Dharma Dreams Vocational Center

Hey all, I have been posting for Dharma Dreams Vocational Center under the LinkedIn profile of Joanne Burke-Sherman. I think it makes sense now to have the official business page. So, please consider following here now as well!! I am happy to share on both pages. #businesspage #SpecialEducation #specialeducationteacher #Dharma #lifepurpose #trades #painting #plastering #landscaping #followus #startup #vocationaltraining #mindfulness #mindbodysoul #letsdothis

Gratitude Moment Today, we are beyond honored and moved to share that our very first scholarship donation—a generous gift of $5,000—has come from a true angel investor.  Oh yes, you can be an angel for our non-profit too! While she wishes to remain anonymous in relationship to dollars donated, her spirit of compassion, belief in our mission, and commitment to young adults with unique learning needs speaks louder than any name ever could. She has been amazingly generous to us over the years! This gift will help one of our students receive job training, life skills, and the support they need to step into their future with confidence and purpose. To our angel: Thank you. Your light is already changing lives. And to others feeling inspired to help—even a little—know that every bit matters. Every dollar, every share, every prayer is helping us grow a place of hope, dignity, and possibility. https://lnkd.in/eP99ug_b #Gratitude #AngelInvestor #DharmaDreams #VocationalTraining #InclusiveFuture #EveryGiftMatters #TogetherWeRise #SpecialAbilities #SpecialNeeds

Inclusion Matters at Dharma Dreams Vocational Center! While DEI can be controversial to mention these days, at Dharma Dreams Vocational Center, we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and build a fulfilling career. Our training programs in landscaping and painting/plastering are designed to empower young adults with cognitive disabilities, while actively fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for all races, men, women, individuals from the LGBTQ+ community, and anyone facing systemic barriers to employment. Inclusion isn’t just a value—it’s our foundation. - We create safe, supportive spaces where everyone is encouraged to learn and thrive. - We challenge stereotypes by ensuring that all individuals, regardless of background, have access to career opportunities. - We partner with businesses that value diversity, helping graduates find meaningful job training in the trades. - We incorporate mind-body techniques to build confidence, resilience, and self-belief in our students. Diversity makes us stronger, inclusion helps us grow, and equity ensures opportunity for all. If you or someone you know is looking for a vocational training program that values skills, confidence, and inclusivity, Dharma Dreams is the place to be! Learn more or apply today! https://lnkd.in/eYXnaGbu Help us spread the word! Share this post and tag someone who could benefit from our program or someone else who could help share! Thank you for your help!! #DharmaDreams #InclusionMatters #EmpowerThroughSkills #WomenInTrades #LGBTQInclusive #SkillsForSuccess #WorkforceForAll #ConfidenceThroughTraining #SpecialAbilities #SpecialNeeds

If you could go back and redesign your education, what’s one subject, skill, or experience you wish had been emphasized more—and why? For me: I wish I had engaged more with teachers—maybe even required 1:1 time—so I could have focused and learned more. For my sons: I would have shifted the focus to their strengths rather than weaknesses and introduced more life skills and job training to prepare them for independent living. Education should empower, not limit. That’s exactly what we’re doing at Dharma Dreams Vocational Center—creating real opportunities for growth and independence. Come be part of the change: https://lnkd.in/e6bAKcjz #Dreams #Independence #LifeSkills #JobSkills #Dharma #SpecialNeeds #SpecialAbilities #PurposeDrivenLife

Discovering Your Dharma: A Path to Purpose At Dharma Dreams Vocational Center, we believe that true success comes from more than just learning a skill—it comes from finding your purpose. This idea is rooted in dharma, an ancient concept that means living in alignment with your unique strengths, values, and calling. What is Dharma? Dharma is the path that feels right for you. It’s about recognizing what you’re good at, what excites you, and how you can make a positive impact. When students find work that aligns with their dharma, they don’t just build careers—they build meaningful lives. 🔹 Some people find dharma in creative work, like painting or design. 🔹 Others discover it in hands-on trades, like landscaping or plastering. 🔹 Dharma isn’t about being “the best” at something—it’s about doing what feels right for you and helps others in the process. At Dharma Dreams Vocational Center, we help students uncover their dharma by exploring skills, building confidence, and creating a future they feel excited about. Because when you follow your purpose, success follows you. Are you ready to step into your dharma? Let’s grow together. Check us out here and apply today! https://lnkd.in/eYXnaGbu #FindYourDharma #DharmaDreams #PurposeDrivenLife #SpecialNeeds #SpecialDesires #SpecialAbilities

💙 Celebrating Best Buddies Family Support & the Power of Connection 💙 I truly believe that one of the best resources we have as parents—especially when navigating developmental disabilities—is each other. Sharing our experiences, insights, and support makes all the difference, and organizations like Best Buddies Family Support Program embody this spirit of connection and care. A special shoutout to Kara Falcone of Best Buddies—a truly compassionate and dedicated person who goes above and beyond to support families. Her kindness, guidance, and commitment to empowering individuals with disabilities is inspiring, and I’m so grateful for the work she does! If you’re looking for a mentor or a supportive community that understands the journey, Best Buddies Family Support is an incredible resource. Together, we can uplift each other and create more opportunities for our loved ones to thrive. https://lnkd.in/gSNqn6QU Parents, what’s the best advice or support you’ve received from another parent? Let’s keep the conversation going! #BestBuddies #FamilySupport #PeopleWhoCare #DharmaDreams #CommunityMatters #Parenting #DevelopmentalDisabilities #SupportEachOther

Celebrating Those Who Care & Share 💙 I have to say I feel very blessed to meet so many caring and compassionate people on this journey. In a world that thrives on connection and kindness, there are those rare individuals who truly embody what it means to give, support, and uplift others. One of those amazing souls is Derek Stearns — a talented expert in landscaping and hardscaping and, more importantly, a person who cares deeply about people and his community. Derek has been incredibly kind and supportive of Dharma Dreams Vocational Center, and I am grateful for his generosity, wisdom, and willingness to help us build something truly meaningful. His passion for his work is inspiring, but it’s his heart that truly sets him apart. This world is about people who care and share, and Derek is exactly that. If you ever have the chance to work with him, learn from him, or simply know him—you’re lucky. Check his business here: https://lnkd.in/enKRkCVH Thank you, Derek, for being you! #Gratitude #PeopleWhoCare #Landscaping #Hardscaping #Community #DharmaDreams #SupportMatters #Kindness #PlymouthQuarries

Honoring Black History Month at Dharma Dreams Vocational Center As we are approaching the end of February, and with policies on inclusion changing right now, this Black History Month, we celebrate the resilience, brilliance, and contributions of Black leaders, innovators, and trailblazers who have paved the way for opportunity and progress. Their legacies remind us that access to education, skills, and meaningful work is a powerful tool for change. At Dharma Dreams Vocational Center, we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where young adults of all backgrounds can discover their strengths, build confidence, and develop skills that empower them for a fulfilling future. Let’s honor this month by uplifting one another, breaking down barriers, and continuing to create opportunities for success! Join us now! https://lnkd.in/eYXnaGbu #BlackHistoryMonth #EmpowermentThroughSkills #InclusionMatters #DharmaDreams #Diversity #Confidence #Change

💙 Happy Valentine’s Day from Dharma Dreams Vocational Center! 💙 Today, we celebrate #love, #kindness, and the #power of #support—the heart of our mission. At DDVC, we believe that when we lift each other up, we create opportunities, build confidence, and change lives. Show some love today! Tag someone who inspires you, supports you, or makes the world a better place. 💕 Patrick Bedard Want to spread even more love? Support our students on their journey to success by sharing our mission or getting involved! https://lnkd.in/d4E9hWNq Because every dream deserves a chance to grow.  Support our students here: https://lnkd.in/eP99ug_b #DharmaDreams #LoveInAction #BuildingFutures #LifePurpose #ValentinesDay 💕 #ThankYou

I am reminded by my networking groups that we have to ask for help. So, I am asking for you to show some love and support us in any way you can! I started this program because one of my sons was that kid who struggled with academics in school…. and that makes kids feel devalued and unloved because grades and A’s is what school is all about. We, as parents, always go deeper and see the value and abilities that our kids have. My son loves being outdoors and working with his hands. I have helped him launch a landscaping business and helped him with social media to get customers. He has been living with his girlfriend for over a year and a half (not quite financially independently yet but he’s doing it). When he was younger, it would have been hard to even imagine these milestones and independence. And he is not the only kid who has had these challenges and certainly not the only one we can help and support. So, show some love and please help me find people with whom I can do a webinar/zoom call: - Families who want to connect - Transitional coordinators - Special Education Teachers - Local businesses in landscaping, painting and plastering Please donate if you can to support us as we are getting on our feet: https://lnkd.in/eP99ug_b Or let us know other ways you may be able to help our business grow. Thanks so much and sending much love back to all of you!! #Love #Dharma #Support #Transitional #YoungAdults #SpecialNeedsTeachers #LocalBusinesses #Families #HelpEachOther