Sound Sleep Supporter

An often overlooked but vitally important part of every child’s well-being is sleeping in a safe, clean bed each night.

That’s why Sweet Dream Makers has made it the organization’s mission to provide an appropriate place for children and families in Palm Beach and Broward Counties to rest their heads.

“We are the only locally serving organization that provides new beds and bedding, at no charge to Palm Beach County — and now Broward County — families in need,” says Development and Communication Director Chloe Textor. “In 2021, we expanded from Palm Beach to Broward, because there is a huge need there as well.”

The 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (that grew out of a grassroots social action program at Temple Beth El in Boca Raton) was founded in 2016 by Executive Director Suzanne Broad, who works alongside 75 local social service agencies.

“Case workers from AVDA (Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse), Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies and others who go into the homes of families living in poverty are seeing the need first-hand for beds and bedding,” Textor explains. “They’re already helping families with food and aftercare, but there is just not enough money left over for beds and bedding.”

Thanks to the organization’s mattress partner, City Mattress (and in West Palm Beach, Family Furniture), within 48 hours of the request, new beds are delivered to the grateful families.

“Every $250 dollars donated provides a mattress, the frame, box spring, mattress protector, pillow and bedding of the child’s choice,” Textor points out. “We order the bedding sets from either Walmart or Target, whether it’s Barbie, Spiderman, etc. Kids feel a sense of ownership — they’re excited to see their favorite cartoon characters!”

Beds are provided on a case-by-case basis, depending on the living space.

“For example, in a two-bedroom apartment, perhaps we would do a bunk bed or trundle, a crib for an infant or an extra-long twin for teens,” she says.

Best of all, nearly 80% of the case workers report that children with their own new beds have improved grades and mental and physical health and a better quality of life, Textor says.

“In 2021, we provided 2,884 beds altogether and are projected to provide 4,000 by the end of 2022. We’re changing families’ lives overnight — and more than 300 lives every month.”

For more information, visit sweetdreammakers.org.