An attitude of gratitude and faith in a Heavenly Father inspired Jan Tennyson to beat the odds of growing up in foster care and start a Foundation to build the spirit of wounded youngsters with broken dreams.
Jan says, "It is because of the grace of God and the generosity of loyal supporters and volunteers that we have been able to touch the lives of more than 20,000 abused and neglected foster children, teen offenders, and orphans since 1987."
These youngsters are temporarily housed in shelters, group homes, orphanages, and detention centers. Through Dare to Dream’s enrichment programs, souls have been saved, hearts have been healed, and some young people have been able to dream and trust again. Dare to Dream’s Life Skills programs are an important ingredient in the intervention and rehabilitation of youth in the Juvenile Justice System.
Lorri: Jan, thanks for taking the time out of your busy schedule to share news about your ministry with us. This blog is about encouraging others. Do you and your volunteers get encouraged seeing the young people whom you help?
Jan: The reward is great when you see the eyes of youth change as they listen and hear the truth about their value and realize that regardless of their circumstances, they can achieve great things because of what they believe. Our volunteer/role models are living examples of the goodness of God.
Lorri: How did you come to know Jesus?
Jan: It wasn't until late in life - 1987, that I heard evangelist Jerry Johnston's testimony at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Dallas and learned that I could have the blessed assurance to know that I would go directly to heaven when I died, by inviting Jesus Christ into my life. I got saved that night and my desires changed, my actions changed, and my future was changed forever by the the touch of the Holy Spirit.
Lorri: You recently won an award from the Governor of Texas, Rick Perry! Congratulations! What was it like to be honored in that way?
Jan: It was humbling and such an honor. When I started Dare to Dream, I didn't sign up for awards or recognition.; I wanted life to be better for kids like me who didn't have strong families to believe and encourage them. Feeling like an outsider is not fun - but the encouragement of people who care can change your future forever.
The Governor's Lonestar Achievement Award Recognizes the outstanding service of an individual who has impacted the delivery of social services in Texas.
Lorri: Jan, thanks for all you do to make a difference. We want to let people know how they can volunteer or donate to keep your ministry going. Please go to the Dare to Dream website!
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