Lala's Dream Center

Hi, I'm Torey Britton, the Founder of Lala’s Dream Center. When my daughter Jaiyla (Lala) graduated from Garner Magnet High School early in 2020 due to the pandemic,  in our process of finding day programs and activities for her to attend were slim due to government funding.  The issues we've faced were either a waiting list for the program,  too expensive, and/or too far of a drive. During my research, many professionals confirmed the need and also the shortage of day programs for individuals with Down Syndrome (DS) and/or intellectual developmental disabilities (IDD) even before the pandemic.

Like Jaiyla and I, many families are on a waiting list to receive support from the NC Innovations Waiver, a Federally approved 1915 C Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services Waiver (HCBS Waiver) designed to meet the needs of Individuals with Intellectual or Development Disabilities (I/DD) who prefer to get long-term care services and supports in their home or community, rather than in an institutional setting.  Jaiyla has been on this waiting list for over 13 years and counting. 

Lala’s Dream Center is a 501(c)3 organization, where our mission is to support individuals with Down Syndrome, mild to moderate intellectual development disability, and their family or caregivers to build a solid foundation for personal growth and be inclusive to their life of choice.

Lala’s Dream Center is a Raleigh, North Carolina-based nonprofit corporation that provides supportive day care, recreational, and occupational services to adults with Down Syndrome and/or intellectual developmental disabilities. The organization was created for those with intellectual disabilities with the objective of enriching their lives with support, and development opportunities, providing a holistic approach to solving the lack of self-sustainability and support. The goal is to develop a center that provide day programs and services that empower and uplift people with DS/IDD to higher standards and develop lifelong skills, while creating positive change in self sustainability. 

Over 85% of people with disabilities are primarily cared for by family members. Family caregivers may help with such tasks as eating and bathing, money management, laundry or administering medications that is all beneficial to the disables; however, this is often unpaid work and family caregivers may have other responsibilities that hinders deeper and more developmental care. With a little extra support, some individuals with disabilities can become more self- sufficient which positively benefits the individual and the entire family.

We are asking for your support to help fund our center to include rental space and materials that will be needed for our day to day activities. All donations are tax deductible. Any amount will help us!! No amount is too small. Thanking you for your support in advance!!