Journey to Dream Foundation
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
Our mission is to embrace, equip, and empower homeless, victimized, and at-risk teens to achieve recovery, overcome adversity, and live purposeful lives.
- Income
- $1.7 million
- Spending
- $1.6 million
- Spent on programs
- 81%
- Reserves
- 0.3 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- fees for its services, 56%
- Employees
- 49
- Volunteers
- 104
- Highest pay
- $186,059, ceo
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Fair: 54 out of 100. Higher than 23% of charities in its peer group (human services, $1m to $10m).
Reserves
4 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 0.3 months of spending.
Debt
10 of 20It owes 32% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 8% of income.
Income trend
10 of 15Income fell 6% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1581% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 20 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 65% of charities in its peer group (human services, $1m to $10m).
Independent board
25 of 259 of 9 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8Has a written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
7 of 7Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
Independent check of accounts
15 of 15Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Impact evidence
Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.
Programs described in its return (3)
- $1.1 million spent. Transitional Living Campus Achievement: Provided safe housing to a significant number of underserved homeless teens 14-19 years of age, reducing the risk of exposure to abuse, violence, and exploitation. This service includes 24/7 access, basic needs such as food, clothing, and hygiene products, and support for transitioning to permanent housing. Impact: Improved the overall well-being and stability of abused, neglected, and underserved youth, leading to a decrease in involvement with law enforcement.
- $183,731 spent. Preventive Education Achievement: Implemented programs to educate students, teachers, and other stakeholders about mental health, coping strategies, and stigma reduction. This curriculum-based program includes interactive activities and resources to support mental health, behavior management, coping skills, and general wellness. Impact: Increased awareness and understanding of mental health issues, fostering a supportive school environment, and promoting early intervention before problems escalate.
- Counseling and Support Services Achievement: Offered individualized and group life skills sessions to address mental health issues, substance abuse, and trauma. This service often includes case management to connect teens with additional resources such as healthcare and education. Impact: Enhanced emotional and psychological well-being, helping teens build coping skills and resilience, which can improve their chances of achieving long-term stability.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.
Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 30, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.
On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.
Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 10, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending June 2025.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since June 2005.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.
Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.
Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 7, 2026.
Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.