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Dreams of Lois Founder Ivory Cloud is in the studio today for the Around Atlanta segment of the Atlanta Real Estate
Forum Radio podcast to talk about how dreams really do come true when a helping hand reaches out. Joined by co-hosts Carol Morgan and Todd Schnick, the Cloud talks about the importance of community, family and mentorship.
Dreams of Lois is a family nonprofit established over 10 years ago in honor of Cloud’s mother who died of breast cancer. The organization’s emphasis on family and connection was first inspired by Cloud’s mother who left this world full of dreams and aspirations. Cloud honors her memory by working with her community and other underrepresented minorities in and around Fayette County to continue paying it forward.
“I just want to continue to serve and grow and help people,” said Cloud.
The nonprofit first began with a vision to educate and mentor young girls and women who have lost their mothers. Dreams of Lois now mentors anyone in need since everyone needs support because no one knows just what the other person is going through in life, according to Cloud. Depending on the person, support can manifest as a listening ear, a 2 a.m. call, a coffee date or a reassuring message.
“People don’t realize what people are going through. We can put on this beautiful smile on our face and then go home and I could be going through terminal [cancer],” said Cloud. “Until you try to reach past the surface to get to know an individual, you’ll keep getting the same surface material. We need to dig deeper and understand the whole person and not be so judgmental.”
Over the years, Dreams of Lois has evolved beyond mentorship to include community outreach and support, pajama donations, toy drives, monthly events and meetings, craft parties and much more.
The nonprofit also has an eight-year partnership with the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta where Cloud, her family and other volunteers provide hot meals, pajamas, hygiene products and hot buttery popcorn fresh out of the machine to families in need.
Dreams of Lois utilizes the village mentality to achieve all that they do. Everyone lends a helping hand, including Cloud’s own family, her community, local churches, schools and volunteers. Helpers make hygiene packs, encouragement cards and much more.
Keep an eye out for the sleep and loungewear line designed by Cloud’s daughters, Charity Cloud and Chasity Cloud. The clothing line is a passion project for these young entrepreneurs and is still in the early stages of production. Follow on Instagram @dreamcloudsleepwear.
Stay updated with Dreams of Lois’ ongoing projects by visiting their website here or follow on Twitter and Instagram @dreamsoflois. Volunteers and donations are encouraged!
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Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee, License #22564. NMLS ID #6606. Subject to borrower and property qualifications. Not all applicants will qualify. New American Funding and Dreams of Lois are not associated. Click here to view the terms and conditions of the products mentioned during the show. Corporate office 14511 Myford Rd., Suite 100, Tustin, CA 92780. Phone: (800) 450-2010. (May/2021)
New American Funding is a family-owned mortgage lender with a servicing portfolio of over 123,000 loans for $30.4 billion, 198 branches, and about 3,100 employees. The company offers several niche loan products and has made Inc. 5000’s list of Fastest-Growing Companies in America six times. It has a state-of-the-art career training facility and develops innovative technology, including the GoGo LO mobile application. For more information, visit www.branch.newamericanfunding.com/Atlanta.
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