Happy House Hacking Podcast EP 36: Making Dreams Come True: The Heart of San Luis Obispo

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Dream Makers SLO: The Heart of San Luis Obispo

Life's most precious moments often come in the face of adversity. Dream Makers SLO, a San Luis Obispo nonprofit, fulfills end-of-life dreams for terminally ill adults. The organization taps into the network of philanthropy and volunteer opportunities in San Luis Obispo to make these dreams a reality.

At The Schwaegerle Team, we believe in the power of community and the importance of giving back. That’s why we were so honored to speak with Dr. Rhonda Beamon, the founder and executive director of Dream Makers SLO, for a special episode of our Happy House Hacking podcast. Dream Makers SLO exemplifies the heart and soul of the San Luis Obispo community, providing comfort and joy to those facing their final days. 

What is Dream Makers SLO?

Eight years ago, the seeds of Dream Makers SLO were sown when Dr. Rhonda Beamon was profoundly moved by a video of a terminally ill father dancing with his daughter. She recalls that after this experience, "I called to start this outreach to terminally ill adults in our community who, for any number of reasons, have never had their lifelong dream come true.” 

Driven by a desire to bring joy and a sense of fulfillment to those facing the final days of terminal illness, Dr. Beamon founded Dream Makers SLO. The organization's mission is simple yet profound: to grant lifelong dreams to terminally ill adults, ensuring their final moments are filled with joy and cherished memories. 

No Dream Too Big or Too Small

The results have been remarkable. "We've never turned anyone away. We've never turned anyone down," states Dr. Beamon. The dreams they fulfill range from small, personal wishes to grand, once-in-a-lifetime experiences, demonstrating their commitment to the unique needs of each individual. 

Dr. Beamon says, "It's a humbling and honoring thing to be a part of.” The organization's dedication to making these dreams come true is a testament to its unwavering commitment to serving the community.

More Than Just Dreams

There is a vital emotional and human aspect of Dream Makers SLO's work. Fulfilling a dream gives the terminally ill person something to focus on other than their illness—they get to focus on living because of the efforts of Dream Maker’s SLO. 

"For a little while, you dream, right? When you've [received] some bad news, you've got something that you can think of that's not your illness.” Dr. Beamon explains. "For a little while, you're not sick anymore.” 

Camille Schwaegerle adds, "I can't think of anything more rewarding right now to be able to give someone in those final days." 

The Impact on the San Luis Obispo Community

San Luis Obispo is a community that steps up, with one of the highest numbers of nonprofits per capita. "I think it's because people feel so fortunate to live in…those places," says Dr. Beamon. The spirit of giving permeates the city, and Dream Makers SLO’s ability to rally the community is a source of inspiration.

Local charitable organizations are the backbone of the support needed to bring these dreams to life for  Dream Makers SLO’s recipients. The power of community shines through countless stories of success like these:

• A homeless musician was transformed into a rock star for a night, playing live music on stage. 
• A family spent a magical Christmas in Avila Beach, thanks to the generosity of a homeowner who returned their $20,000 rental fee. 

The emotional impacts of these experiences are immeasurable, creating lasting memories for the individuals and their families. The positive reviews from family members of those helped by Dream Makers SLO are a testament to the organization's reach. 

"You are making such an incredible difference in people's lives in their final days," Camille Schwaegerle tells Dr. Beamon during the podcast.

How Dreams Are Made a Reality

The process for submitting a dream request is straightforward. Individuals, often referred by local healthcare professionals, including oncologists, complete a questionnaire. Dr. Beamon explains that, in addition to providing their contact information, the patient answers the question, “If you could have a dream come true, what would it be?”

Dream Makers SLO then mobilizes resources and volunteers to make the dream a reality. Even seemingly impossible dreams are considered, with the organization finding creative solutions to fulfill each wish. "We just ask people for outlandish things," Dr. Beamon says, emphasizing their willingness to go above and beyond.

The collaboration with local healthcare professionals is key to identifying individuals who could benefit from Dream Makers SLO's services. These professionals play a vital role in connecting those in need with the organization, ensuring that they have the opportunity to fulfill their dreams.

The Importance of Community Support

Community philanthropy is essential to sustaining Dream Makers SLO. Individuals can contribute in various ways: through monetary donations (one-time or recurring), volunteering their time, and spreading awareness. 

The website dreammakersslo.com serves as a valuable resource for those who want to volunteer or donate. "100% of any money that we get goes toward the dreams," Dr. Beamon emphasizes, going on to say, "We always need more hands," highlighting the ongoing need for volunteer opportunities in San Luis Obispo.

Dream Makers SLO is also preparing for an upcoming living funeral and needs volunteers to help make it a success. "We're about to do a living funeral for a person, and it's going to have 50 people there,” Dr. Beamon shares. “We could use all kinds of people to help us clean up after or help us run the thing."

Get Involved

We encourage you to visit the Dream Makers SLO website, dreammakersslo.com, and explore the volunteer opportunities in San Luis Obispo. Consider making a donation to support the organization's mission. Your contribution, no matter how small, can make a world of difference. 

A Legacy of Hope and Community

Dream Makers SLO is a beacon of hope in our community, a testament to the power of compassion and generosity. The organization's unwavering commitment to fulfilling dreams and providing comfort to terminally ill adults is genuinely inspiring. Let us all strive to make our community a place where dreams come true, where hope prevails, and where the spirit of giving shines brightly.

At The Schwaegerle Team, we are immensely proud to support Dream Makers SLO and share their incredible story. To learn more about Dr. Beamon’s inspiring journey and the heartwarming tales of dreams fulfilled, be sure to listen to the full episode of our Happy House Hacking podcast.