DAYTONA BEACH — Last Friday night, Ashley Baker was having a fantastic time at First Step Shelter.
Baker and some other residents at the homeless shelter for adults were throwing a birthday party for one of the women staying there, Krystal Dowdell. In between indulging in cake and red velvet cookies, they shared dreams for their futures.
The 30-year-old Baker talked about wanting to go to college, establish a good career, have a family living in their own house, and someday escape on tropical vacations. She put together a "vision board" to give her dreams a physical presence, a piece of cardboard covered with pictures of a beautiful beach, hot air balloons, hearts and a tall cool beverage.