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More Than I Bargained For

June 7th, 2011 by dane | 1 Comment | Filed in blogs, Intern Blogs, Intern Stories |

I was running late as usual and neared the building with angst, walking as fast I could. When I reached the Illinois Center for Rehabiliation and Education-Roosevelt (ICRE-R) parking lot I passed a window and could see the teens inside in their wheelchairs and my fast beating heart began to slow. I was joined by Cortez Alexander, Executive Board member and former Dream Leader, and Dane Shimizu, Midwest Programs Director, who were patiently waiting for me. As we made our way through the building, we passed many teens, some with severe physical disabilities and some with developmental disabilties; I held back tears.

I was fully aware that ICRE-R is a facility that is beneficial for all its residents but I still couldn’t help but feel sorry for the adolescents that lived there. Why were they born with disabilities and missing limbs? Why couldn’t they use their legs to walk around like most individuals? Would they be able to have the opportunities that most take for granted? and why was it that I had been born different from them? All these thoughts and a million more were in my head as we exited the eleveator and walked into the room filled with Dream Leaders and with watery eyes I looked around the room and forced a huge smile.

Little did I know though that these young adults would blow me away; making my disengenuine smile become a radiant grin for all to see. Not only were they motivated, determined, and inspirational but they were making waves with each word they spoke.

One young lady in particular had words beyond her years and said, “I don’t want anyone to feel sorry for me. I am happy with who I am…” And I thought to myself, “Could you imagine if all girls were this confident and bold?” I thought this because I am surrounded with friends, co-workers, and relatives who constantly degrade themselves and lack self-esteem even though they are beautiful women. Not Christine though, she was happy with her body, her looks, and her capabilities. She didn’t want me or anyone else to feel sorry for her nor any of the young adults at ICRE for that matter. What she wanted was for people to look beyond her disabilities and look instead into her strengths and possibilites. Christine moved me over and over and her words were so much more powerful than I could have ever imagined. The last thing she said before we finished our session was that the star we made togehter out of yarn, “was like our goals and dreams, infinite.” Suddenly my goals seemed small, my successes minimal, hearing Christine speak made me think BIG, made me envision larger possibilites for myself. How silly I felt now, how stupid I felt, thinking these awesome young adults needed my sympathy. What I really needed was there wisdom and I got much more than I bargained for.

These students are much more than Dream Leaders they are role models and I am blessed to say I had the chance to meet them and hear their thoughts and feelings. They have forever changed me.

A Letter from Laura

June 2nd, 2011 by dane | No Comments | Filed in blogs, Intern Blogs |

What is your personal description of the Dreams For Kids mission?

To me, the most important aspect of Dreams For Kids is that it allows the most precious and often forgotten members of society, impoverished youth and kids with disabilities, to realize their self worth. I strongly believe that when people know that they are cared for and that they truly matter, they can make great changes in both their lives and the lives of others. Dreams For Kids creates this by providing opportunities for self-growth, confidence building, and self-empowerment. Most importantly Dreams for Kids programs, especially Extreme Recess, gives kids a chance to forget inhibitions and/or disabilities and just have fun!

Why did you decide to intern for DFK?

My biggest passion is the well-being of children; and I have been involved in organizations devoted to creating opportunities for individuals with special needs. That being said, when I first found out about Dreams For Kids it seemed too good to be true! I want to have a role in empowering kids that are usually not given a chance to realize how valuable they are and I could not imagine a better way to do so than being a part of the Dreams For Kids team.

What are your dreams in life, including when you were a child?

I had a broad variety of dreams as a child, ranging from becoming a firefighter to a professional ice cream tester. The most consistent dream was to open my own bakery that would give out cookies for free and to marry a prince who would give me my own pony along with my engagement ring. While my dreams have changed a little bit now, the common thread between them has always been to lend a helping hand and spread joy to my community. I hope to join the Peace Corps or Teach for America after graduation, and after that I plan to figure out how to turn my love of helping others into a career either through non-profit work or education.

What do you hope to gain out of this experience?

I hope to gain relationships with the youth we are empowering and their personal stories of hope and perserverance. I hope I can help our participants realize that they are extraordinary and that society needs them just as much, if not more, to lead the way to a better future.

California poppy!

June 1st, 2011 by dane | No Comments | Filed in blogs, Intern Blogs |

What is your personal description of the mission of Dreams For Kids?

I feel that the mission of Dreams For Kids is to uplift at-risk youth, to help these youth realize their own potential and create opportunities for confidence building. This organization gives students an opportunity to reach out to their community and simultaneously empowers them through their service work and in accomplishing their goals it ultimately accomplishes dreams and raises self awareness and self-worth.

Why did you decide to intern for Dreams For Kids?

In my search for a job that would impact the lives of others and my own I came across DFK. And it was as if I was finally hearing someone speak the same language as I spoke. I want the next generation to know their capabilities and to know that they are not defined by whatever circumstances they are in. And I want to empower particularly, at risk youth, who may not necessarily feel they can do much for themselves or for their community. DFK is a wondeful organization for me to share my experience, struggles, and accomplishments with individuals who may not believe in themselves and need someone to believe in them.

What are you dreams in life, including when you were a child?

My childhood dream was to become the kickball champion of the world or a news anchor. However, now I hope to teach abroad and earn my Masters in Social Work. In particular, I want to travel to India, Thailand, and Mexico and volunteer with young women to help them gain access to education and new opportunities. One day I hope to open a shelter for homeless families and a haven for teens.

What do you hope to gain out of this experience?

I hope to gain a better work ethic, a new perspective, and to learn all I can from those I come into contact with. I hope I can help youth participating in DFK to realize that they are amazing and that they sky is the limit. I have gained confidence through my life experiences and I want them to gain confidence through their community service work to gain as much as possible so that they may go on and accomplish more goals and become strong and giving individuals.

Welcome to the DFK family, Kat!

May 31st, 2011 by dane | No Comments | Filed in blogs, Intern Blogs |

Why did you decide to intern at Dreams For Kids?

After learning about the programs and opportunities which Dreams For Kids offer, it was hard not to want to be part of the organization! As the International Holiday for Hope intern, I was really interested in expanding the empowering message of Dreams For Kids overseas to include more countries, children, and communities all over the world.

What are your dreams in life, including as a child?

Growing up I had a variety of dreams, spanning from becoming Martha Stewart to flying jets like they do in Star Wars. As the third child, my parents were extremely supportive and pushed my sisters and I to believe that we could do anything we set our minds too. However, today my dream is to make a difference in the world, be that working with children or whole communities. I would eventually like to explore the world, traveling, and volunteering throughout each continent.

What do you hope to gain out of this experience?

I hope to learn about how a non-for-profit organization operates. I also would like to finish this summer feeling as if I made a difference in my own small way. I hope to meet new people, experience new things, and most of all contribute to the programs and message, which Dreams For Kids offer.

What’s Happening Mike!

May 20th, 2011 by dane | No Comments | Filed in blogs, Intern Blogs |

Welcome Mike!

Why did you decide to intern for Dreams For Kids?

A lot of my experiences in life seem to bring me back to working with kids and Dreams For Kids seemed like an interesting organization. It also seems like a place where people can make a positive impact on others lives. If I can help do that for someone it would make me feel like a better person.

What are your dreams in life, including as a child?

I have always wanted sports to play a role in my life somehow. It could have been as a baseball player or a sports radio talk show host. If that did not happen, the other thing that will make me happy is having a job I enjoy waking up to go to. It’s a hard goal to reach, but one that I will not give up on. Find out what you are passionate about and go after it.

What do you hope to gain of this experience?

To learn a little more about not-for-profit organizations and how they work to help others and themselves grow. I also hope to feel like I have made a positive chance in someone’s life.

Meet Melisa!

May 19th, 2011 by dane | No Comments | Filed in blogs, Intern Blogs |

Why did you decide to intern for Dreams For Kids?

After exploring Dreams For Kids and everything they do for the broad spectrum of underprivileged children, I couldn’t resist the urge to work for an organization I truly believe in. Especially touching was the “Extreme Recess” program because I know from personal experience how discouraging it can be to sit on the sidelines and watch other kids having fun. I am a member of the varsity rowing team at the University of Michigan and recently suffered a back injury that prevented me from rowing this season. Although it simply does not measure up to what some of the kids in the program have experienced, it helps me relate to the way they are feeling. If i can do my part in helping Dreams For Kids continue to grow and keep their momentum going. I will have had a VERY successful summer.

What are your dreams in life, including as a child?

When I was little, I always used to dream of opening up my own restaurant. My grandma was all about getting my sister and I in the kitchen to cook and bake all sorts of delicious treats with her. My family is Turkish, a culture very big on food and eating, so this was a very influential aspect of my upbringing. It is no wonder that one of my dreams was to open up a restaurant of my own, being the food lover that I am. Maybe one day I will still open my own restaurant, but regardless of this I will always be thankful that my family pushed my sister and I to be creative and completely self-sufficient in the kitchen.

What do you hope to gain out of this experience?

As a grant writer for Dreams For Kids, I hope to learn a bit more about how a not-for-profit organization sustain themselves. In addition, I want to finish this summer off feeling like I helped the world to become a better place; many people today are stuck in their own world and do not often stop to think about those who are less fortunate than themselves. I can sometimes get caught up in my own “problems” as well, but I hope that interning at Dreams For Kids will open my eyes to see the bigger picture.

A Medical Miracle within Walking Distance

March 31st, 2011 by dane | 2 Comments | Filed in blogs, Erin Lann, Intern Blogs |

Some internet-journalists are calling it “The Rise of the Cyborgs.” It’s a machine that is controlled by the human mind, and will provide the quadriplegic community the ability to walk.

The other night, The Daily Show guest Miguel Nicolelis, one of the world’s leading neuroscientists, wow hosted host Jon Stewart as he discussed several new technological advancements that would allow computers and machines to be controlled directly by the human brain.

The most inspiring of these advancements was a mechanical “vest”, reminiscent of a cyborg suit, which would allow quadriplegic people to stand–and even walk–upright. The vest uses a neuro implant to communicate with the patient’s brain. The implant reads the brain’s impulse to walk, and translates that impulse into actual movement.

Quadriplegics lose function of the legs and full range of motion in their arms. However, the impulse for movement never leaves their memories. The brain remembers having full function of its limbs. If the spinal cord was still intact, the brain would be able to move the limbs.

Nicolelis’ device uses that “muscle memory” to function. A small implant in the patient’s brain communicates with Nicolelis’ “vest”, which resembles the full body suits used for green screen technology in Hollywood, and can support the weight of a full grown human. The patient needs only brainstorm the idea to walk or move an arm, hand, or even a finger, and the suit obeys. It’s like strapping on a new spinal cord.

This technology could restore independence to those with the most limited of mobility, allowing them the ability to accomplish the most simple of tasks–brushing their teeth, wiping hair out of their faces, scratching an itchy nose.

This miraculous technology is hardly a pipedream. On The Daily Show, Nicolelis announced that his vest would be available in the next three to five years–to the din of overwhelming applause. In the words of a stunned Stewart, “Incredible.”

Click here to see The Daily Show interview with Miguel Nicolelis

Tags: disability, Dreams For Kids, Jon Stewart, Miguel Nicolelis, Quadriplegic, The Daily Show

Pay it Forward-let’s talk about selflessness

March 25th, 2011 by dane | 2 Comments | Filed in blogs, Erin Lann, Intern Blogs |

The recent tragedy in Japan makes us each a little more thankful for the blessings in our own lives, despite the challenges we are bombarded with, day in and day out. The citizens of Japan are facing life-threatening problems at every moment, yet I still have the gall to complain about the weather–and the coffee shop being out of my favorite bagels this morning– and having to run to catch the train this morning.

Why, in the midst of all this suffering, can I not put aside my own petty, first world problems for a few weeks, and concentrate on making someone else’s life a little easier? Because, in spite of the tragedy oveseas, I still have the responsibilities here, in front of me, that I cannot ignore.

To those who can drop everything and go to Japan to aid in relief efforts, I applaud you. Each of those aid workers are far better humans than I. It is a show of absolute selflessness. For the rest of us, who can only help through donations and prayer, it rarely seems like enough. We, too, wish to be selfless.

Selflessness is a lofty goal. For most of us, it is also impossible-and for good reason. We are programmed to love ourselves and take care of ourselves; if we were meant to think of our own needs last, our biology would be of a different makeup. Instead of looking for ways to be selfless, I’ve begun including myself in the list of things I want to improve.

This afternoon, when I got home, I put a small sign above my kitchen sink that reads, “What did you do for the earth today? What did you do for another person? What did you do for yourself?” The hope is that every day, I will remind myself to pick up a little trash off the sidewalk, compliment a co-worker, and a eat a healthier lunch. (or finally get to the gym. Maybe.)

Survivors in Japan, despite their hardships, have not lost their dignity. A young Japanese woman told newscasters that, in spite of long lines of survivors standing in line for food, people were out on the streets walking their dogs. They have not lost hope or purpose in the midst of chaos.

I truly believe that the path to world peace is through self-respect. Self-love fosters community and friendship, through which understanding can be reached. So instead of feeling guilty about how little you can do for those in Japan, consider what you can do for your community at home. Spread the love, pay it forward.

Tags: community, Dreams For Kids, Japan, Pay it Forward, self-love, selflessness

Winning

March 14th, 2011 by dane | 3 Comments | Filed in blogs, Erin Lann, Intern Blogs |

If you’ve spent any time following the antics of Charlie Sheen, you’d know that in “Sheen World,” there are but two types of people: Winners (Sheen himself, his publicist, a few select friends, and possibly President Obama) and Trolls (Journalists of ABC News, manufacturers of office phones, pilots, Midwesterners, and a the producers of Two and a Half Men.)

As someone who question’s Mr. Sheen’s sanity, I am certainly categorized as a Troll and should thus be outcast from society. Apparently, I have a lot of evolving to do before I reach a level of intelligence and ability equal to Charlie Sheen’s. Thus my question of the week, “how does one evolve from Troll to Epic Winner?”

Sheen recently announced that he will settle for no less than “Absolute victory” and that “he is on a quest to right every wrong”-which got me thinking. If Dreams For Kids see the isolation of children and teenagers as a wrong that must be dealt with, does that mean that we, too, are on an epic quest for absolute victory? Are the volunteers and participants of Dreams For Kids Epic Winners?

The prospect was almost too much to truly fathom. But the evidence is too prominent to ignore. Charlie Sheen runs on tiger blood; we learned true compassion from a dolphin. Sheen’s behavior makes the news daily; our events gain constant popularity and press every time we organize a function. Sheen believes that if you’re not in his corner, you’re with the Trolls. Dreams For Kids believes that no one should be left sitting on the sidelines of life.

While Dreams For Kids will probably never have more YouTube hits than Charlie Sheen’s latest interview, I think we can surpass him on a different level. Dreams For Kids continues to grow, and we continue to make society a more accessible, welcoming, and compassionate place. Dreams For Kids won’t stop until we’ve ensured that every person is given an equal opportunity, and the world is truly a better place. So, what does that make us? Duh. Winning!

Tags: absolute victory, Charlie Sheen, Dreams For Kids, Epic Winners, isolation, tiger blood, Trolls, Winning

No I in Oscar

March 1st, 2011 by dane | 3 Comments | Filed in blogs, Erin Lann, Intern Blogs |

This year’s Academy Awards honored many incredible films that both moved and enthralled us, as well as acknowledging the hundreds of people who created every aspect of those movies. The Oscars are a culmination of passion and creative vision; not one awarded guest sees his or her job as a way to pay the bills. You simply do not make it to the top without dedication, passion, and true joy for your profession.

No person, I believe, better exemplified the dedication and drive necessary for an Oscar-winning performance than Academy Award Winner Natalie Portman, who spent over a year training in ballet for her role in Black Swan, for which she was nominated.

An elegant Portman, who rocked a maternity gown up and down the red carpet, recognized the achievements of her fellow nominees, and thanked each person that worked on Black Swan, right down to her costume and make-up personnel. Her speech was an ode to the intricate and monstrous amount of collaboration that goes into any Hollywood film. Even the smallest of independent films will have anywhere from ten to thirty people on-set at all times.

It is these rare, candid looks at the film industry that are the most inspirational. So many people work together to realize the same imaginary world, and to contribute to the creative vision for the film. Every person’s contribution is vital to successfully capturing the story on film.

Films are wonderful trust-building exercises, and the rest of us have a lot to learn from that process. Film crews are paid to get together daily and play make-believe. They earned those jobs because they learned how to contribute, and how to trust. The world could use a little movie magic. We, like cinematographers, must rely on one another to make the extraordinary into reality.

Tags: Academy Awards, Dreams For Kids, Natalie Portman, Oscars