Chasing 7 Dreams

Chasing 7 Dreams goals are to:
1) provide services, support and resources to individuals with disabilities and their families
2) improve outcomes for babies with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families
3) address social disparities and increase opportunities for individuals with disabilities in Southern California and
4) increase advocacy and use of services and resources by people of color with disabilities or who have children with disabilities.

Chasing 7 Dreams provides access to resources and services for children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Disabilities without limitations of an applicant's social and economic demographics in the Inland Empire and San Gabriel Valley regions of Southern California. The Inland Empire is the largest geographic region in the State of California covering a diverse population both in race and income. Chasing 7 Dreams implements its E*KAAMP Program to provide children with disabilities a social and recreational summer camp experience that works to further enhance the development of their social and communication skills. Pamper My Baby (PMB) improves outcomes for babies with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families through culturally and linguistically competent educational workshops for new parents to increase their awareness and knowledge of healthy child development and the importance of early intervention. Through the Career Connect Program, Chasing 7 Dreams, supports adults with disabilities in obtaining jobs and connects them with businesses that are dedicated to creating inclusive workplaces for people with differing abilities. The STARS program is a disability-inclusive sports program that provides children and adults with disabilities the opportunity to learn and hone sports and life skills. STARS provides individuals with disabilities an opportunity to shine.

Chasing 7 Dreams sees the person NOT the disability. We are authentic and transparent, we speak with compassion, appreciate other’s support and we push ourselves for the communities we serve. We are committed to helping those in the community by meeting their needs and promoting their development. We are authentic and transparent, we speak with compassion, appreciate other’s support and we push ourselves for the communities we serve. We respect our differences and celebrate our individuality. We have an experienced team composed of trained and licensed behavioral therapists, parents of children and adults with Autism and Special Needs, registered nurses, and business professionals. Born from the love of a single mother whose son had a late diagnosis of Autism, Chasing 7 Dreams was founded by Tenika Doyle’s personal understanding of the needs of individuals with disabilities and those that love and support them.

Since its inception, Chasing 7 Dreams (C7D) has grown tremendously. It’s flagship program, E*KAAMP, began as a one-day summer camp experience for 30 children with disabilities. Today, E*KAAMP is offered as a weeklong camp during the summer and for three days during both the spring and winter breaks for over 270 kids.

We piloted the Career Connect in 2021 to prepare adults with disabilities for employment in their chosen career paths and connect them with businesses dedicated to creating inclusive workplace environments. Of the four individuals in the pilot program, all four have obtained jobs and Chasing 7 Dreams and the program was recognized by State Senator, Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh for its impact.

A grant from the CA Department of Development Services helped us launch Pamper My Baby (PMB) in 2023. We served 150 parents from the Inland Empire. Through a second grant in 2024, we will serve up to 400 parents and bring PMB to San Gabriel and Pomona. Pre-/post-surveys show an increase in understanding and knowledge across the board and 100% would recommend PMB. Its impact can best be shown in the testimonials of the parents. During one workshop, a father who is the primary caregiver for his two daughters, one of whom was on the spectrum, said that he learned so much. He stated that hearing from Tenika as a parent advocate and the other parents in attendance, he feels he can now advocate for his daughter.

STARS was developed in 2024 to provide sports training to children and adults with disabilities. The program was created in response to feedback and suggestions from E*KAAMP participants. In just the first few months of implementation, the program reached its capacity for some of the sports offered.

C7D has developed many partnerships over the years. Inland Regional Center, San Gabriel/Pomona Regional Center, Inland Empire Health Plan and Redlands Unified School District donate workshop space and promote programs. Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino donates diapers. Mothers Nutritional Center donates nutrition bags and guest speakers. Black Infant Health, Jurupa Valley Doulas, and CAHELP refer clients and offer guest speakers. Children’s Hosp. LA, Connect IE, Planned Parenthood, First 5, Fontana and Blythe Chambers of Commerce, Molina Healthcare, and WIC promote programs.

C7D has worked with parents/caregivers of children with developmental disabilities and has empowered them to find and use their voice to advocate for their child. We are developing a new component, PAT (Parents Advocating Together) to increase advocacy. C7D will train Pamper My Baby workshop graduates to be Parent Advocates who can facilitate the Pamper My Parent circle time during the workshops and create a network of support.