Inspiring Conversations with Sheila Grantham of Adventures to Dreams Enrichment

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sheila Grantham.

Hi Sheila, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My name is Sheila G, the kids call me Ms. Sheila. I received my degree in Child Development from CSU Long Beach, and have stayed local to the area. In 2015, while teaching children ages 4 to 5 years in the Imperial Courts Projects in Los Angeles, CA, I would frequently ask the kids open-ended questions. This was to engage them in conversation and to develop their social skills. One day I asked them what they did on the weekends? I received many different responses, but one I heard loud and clear was that it was too dangerous to play outside. They said “I stay inside and watch TV or play my video games.” When I arrived home that evening, I remember I said out-loud to myself “I’ve got to do something.” I spoke with their parents, and asked permission to take the kids on a Saturday field trip to a Los Angeles museum. I packed them all lunches, and even some of the parents chaperoned too.
The kids were so excited and had so much fun! I continued our monthly outings by visiting other LA museums and parks. My goal was to expose the kids to outside of their neighborhoods, to see, learn, and explore other beautiful parts of the city they lived in. Doing this gives them a chance to know there is a world outside of the projects where they live.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Adventures to Dreams Enrichment has navigated and overcome several challenges through its history. In 2018, the organization was at risk of closing due to lack of funding. I as the Founder/Executive Director, with the Assistant Director Vivi Goh (a volunteer at the time) worked together to apply for funding, and we were successful in securing $3,000 from UCI’s Small Change, Better World grant. This allowed ATDE to continue providing free activities to youth, and encouraged Vivi and I to continue grant writing.

On our current location: Before we were located at our current plot of land, our programming took place using beds in a shared community garden in Los Angeles. We are still grateful, as it definitely allowed us to expand our organization, but ultimately we needed to “repot” to allow us to grow further. From 2018-2020, I worked with the City of Long Beach to secure a 10,000 sq. ft. space. We went from two 10×10’ garden plots at community garden, to our own space to accommodate our growing waitlist.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Adventures to Dreams Enrichment?
Adventures to Dreams Enrichment (AtDE) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization based in Long Beach, California. We are dedicated to inspiring and empowering youth ages 5 to 17 through hands-on learning and meaningful community experiences. Founded by me, Ms. Sheila G, a two-time breast cancer survivor, AtDE was created to provide a safe, inclusive space where children can explore their interests and discover their potential. We specialize in experiential, youth enrichment-based programming that blends education with creativity. Our programming includes gardening, STEAM activities (science and art), and educational field trips, each designed to keep kids engaged in an outside environment. Guided by our philosophy, “Busy hands equals busy minds,” we believe learning happens best when children are actively involved and encouraged to explore the world around them. What truly sets AtDE apart is our deep commitment to the community and the needs of the kids. Aside from the children’s programs, we give back to beyond that target community, most notably through our monthly food giveaways. They are held every third Friday of the month, ensuring families have reliable access to essential resources. We want readers to know that AtDE is more than a youth enrichment program; it is a community-driven organization focused on nurturing the minds of the future generations.

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
One surprising thing about me is that despite my busy schedule, I love watching TV! My mind is constantly racing with new ideas, but watching TV is my way to relax and find inspiration for potential projects.

Pricing:

• Free!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.adventurestodreams.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adventurestodreams/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/adventurestodreamsenrichment/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@adventurestodreamsenrichme4514/featured
• Other: https://tr.ee/AIvMPbS6H3

Image Credits
Christian Solorzano