opportunity to directly impact the issues that afflict Los Angeles communities by reconnecting isolated people to God and a community of support by providing free human services that address immediate and long-term needs in the areas of homelessness, hunger relief, medical care, mental health and education, and this car will be an enormous help to increase our impact in Los Angeles.”
For 100 consecutive days, between May 14 and August 21, 2012, 100 Cars for Good will profile five finalists at www.100carsforgood.com. Individual members of the public are invited to vote for which ever nonprofit they think can do the most good with a new vehicle. The nonprofit with the most votes at the end of each day will win one of six Toyota models. A six-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty will also be provided for each vehicle, compliments of Toyota Financial Services. Runners-up will each receive a $1,000 cash grant from Toyota.
Toyota’s philanthropy efforts have contributed more than half a billion dollars to U.S. nonprofits since 1991. 100 Cars for Good is the first initiative to directly engage the public to determine how Toyota’s philanthropic donations are awarded. For complete information on 100 Cars for Good and profiles of all 500 finalists, please visit www.100carsforgood.com.
About The Dream Center
The Dream Center, a volunteer driven organization that finds and fills the needs of individuals and families alike, was founded in 1994 and currently serves over 40,000 people each month.
Services and programs offered include residential rehabilitation programs for teens and adults, a shelter for victims of human trafficking, a transitional shelter for homeless families, mobile hunger relief and medical programs, and a foster care intervention outreach that works closely with Los Angeles County’s Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) to keep families intact by delivering the required furnishings, clothing and food to assure that their homes meet DCFS standards. Programs such as adult basic education, job skills training, and life skills counseling are also to homeless families and individuals continue to establish The Dream Center as a vital community development resource.
The Dream Center’s record of success has led to the launch of over 100 independent Dream Centers nationally, as well as internationally.
For More Information on The Dream Center, please visit www.dreamcenter.org
About Toyota
Toyota (NYSE: TM) established operations in the United States in 1957 and currently operates 10 manufacturing plants in eight states. Toyota directly employs nearly 30,000 people in the U.S. and its investment here is currently valued at more than $18 billion, including sales and manufacturing operations, research and development, financial services and design facilities. Toyota’s annual purchasing of parts, materials, goods and services from U.S. suppliers totals more than $23 billion.
Toyota is deeply committed to being a great community partner and is focused on supporting programs in ways that achieve long-term sustainable results. Toyota supports numerous organizations across the country, with a particular concentration on education, the environment and safety. Since 1991, Toyota has contributed more than half a billion dollars to philanthropic programs across the U.S.
For more information on Toyota, please visit www.toyota.com.
About Toyota Financial Services (TFS)
TFS is the finance and insurance brand for Toyota and Lexus in the U.S., offering retail auto financing and leasing through Toyota Motor Credit Corporation (TMCC) and Toyota Lease Trust and extended service contracts and other payment protection products through Toyota Motor Insurance Services (TMIS). TFS employs 3,300 associates nationwide, and has managed assets totaling more than $91 billion. It is part of a worldwide network of comprehensive financial services offered by Toyota Financial Services Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Toyota Motor Corporation.
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