Dream Oaks Expands to New Campus, Offers Hope to Adults with Special Needs

At 21, Lakewood Ranch resident Grayson Tullio eagerly looks forward to returning to camp. Tullio, who has Duchenne muscular dystrophy, previously enjoyed day camps at Dream Oaks Camp during his high school years. Thanks to the Foundation for Dreams’ ambitious new plans, the camp he cherished may soon expand its programming to include adults with special needs up to age 30.

The Foundation for Dreams recently dedicated its new 62-acre campus adjacent to Rye Preserve. The property, leased from Manatee County, was formerly occupied by the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches. With this expansion, the nonprofit aims to serve an even broader community of individuals with special needs.

Dream Oaks Camp has long provided an inclusive environment for children ages 7-17 with a variety of special needs, offering activities like swimming, crafting, canoeing, and horseback riding. The expansion would allow adults like Tullio to engage in these enriching experiences, fostering lifelong friendships and personal growth.

To make this vision a reality, significant work lies ahead. The county has committed up to $1 million to ensure the property meets Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance standards. Buildings require renovations, wheelchair-accessible sidewalks must be poured, and the pool needs a full replacement. Additionally, volunteers have been working tirelessly to clean up hurricane debris, repair roofs, and prepare the grounds for future use.

Foundation for Dreams Executive Director Elena Cassella is leading the charge, expressing her gratitude to the board and volunteers for their support in this undertaking. With hopes of opening the administrative building by January and soft-launching the camp in April, Cassella is focused on transforming the property into a welcoming haven for individuals with special needs.

Funding remains a critical piece of the puzzle. While the foundation has secured $1.5 million in commitments, it needs an additional $1 million to fully realize its plans. Cassella and her team are actively reaching out to civic groups and donors across Florida to secure the resources necessary for the camp's success.

The expansion will eventually allow Dream Oaks to increase its camper capacity from 45 to 60, with a long-term goal of serving even more individuals. For Tullio and others like him, the future of Dream Oaks Camp promises a place to belong, grow, and thrive well beyond childhood.