About DreamCutz

What is DreamCutz?

Young men currently serving long-term sentences in the Massachusetts juvenile justice system have experienced depression and incidents of violence 45 percent more often than those serving determinate sentences. Because the vast majority of America's prison population is men of color, in Boston, this issue disproportionately affects Black and Hispanic men. Facing almost an entire lifetime ahead of them in prison, these men often experience feelings of hopelessness and resignation, leading to seriously debilitating mental health issues that can manifest themselves in violence.

Recognizing this and fervently believing that everyone deserves to have hope and purpose in their lives, the Dreamcatcher Initiative (DCI) launched the DreamCutz program in 2016 to give these men practical professional and social skills to restore these feelings. We assist them in becoming essential contributors and leaders within the incarcerated community.

How?

DCI collaborated with Shannon Lesley, a licensed and certified instructor, to develop DreamCutz into a hands-on pre-vocational introduction to barbering. Barbering programs not only teach professional skills but also offer interpersonal training, enhancing communication and entrepreneurial opportunities, which are crucial for reintegration. DreamCutz offer’s a pathway to hope, self-sufficiency, and professional skills to youth who have limited access to opportunities that build confidence or career readiness.

In 2023, DCI opened their first physical shop to run the DreamCutz program. Made possible by a DYS Single Service Provider Contract, the program offers opportunities for youth in The Metro Connelly Residential facility to access vocational barber training on-site. In addition, DCI will offer the youth various career-readiness sessions and 1-on-1 mentorship to equip them with the tools needed to achieve economic stability, which will reduce community violence and the likelihood of recidivism. Vocational training programs for incarcerated individuals can reduce recidivism by up to 43%, according to studies by RAND Corporation.

About DreamCutz 2.0

Last November we launched DreamCutz 2.0, expanding to young women with training in hair braiding and styling. This program is helping build confidence, leadership, and entrepreneurial skills, while empowering participants to express creativity, generate income, and create career opportunities.

DreamCutz offers programs that empower students to express creativity and individuality while gaining insight. By offering hands-on technical education in hair braiding and styling, participants will learn how to thrive as independent contractors, cultivate clientele, and generate revenue to support their families, create jobs, and forge career paths.

Our approach is tailored to meet the unique requirements of DreamCutz through a structured and efficient methodology:

  • Technical Skills Training: Customized training programs covering essential technical hair braiding and styling skills.

  • Business Structure Guidance: Create business processes and increase visibility.

  • Empowerment: Build confidence, leadership, and soft skills.

DCI strives to eliminate hopelessness in underserved communities by developing pathways and programs that empower individuals to achieve their dreams and unlock their full potential.