If These Walls Could Talk
The Dreamer Apartment
Opened in May 2018
The vision of the Yellow Door Foundation grew when it opened its second apartment, The Dreamer Apartment, in May 2018. The Dreamer Apartment is sponsored by a long-time friend of JoAnne McTague’s family and named in memory of JoAnne’s father whose passion was the “I Have a Dream” program that tutored children in Southeast Washington, D.C. (Apparently, the apple did not fall far from the tree when it comes to supporting causes benefitting children).
Dreamert went through some renovations receiving new cabinetry, paint, furnishings and appliances in early 2025. Since opening its doors, this one-bedroom, one-bath apartment has served as the home of 26 families. Many transplant families have felt comfort within its walls. It acts as a refuge for children and their families facing life-threatening illness.
Current Resident
Grace
Grace is just 8 months old, but she has already overcome more than most could imagine. Born with an atrioventricular septal defect, a complex congenital heart condition, Grace underwent open heart surgery when she was only 2 weeks old.
While she initially recovered well, Grace later faced another serious challenge when her intestines became critically ill, requiring emergency surgery. Doctors had to remove a large portion of her intestines and create an ileostomy, meaning Grace wore a small ostomy bag for several months while her tiny body healed.