Melissa Scott from Dream Prosperity cares for orphans

Network 355 is proud to support Melissa Scott- founder of Dream Prosperity. Melissa lives in Ohio. Besides Dream Prosperity, she also started a radio program that deals with International Humanitarian Outreach. She interviews social entrepreneurs and outreach leaders who are making a difference in the world. Network 355 Founder, Elena Tchainikova was given an opportunity to be on Melissa’s radio show. And now it is our turn to ask Melissa a couple of questions about her social entrepreneurship endeavors.

1. Can you please tell us about Dream Prosperity?

Dream Prosperity strives to keep hope alive for children residing in orphanages around the world and in the foster care system in the US. We create personalized pillowcases for the children so when they are in bed they know that somewhere out there someone is thinking of them. We also work with the women who run the orphanages to help them create sustainable fair trade businesses using their talents. For example, in Uganda, the orphanage staff make wonderful banana leaf toys and dolls and we help them sell those at fair trade boutiques and online. The third element of Dream Prosperity is we provide chalk board tote bags for kids who are denied an education because they can't afford the basic necessities like paper and pencil. The chalkboard fabric allows them to write their daily lessons.

2. How did you start it? Why?

I started Dream Prosperity after adopting my daughter from Kazakhstan. While I was visiting her at her orphanage, I was struck by the fact that in her two years there, she had never been rocked to sleep or comforted at night. Two things I believe that every child should experience. On top of that, when I took her out of the orphanage for the last time, she had absolutely nothing of her own - no clothes, no shoes, nothing. That's why Dream Prosperity makes personalized pillowcases because it's something to comfort the kids at night and also something that they outright own.

3. How do you see future of Dream Prosperity?

Right now we work in Africa, Central Asia, and the Americas. We plan to expand in those regions and to help as many children as possible as well as the women who run the orphanages in creating enterprises so they can rely on trade as opposed to being dependent on aid.

4. Can you please tell us about your mentors or people or situations that influenced you in your journey as a social entrepreneur?

My number one influencer is my daughter. However, there is a young man named Kavulu who has inspired me. He lives in Uganda and we are working closely with him. Twenty years ago he was on the brink of death. He became a sponsored child through a Christian charity. My former boss sponsored him from the age of 8 until he aged out at 18. Through the sponsorship he was able to get daily nourishment and even an education. He went on to establish a church (it's really a mud hut), an orphanage, and school. He wanted to pay it forward and help other people because he was so thankful for the charity he received as a child. And through him, I want to pay it forward as well. He personifies the idea that we can all make a difference in the world.

5. What are the major obstacles for you in your current career as a social entrepreneur?

Money. I've been fortunate to find balance and organization in furthering Dream Prosperity's missions. However, in order for it to grow, we need more grant money and the competition is fierce.

6. What would be your advice to young women who start on their path of social entrepreneurship?

Write a plan - it doesn't have to be a professional business plan but write the why, how, where, when, who, and what. This helps keep you focused and may expose any areas that need to be strengthened before you launch your brand/idea. If you are the creative type, do a vision plan (using pictures from magazines, etc.) on how you see your idea taking its course. Also, start talking about it to trusted friends and family. They can offer support, insight, and even introductions that you'll need. Finally, go with it and launch.

Thank you so much, Melissa for your inspirational words.

If you are interested about speaking on Melissa’s radio show or want to support an orphan contact Melissa at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Pillowcases are $10/each, which includes shipping. For $10, you'll receive a photo of the child with your designed pillowcase and updates on the child/orphanage. You have a choice of a country: Sierra Leone, Uganda, Ghana, Honduras, Kazakhstan, Krygyzstan, or the US. You also have the option of personalizing the pillowcase yourself (you can tiedye, fabric paint, rubber stamp, stencil, embroidery).

For more info go to Dream Prosperity website.

December 16, 2010