About Us

Mission Statement

The Dreamcatcher Foundation (TDF), a 501c3 tax exempt nonprofit, is a survivor founded, survivor driven, and survivor focused agency fighting to end human trafficking in Chicago and its surrounding suburbs. Our not-for-profit organization works to prevent the sexual exploitation of at-risk youth and helps them find confidence and stability through education, empowerment, and active prevention.

Vision Statement

Our goal is to create an environment in which victims of human trafficking can be empowered, educated, and self-confident.

Who We Are

In 2008, Brenda Myers-Powell and Stephanie Daniels-Wilson founded our survivor-led and survivor-focused not-for-profit organization that has worked to prevent the sexual exploitation of at-risk youth and to help current victims find confidence and stability through education and individualized care and services. Our harm reduction, holistic, eclectic approach offers the clinical and practical applications to encourage and empower Chicago’s most disenfranchised and disadvantaged young women.

Stephanie Daniels-Wilson

Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Daniels-Wilson earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from The Chicago State University and a Master of Science degree from National Louis University. With over 20 years of experience in Social Services, 10 of those years were specifically focused on women active in the sex trade and affected by substance abuse, addiction, and HIV infection.

After personally observing several acts of sexual exploitation on the south side of Chicago in the Englewood community, It was at that moment that Stephanie knew that she needed to do something in her community to take a stand against sexual exploitation. Out of that vision, Stephanie began working towards making The Dreamcatcher Foundation a reality.

Collaborating with researcher Jody Rapheal of DePaul University, Ms. Daniels-Wilson has studied the ins and outs of human trafficking in the Chicagoland area and its effect on young women. To assist in her fight for social injustices, Ms. Daniels-Wilson sits on the board for the Women of Power Alumni Association.

Brenda Myers-Powell

Co-Founder and Executive Director, Ms. Myers-Powell was a product of human trafficking at the age of 14 where she escaped an abusive home life and learned to navigate the streets of Chicago. Living through physical, mental, and sexual abuse not only made her numb to the adversities she faced, they also equipped her to survive as a testament for the young women she was to mentor out of the life. With 25 years as a teenage and adult prostitute, Ms. Myers-Powell brings the insight and depth to help others change their lives and successfully live their dreams.

Equipped with a message that has touched the hearts of many individuals and challenged the culture of many communities, Ms. Myers-Powell educates on the perils of human trafficking with a raw edge not for the faint at heart. Survivor of abuse, drugs, and prostitution, she provides perspective for women to reach new levels of accomplishments for their future. Also researching with Jody Rapheal of DePaul University, Ms. Myers-Powell’s work and knowledge of the human trafficking industry has shed light on the struggle and continues to promote awareness in the Chicagoland area.

Board of Directors

Stephanie Daniels-Wilson – President
Felica Ervin – Secretary
Valerie Hayes – Treasurer
Philoniese Moore
Kayla Hines

Advisory Panel

Laura Ng- Traffick Free

Personal Stories
Dreamcatcher News

Donors and Partners

To all the amazing people who have allowed Dreamcatcher to exist, we appreciate you so much.

Special Thanks to TRUE PRODUCTIONS. This amazing organization hosts all of our online content and keeps our website up to date. Without them, we would be nowhere. So hat’s off to Anthony Cassara and his amazing staff.

Foundations and Institutions:
  • Chicago Foundation For Women
  • Mary Pence House
  • LISC
  • Cambridge School
  • Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority
  • Northwestern University
  • University of Chicago
We want to highlight what our sponsors and donors have done for us as well as acknowledge all the people who have helped us get to where we are today. If you want to donate to the cause, click here and help to end human trafficking today.
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