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Waves of Memories

September 2nd, 2010 by kgerson | No Comments | Filed in Dane Smimizu, blogs |

‘The adaptive water sports day is the most anticipated event of the year for many of our Extreme Recess participants’ was what I always heard. Since starting at Dreams for Kids, I always heard about ‘what a memorable day it was’ and ‘how the smiles on the children’s faces after going waterskiing for the first time stick with you the rest of your life.’ I have been working with the Extreme Recess program for about a year and I can honestly say the day didn’t disappoint.

On August 10, over 50 children descended upon a lake in Twin Lakes, WI. Every child was excited for something that day. Many of the children couldn’t wait to go waterskiing while others just simply wanted to go for a boat or jet-ski ride. For some of these children it was their first time while, others had been coming for several years. One story sticks out in my mind most from that day.

For a first time family coming to an Extreme Recess: adaptive water sports day, the experience can be a little frightening, especially if the parents have never seen their child water ski before. When one mother, who’s child had not been to an Extreme Recess event before, wrote me several emails asking about everything under the sun, I wasn’t surprised. However, the last email she wrote said that her children were looking at pictures from past events and couldn’t wait for the “big day!” After reading her last email, I began to realize that all the things I had heard about this Extreme Recess weren’t a lie.

On the day of the event, I was working activity sign-up. This particular job allowed me the opportunity to speak with almost every participant for at least a few moments. When this mother arrived with her children in tow, the wait for most activities was at least 20 minutes. I thought she was going to be furious but, surprisingly she was thankful for her children being able to enjoy a beautiful day on the lake.  Soon 20 minutes passed, finally the big moment arrived for her son, his first waterskiing experience. I wasn’t able to see him ride but, it isn’t hard to imagine the look of terror slowly being replaced by a huge smile on his face as he cruised around the lake.  As the families were leaving, the mother thanked me and let me know how much the day meant to her and her children. I let her know that, ‘I was glad that her and her family could make it and hopefully I’d see them at another Extreme Recess event in the near future.’

The following Thursday, I was in the office recapping the event and filing all the papers from it. When I returned from lunch, I saw the mother and her two children. She had come with her children to personally deliver a homemade thank you card and let us again know how much the day meant to her and her children.

It’s unbelievable to think that one beautiful day spent on the lake could have such a profound impact on someone’s life. Then again, this is what Dreams for Kids has been doing for over 20 years. I’m glad and truly thankful to have been apart of this special day for this family and the many others who attended the event.

Meet Our Newest Intern!

September 1st, 2010 by kgerson | No Comments | Filed in Intern Blogs, blogs |

Title: Grant Coordinator

Childhood Dream: To be on Jeopardy

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

The Dreams for Kids mission means to empower youth, and let them know that their circumstances do not define who they are.

Why did you decide to intern for Dreams for Kids?
I wanted to be a part of the Dreams For Kids program because I am proud to stand behind the mission. When we can give kids an opportunity to make a difference in their own lives and the lives of others, the outcomes are immeasurable, and I can’t imagine being a part of anything better.

What are your dreams in life, including when you were a child?
My dream has always been to learn as much as I can. I have wanted to be on Jeopardy since I was little, which has since turned to current aspirations of finding a job that meshes my interests of nonprofit work, writing, and love of sports.

What do you hope to gain out of this experience?
I hope to meet and work with a great staff that is focused on making positive change. I also hope to hone my writing and editing skills through the grantwriting process, and discover new grantees that will help DFK continue in their mission.

Thanks Tyler

December 6th, 2009 by DreamsforKids | No Comments | Filed in Tom Tuohy, blogs |

As we give thanks for all our gifts, I find myself reflecting on special moments that remind me of what is most important. One of those moments occurred during Dreams for Kids recent 20 Anniversary event in Chicago as the Adler Planetarium. During the program, we highlighted our Extreme Recess program with a video featuring some of the thousands of kids who have participated in our adaptive sports program.

At the end of the video, we froze the frame on a photo of Tyler Woodworth, grinning ear to ear, green goggles and all. Tyler was getting ready to say to the driver of the boat, in his words, “gun it.” For the first time in his life, Tyler was about to be a water skier.

As the video froze on the Planetarium screen, Tyler rose from the audience, all goggled up, with a microphone in his hand, to tell us, live and in person, what it meant to have this opportunity.
A friend, who had flown in from LA for the event, would share with me later, “Tyler gave me one of the greatest gifts of my life. We he began to speak, I grabbed the edge of the table and said, ‘Please God let this boy be understood.’ Then I suddenly became present to the fact that this is exactly what I have thought every time my father has begun to speak since his illness.  I realized I had been judging my father, who is the same person he always had been. He is my father. He is communicating now in the only way he can. The tears ran down my face and I bowed my head and asked my father to forgive me. I also pledged to never again judge another person. I lifted me ahead and listened. Something remarkable happened. I understood every single word that boy said…”
I suppose Tyler has some kind of disability. I don’t even know what it is, because it is not important. What Tyler cannot do pales in comparison to his extraordinary abilities. His speaks in a voice uniquely his own. He lights up a room and he captivates you with his personality and his presence. On an October evening at the Planetarium in Chicago, Tyler reminded us all how important it is to look past our judgments and to really listen, to accept, and to appreciate each other for who we really are – and to see the gifts right before our eyes.
Thank you, Tyler.

Martial Arts Event Shows Kids That They can do Anything

November 25th, 2009 by DreamsforKids | No Comments | Filed in Intern Blogs, blogs |

Sarah Anderson–Extreme Recess Coordinator

There was punching, there was kicking, boards were broken and then there was food! We couldn’t have asked for a better day for our Martial Arts Extreme Recess. A big thank you to North Shore Dojo in Glenview, IL, and Karate-Can-Do Foundation for co-hosting our fabulous Extreme Recess Martial Arts event on Saturday, Nov. 21.

This is the second year Dreams for Kids has been invited by Sensei Jeff Kohn to North Shore Dojo for an extraordinary day. Sensei Kohn is highly recognized for his unique capabilities and special interest in teaching students with disabilities and those with special needs. We had a great turnout for the event and all the participants had a wonderful experience.

The day began with Sensei Kohn’s students exhibiting their martial arts training for the crowd. Everyone was thoroughly impressed. Following the exhibition, the participants were paired up with a North Shore Dojo student and were taught punching and kicking techniques, participated in balance and obstacle courses, learned how to deal with strangers and a few of the participants got the chance to break a board in half! After the class, there was a delicious pizza party where the kids and families were able to mingle and enjoy the rest of the day. Michael McCarthy, a student of North Shore Dojo and advocate of Karate-Can-Do Foundation, also made some delicious chicken sausage for all to enjoy – Yum!

All in all, it was a great turnout for the event. We would love to have even more participants next time we’re invited to North Shore Dojo, as they were fabulous hosts. If anyone was unable to attend this time, please check the events section of the website to learn more about upcoming Extreme Recess events.

Again, I would like to thank all the participants for coming out and supporting Dreams for Kids and the Extreme Recess event. And a special thank you to Dane Shimizu, Extreme Recess Coordinator; Sensei Jeff Kohn, Michael McCarthy and Julie Iverson for all of their efforts in making this day spectacular for everyone involved!

Join our Facebook Fan page to view the photos: http://facebook.com/dreamsforkids or view them on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/dreamsforkids

Dream Leaders conference makes me proud to be a part of Dreams for Kids

November 24th, 2009 by DreamsforKids | 2 Comments | Filed in Intern Blogs, blogs |

By Gretchen Rose–Special Projects Coordinator

I had the amazing opportunity of being able to be a part of Dreams for Kids’ Dream Leaders Conference on Saturday, Nov. 14.

It is an all day conference geared towards teens who want to change the world. I had the opportunity to be a facilitator: one of the leaders of the group to guide the teens through activities. My partner and I had our own group of six kids and a junior facilitator (a teen who had been through the conference before and is taking on a more challenging role). The whole day was fantastic and it was one of the most amazing experiences I’ve ever had!

One of the reasons I was drawn to Dreams for Kids is that part of their mission is to not only give new opportunities to kids who otherwise wouldn’t have them, but to teach them to pass what they experience on, or pay it forward. I think that is one the best things we can learn. Helping others is one of the best things you can do with your life. The conference is all about helping others and really taking action to be the change you see in the world!

At the conference, we held leadership activities, were educated about social issues and outlined the United Nation Millennium goals, in which we learned about what’s going on all over the world. Then we made our own take action plans to make a change in our own community!

I can’t wait to see these plans put into action. The group of kids that we had were some of the most dedicated kids I have ever met. When I was a teen I remember focusing a lot on my social life or the next concert I was going to. It never crossed my mind until college that there might be people in the world who could use my help…that I could make a difference.

I think the Dream Leaders Conference is a completely unique and incredible experience to show kids that they can make a difference in this world…no matter how old they are. I am so thankful to be a part of Dreams for Kids and the Dream Leaders conference! It was such a learning experience for me being in a leadership role. I’m really excited to see what these kids do in the future. I know we’re in good hands!

Dream Leaders conference made me realize that we are the CHANGE

November 19th, 2009 by DreamsforKids | No Comments | Filed in Intern Blogs, blogs |

Dream Leaders conference made me realize that we are the CHANGE

By Carrie Dorsey
On Saturday November 14, Dreams for Kids had their Dream Leaders conference at Colombia College. It was my first time participating in a Dream Leaders conference and while there I was involved in small workshops where I met teens and young adults from all walks of life, from the country of Serbia to the city of Chicago. Through the workshops we participated in all of us learned a lot about each other and found out that we all had more in common than we thought.
The day was packed with leadership activities where we learned about our weak and strong points, social awareness, and where we learned about different social issues. At the end of the conference, each of us came up with a service project to make positive changes in our communities. Some examples of the service projects people have completed include: raising money for the environment, hosting a Toy Drive for Dreams for Kids, or sending holiday letters to our veterans in Iraq.
The part of the conference that I liked the best was when Dane and Michelle (our facilitators) had us write out all the things we could not do and all the things that made us angry. Then we got to rip the paper and throw it away. I liked it because I was able to vent and no one was there to stop me! I learned a lot about other people’s cultures and how different life can really be. I was also able to speak at the conference and shared my life story with others – the ups and the downs too.
At the end of the day my group put together a skit about promoting Gender Equality; this issue showed me just how unfair women are treated and how that should be changed.Overall, the day made me realize just how hard life can be and how simple it is for one person to make a CHANGE in the world! It was a day that changed my life, for sure. Dream Leaders really and truly are the ones to make the change!

Meet the Interns!

November 19th, 2009 by DreamsforKids | 1 Comment | Filed in Intern Blogs, blogs |

This weeks “Meet the Interns” segment features Sarah, Katie, and Caitlin!

Sarah Anderson

Title: Extreme Recess Coordinator
Childhood Dream: To be an Olympic gymnast
What is your personal description of the mission of Dreams for Kids?
Dreams for Kids provides opportunities for youth of all abilities to achieve their goals by offering unique programs and activities that empower and positively impact their lives and the lives of others.
Why did you decide to intern for Dreams for Kids?
The mission of Dreams for Kids really spoke to my heart.  I have volunteered for Special Olympics for 10 years and am very passionate about helping youth of all abilities achieve their goals. I believe youth should be provided every opportunity they can imagine regardless of limitations that might be in their path and I feel that Dreams for Kids is a perfect example of how this can be realized.
What are your dreams in life, including when you were a child?
When I was a child, my dream was to be an Olympic gymnast. My superficial dream is to move to a climate where it never snows and doesn’t get below 50 degrees. My life dreams are ever changing by the hour, but the constant theme throughout all of my dreams is to make a difference in someone’s life.
What do you hope to gain out of this experience?
I hope to personally grow and learn from everyone on the staff, from the events and programs, and from the youth involved in the programs. I hope to gain a continued perspective of the important things in life.

Katie Shatto

Title: Holiday for Hope Coordinator – Global
Childhood Dream: Childhood Dream: To be a teacherChildhood Dream: To be a Toys R’ Us kid
What is your personal description of the mission of Dreams for Kids?
Dreams for Kids is a nonprofit organization based in Chicago that helps provide kids of all backgrounds and abilities with opportunities to grow as active leaders in their community through their empowering activities and programs.

Why did you decide to intern for Dreams for Kids?
I felt passionate about their cause and saw the potential for and past success that Dreams for Kids has had. I believe that the work that Dreams for Kids does and the work that it inspires others to do is the beginning of something beautiful.

What are your dreams in life, including when you were a child?
When I was a child (so just a few years ago), I wanted to own 10 dogs, a motorcycle, live in Chicago, be a scientist, and travel the world. Now I want 2 dogs, a scooter, to stay in Chicago, be happy and employed, and to travel and change the world.

What do you hope to gain out of this experience?
I ultimately hope to work in the non-profit sector, so through this internship, I want to learn the inner-workings of non-profits, and how I can specifically help change the world and aid causes that I am passionate about.

Caitlin Pickering

Title: Dream Leaders Conference Assistant
Childhood Dream: To be a teacher
What is your personal description of the mission of Dreams for Kids?
Dreams for Kids is an organization which creates change through youth empowerment. Utilizing a variety of programs and activities, Dreams for Kids provides children of all backgrounds and abilities with diverse experiences and the leadership tools necessary to pursue their goals and make a difference.
Why did you decide to intern for Dreams for Kids?
I really respect Dreams for Kids because it is an organization that focuses on children and helps them develop a “can do” attitude.It can be hard for kids to have their voices heard. Often their thoughts and dreams are labeled as immature, illogical, or silly. Adults can be too dismissive of the things children do or say, frequently not taking them seriously.
In its activities and programs, I believe Dreams for Kids encourages youth by letting them know that they are important. The organization really works to educate children, teaching them leadership skills. This enables youth, providing them with paths to take so that their voices can truly be heard. It also gives children the confidence of knowing that their life circumstance or ability does not need to be their sole identity. They can use the experiences they have had and the tools they have learned through Dreams for Kids and other venues to follow their dreams.
I care very deeply about the development and outcome of all youth. I believe that Dreams for Kids is finding ways to truly create positive change in children’s lives and, through these youths, in the world. I wanted to be a part of Dreams for Kids so that I could learn how to be a positive influence and provide support for children.
What are your dreams in life, including when you were a child?
I think dreaming is important. It allows you to envision yourself in a variety of circumstances and situations, helping you attain a sense of who you want to be and where you want to go in life.
When I was a child, I had a big imagination. It sometimes got me into a bit of trouble, enabling me to get a little too carried away with turning my hopes into reality. My mother loves to remind me of this fact: “Do you remember when you were four and decided you wanted to have a little sister? I guess you thought you could make it happen by telling people you had a sibling on the way. I was stunned as people at church handed me their old baby clothes and congratulated me on my pregnancy!”
Soon, all this eagerness was channeled into school. I loved elementary school, particularly first and second grade. My teachers made learning fun and encouraged us to be creative. Before long, I was lining up my stuffed animals into neat rows and instructing my “students” on a six-inch chalkboard. From the age of six on, I dreamt of becoming a teacher.
This aspiration did not change until I was in college. During that time, I was volunteering at a variety of afterschool programs, the majority of which were located in the Los Angeles inner-city projects. I began to see that the children in these schools saw their lives in terms of limits instead of possibilities. I wanted to, and still desire to, change that fact.
Now, as a recent college graduate, I dream of giving all kids, of all backgrounds, opportunities. My hope is that every child will feel that they have the chance to become whoever they want to be. I still believe that education plays a key role in making this dream a reality, but I also think that support systems need to be put in place so that children can overcome obstacles they may face while trying to educate themselves and meet their goals. My desire is to be part of that support system.
What do you hope to gain out of this experience?
Throughout my time with Dreams for Kids, I hope to learn. Right now, I have the opportunity to see how programs and activities are being developed as well as implemented. I am also able to view how youth respond to these events and the ways their lives are impacted by what they have experienced and learned.
As someone who wants to support youth so that they can live positive and fulfilling lives, the knowledge gained by being a part of all the above-mentioned processes is invaluable. This is a time during which I am developing understanding so that I, too, can create positive change in the world.

Extreme Recess Martial Arts Event!

November 17th, 2009 by DreamsforKids | 12 Comments | Filed in Intern Blogs, blogs |

By: Dane Shimizu–Extreme Recess Coordinator

Dreams for Kids is co-hosting this year’s Extreme Recess martial arts class and exhibition with the Northshore Dojo and the Karate-Can-Do! foundation on Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Northshore Dojo in Glenview.

This is the second year Dreams for Kids has been invited by Sensei Jeff Kohn to Northsore Dojo for an extraordinary day. With help from Sarah Anderson, Extreme Recess Coordinator, Sensei Kohn, and Julie Iverson, mother of one of Kohn’s students, the event will be an educational and inspiring one.

Benefits children can achieve through practicing karate are improving their balance, strength, and their focus in all aspects of life.Sensei Kohn teaches students from all walks of life. According to the Northshore Dojo website, parents come to the Dojo stating their child’s doctor told them their child would never be able to do certain activities. Sensei Kohn hears this all the time, and often times proves them wrong. Many doctors are stunned to see the progress of children with disabilities who attend North Shore Dojo. And Sensei Kohn not only teaches them karate, he teaches them life lessons and how to cope with everyday life.

At the event, the children will watch Sensei Kohn and his students put on a short exhibition. Following the exhibition, the children will be invited to take part in the class where they will learn punching and kicking technique as well as participate in balance games, an obstacle course, and a rope climb. The event will conclude with a pizza party where all the kids can mingle, tell stories about their favorite part of the day, and enjoy some delicious pizza.

There are still a limited amount of spots available so hurry and sign up soon. Hope to see everyone there!

If you are unable to attend, check back soon to find out how this event went as well as learn about future Extreme Recess events.

Dream Leaders Conference for all the Dreamers

November 11th, 2009 by DreamsforKids | 3 Comments | Filed in Intern Blogs, blogs |

By: Caitlin Pickering

We are all dreamers. There are those of us who have always dreamt big, but there are also those who stopped dreaming long ago, or who have not yet had the chance to dream at all. Regardless of which category you fall into, if you believe in possibilities, there is no end to what you can achieve.

The Dream Leaders program at Dreams for Kids is a tool available to teenagers of all backgrounds which transforms hope into achievable realities. During the upcoming November 14th Dream Leaders conference, youth from all over Illinois will gather at Columbia College from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. There, they will not be viewed according to life circumstance, background, or level of ability. They will not be reminded of limitations, but will be presented with possibilities. Instead of focusing on what they cannot do, they will begin to look at and develop what they can do.
The Dream Leaders program educates. Through the development of leadership skills, increased knowledge about local and global issues, as well as a variety of service opportunities, youth will grow into socially conscious leaders. As they acquire knowledge, they will be empowered by their increasing ability and the realization that there are people who believe in them, but that they believe in themselves as well.
We all deserve the opportunity to become the men and women of our dreams. The Dream Leaders program is a chance to make that change. It is a time to dream anew and develop the skills necessary to set goals and achieve them.
We are all dreamers. I believe when we take hold of our visions for the future, validate them, and develop the skills necessary to realize them, we will see true change in this world. Are you a dreamer? Join us by emailing abby@dreamsforkids.org to receive your application today.

-Caitlin Pickering

Dream Leader Conference Assistant

It Is Who They Are

October 30th, 2009 by DreamsforKids | 36 Comments | Filed in Tom Tuohy, blogs |

The day after our event, a friend asked if she could be honest. I responded this is all I ever expect and this is what has sustained our organization and its growth for 20 years. It is a collective voice of honesty and commitment to the truth and to possibilities.

Our event began with the famous Shannon Rovers Bagpipe Band leading a group of our youth Dream Leaders into the room. They were all dressed in their finest, and they were carrying the colors – The American Flag, and the Dreams for Kids, United Nations, and Chicago Blackhawks flags. It was pure pageantry and a moment to treasure. At least that is what I thought everyone else felt.

My friend said she felt we used the kids for “marketing purposes.” The kids she referred to, some of them were in wheelchairs, some walked with difficulty, and some spoke in a voice uniquely their own.

I was taken back at first and then thanked my friend for her honesty and for her sharing. Then I suggested that what she saw was born of a generation that I too grew up in. It was a generation that was segregated from one another and taught “not to stare.” It is a generation that lacked understanding and vision because of lack of opportunity. As a consequence, it is a generation that can view each other as “different,” particularly those with visible disabilities.

I shared with my friend that some of the kids told us it was the proudest moment of their lives. I then reminded her that this is how they talk, walk, and roll, every moment of their lives. This is who they are. And no one ever asks them to carry the flag.

We do not all talk or walk the same, do we? Some of us do not walk or talk at all. However each one of us has the ability to be extraordinary. Inside every one of us beats a hopeful heart. It is with all of that heart that we believe in ourselves, in our dreams, and in the possibilities of our lives. We believe, as we all should, that we are equal to any person, that we have a ”voice” which deserves to be heard, and that we can and we will make a difference in the world.

Imagine the difference in the world if we all had the vision to see each other that way.

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