The Dream Spot

The Dream Spot is where teens take the lead—shaping their environment through design, creativity, and collective care. Through a series of hands-on workshops led by FMYH, young people were invited to co-create not just a physical space, but a sense of identity, ownership, and pride.

As a third space—not school, not home—it fills a critical gap. It’s a place to gather without pressure, to create without judgment, to be seen without expectation. For many teens, it was their first experience influencing the design of a space that truly reflects who they are and what they care about.

Stretching a tight budget became part of the design process itself. Instead of outsourcing the finishing touches, FMYH and the teens picked up the paintbrushes and created a DIY mural that now anchors the space. This act of co-creation fostered a deeper emotional connection, transforming the wall into a lasting symbol of pride and place attachment.

Adjacent to the mural, a custom green wall with neon signage—The Dream Spot—serves as both a focal point and a backdrop. Requested by the teens themselves, it’s become a go-to spot for photoshoots, podcasts, and content creation—a visual claim of identity and ownership.

The Dream Spot is ever-evolving, just like the teens who use it. It’s resourceful, vibrant, and honest—and that’s exactly the point.

“Ashley, you do amazing work and I'm appreciative of your vision! [It] definitely feels like the vibe we are going for! The youth are really excited for this space to be created! Step by step, this is really happening!”

—Markella Smith, Owner of The Dream Shop