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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!

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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.

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Super Bowl, Super Kid

February 10th, 2011 by dane | 4 Comments | Filed in blogs, Erin Lann, Intern Blogs |

Last Sunday, I was one of the 111 million Americans who tuned in to watch Super Bowl XLV commercials. This year, the fan favorite won by a landslide: The Volkswagen ad that features a pint-sized Darth Vader who uses the Force to start the new VW Passat.

The actor, six-year-old Max Page, might be the most adorable intergalactic villian I’ve ever seen. Max and his mom, Jennifer, were recently interviewed on the “Today” show, where Jennifer revealed that at four months old, Max was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect called tetralogy of Fallot and underwent surgery. He has been reliant on a pacemaker ever since. But that hasn’t stopped him from booking gigs with several local commercials and a reoccurring role on “The Young and the Restless” on his already impressive resume.

Max admits that he’s never seen the Star Wars movies; his parents think he’d find the films too scary. So, while he’ll have to wait a few years to see the Sith Lord in action, he certainly has a head start on his Jedi training. For if there is one lesson Yoda has taught us, it’s to live without fear; that fear is the path to the dark side. Dreams For Kids challenges kids to pursue their dreams fearlessly, and to use that inhibition to be a force for change in their communities through compassion and leadership (We’re still working on Jedi mind tricks.)

Max Page is expected to live a healthy and full life with regular maintenance of his pacemaker. his story is a reminder of how much can be accomplished when your dreams are bigger than the obstacles before it. “Just to see him run and play is enough,” his mother said. Jennifer calls her son an inspiration–and I couldn’t agree more.

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Welcome Aboard Erin!

January 26th, 2011 by dane | 1 Comment | Filed in blogs, Erin Lann, Intern Blogs |

Welcome aboard Erin Lann, Social Media Coordinator

Why did you decide to intern at Dreams For Kids?

To me, Dreams For Kids shows dedication to providing opportunity and resources to underprivileged youth in the United States, and giving hope to children across the world. I wanted to intern for DFK because I believe this organization has an answer to many issues facing the development and success of children and teens in the U.S. and developing nations. It is an international organization desperately needed in a world that has evolved into a plural society.

I was a sports-minded individual. I grew up playing basketball, training in gymnastics, and learning ballet. I was never the point guard or prima ballerina-and when it came to gymnastics, I was downright terrible. But the discipline and team-building skills I learned from athletics provided the building blocks for the way I tackled every endeavor for the rest of my life: with full commitment and dedication to constant improvement.

The ability to participate in sports is one that should be available to every child, regardless of age or ability. The Extreme Recess program, organized through DFK, makes this ability a reality for many kids with disabilities. I am inspired by this program, and believe that it reinforces healthy living, community, and new experiences with each participant. Besides that, it’s fun!

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

When, I was a kid, I wanted to be the first female Pope. My aunt is a nun, and I spent a lot of time visiting her in the convent when I was a kid. Naturally, I also spent a lot of time with her at Mass. I would watch the pastor stand at the pulpit and preach to the congregation and think, that looks fun. Couple that dream with an innate desire to be President, and you’ve got a ten-year-old Papal candidate.

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve focused less on the Vatican and more on the immediate needs of global youth. In college, I avidly supported The Girl Project, an organization dedicated to making a better life for young women in developing countries. While I still aid that organization, I’ve also started to learn more about Dreams For Kids and their global initiatives. I believe DFK embodies a dedication to social change that must be at the core of every organization, company, and corporation, if social change is ever going to be actualized. The only way social change will be an integral part of our society is if it is an integral part of every community member’s personal beliefs. So, whether I’m the Pope, an Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, or the Queen of Siam, propagating social tolerance, acceptance, and change will always be at the heart of my efforts.

What do you hope to gain out of this experience?

I believe that social media is the most direct way to get a message into the community, and to raise awareness to social needs. Through this internship, I hope to perfect my social media skills and thereby help Dreams For Kids better gain support and endorsement, so that the organization can continue to grow. The larger Dreams For Kids becomes, the more people  it will be able to reach out to and aid.

Meet Michael!

January 26th, 2011 by dane | 1 Comment | Filed in blogs, Intern Blogs |

Meet Michael Jones, Grant Writing Coordinator

What is your personal description of the mission of DFK?

The Dreams For Kids mission is to empower kids with confidence and belief that they can achieve their goals in life and help others do the same. This is accomplished by cultivating feelings of hope and togetherness.

Why did you decide to intern at DFK?

I decided that now is the time I wanted to devote myself to making real and measurable contributions to the community. I also have an interest in grant writing, so it was perfect timing to have the opportunity to contribute to a great organization like Dreams For Kids.

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

I’m a dreamer, no doubt about it. One of my dreams is to start a non-profit school in Chicago devoted to providing free music education to kids. I also dream of one day traveling the world as a musician. Lastly, I dream of returning to school to become a doctor of engineering.

What do you hope to gain out of this experience?

I know I’m going to gain a lot. The rewarding feeling of contributing to a good organization, meeting lots of great people, gaining experience grant writing and working with NPO’s in general. If through our efforts we gain funding, I will be the happiest person in the room for at least a week.

Better the 2nd time around

October 29th, 2010 by dane | 1 Comment | Filed in blogs, Dane Smimizu |

On the morning of October 23rd, the weather was cloudy and rainy and thoughts of no children coming to the event ran through my head. As the day progressed, in typical Dreams for Kids fashion, the weather cleared and a pleasant afternoon emerged for the 2nd Annual Extreme Recess: Fall Fest at Patch 22 farm (Wadsworth, IL)

The children and their families who came to the event were able to enjoy a petting zoo, which included a baby cow, rabbits, giant turkeys, and a rooster who wouldn’t stop crowing. After petting the various animals, everyone loaded up into the wagon and enjoyed a horse drawn wagon ride through the countryside. A horse drawn wagon ride on a spectacular late fall afternoon put everyone in the spirit of the event.

Back at the farm, each child was able to enjoy a variety of arts & crafts, some yummy fall themed snacks, and pick out their very own pumpkin! Picking out their own pumpkin was a daunting task for some of the children. Thoughts of “do I want the biggest one”, “one with all the warts”, or “the short round one,” must have crossed each child’s mind. In the end, each child was able to find their own perfect pumpkin and everyone left with happy memories of a fun afternoon spent at the pumpkin patch.

Thank you to all the participants and their families for attending another great Fall Fest. A special thank you to Carrie Whitfield, Extreme Recess coordinator, for all her hard working putting together a fantastic event for all involved.

George Lopez

October 26th, 2010 by kgerson | No Comments | Filed in blogs |

When I was 4 years of age, I was taken away from my mother and put into government care. My mother was on all types of drugs, she was an alcoholic and she had no money. That same year we were placed in one home for two years. You would think we were happy there, but we were not. I was mentally and physically abused every day, simply because I was not their child from birth. When I was eight years old, our house was broken into and my foster father was shot right in front of me. I watched him die. He bled to death. We were moved from that household that same night. This is the same night my sister, brother and I were all separated.

I continued going from home to home until I was 11 years old. I was placed into a group home and I felt unloved. I was sick and tired of someone who would get in my face and tell me that they would give me a “try” and give me up a month later. When I was 12 I was introduced to Miss Jeanette Dixon, my mother. When she met me I was just a little brat! I thought I knew everything that there was to know in the world and had taught myself not listen to anyone who would turn their backs on me. Well Ms. Dixon was not that easy to push away.   That’s exactly what I needed at that time in my life. She helped me through the last years of grade school and when I got to high school I ranked pretty high in my class. Now I have a chance at accomplishing my dream of becoming an architect to create sustainable and economical houses.

Dream Leaders has exposed me to a world from which my eyes have been hidden. Now, I realize what it truly means to be a Dream Leader. Being a Dream Leader classifies you as being the type of person that will go out of your way to help others in need; to help others who without you would be left alone to deal with their problems; to look at the world with open eyes and open hands; to inspire the millions of people who are pushed aside, abused, and neglected because of their race, social class, and disabilities; to inspire a world unlike any other, a world more like a dream, a dream inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King.

Adaptive Sports Resources

October 1st, 2010 by dcadmin | No Comments | Filed in blogs |

Dreams for Kids DC sees itself as the major connector and event leader in adaptive sports. Through our partnerships with the DC Department of Parks and Recreation, as well as other organizations focused on adaptive sports, we now have a database of the organizations, as well as their upcoming events.

Organizations in DC:

Health Services for Children with Special Needs

The HSC pediatric center gives members the chance to engage with sporting programs, allowing children to express themselves through sport, and develop skills relating to teams and sport. Events only open to those who are HSC patients.

KEEN Greater DC

KEEN’s mission is to foster the self-esteem, confidence, skills and talents of its athletes through non-competitive activities, allowing young people facing even the most significant challenges to meet their individual goals. KEEN is free for children with physical and developmental disabilities. You can engage with sports, swimming, music, tennis, basketball and bowling amongst others. For more information, go see their programs that are held every 2-4 weeks. They also have special events.

Organizations in MD:

Special Olympics MD

Special Olympics Maryland provides year long participation in sports for children with disabilities. Through sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for persons eight years of age and older with intellectual disabilities, Special Olympics MD allows children to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community. Look at their events calendar to find out what is happening. Only available to children in Maryland.

Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating (CRAB)

If you like the open seas, CRAB is the organization for you. Sail on the Chesaspeake Bay on most weekends. Often this event is not open to all, but there are open events once a month, where you can join and become a member of CRAB. Check out their events page.

Virginia:

Special Olympics VA

Special Olympics Virginia gives children with disabilities the chance to play sports, be part of a team, and feel joy and pride as any other child would. Little by little, spectators begin to reconsider people who have intellectual and physical disabilities. Open to all residents of Virginia. Check out their events page to see when your child can participate.

Eddie’s Club

Eddie’s club is a recreation and social program for special needs children and adolescents. Eddie’s Club gives youth a sense of belonging outside of their immediate family. Anyone can register for events by filling out a form. All parents must attend with their children.

What’s Happening Victoria?

September 28th, 2010 by socmedia | No Comments | Filed in blogs, Intern Blogs, Kennyetta Dillon |

Dear Readers,

I am thrilled to be posting my first entry as a Dreams for Kids intern! I am excited to start this amazing opportunity and see what doors it will open for me in my life.

The things I see that truly inspire me: human kindness and strength. Instead of writing about things I’ve done, I have collected two stories that I have read that have motivated me to be a better person.

Story #1: I read this Seattle Times article in December, 2007 and was reminded instantly of the movie Pay It Forward.  The story involves a chain of an estimated 500 customers in a drive-through at Starbucks.  Each customer paid for their holiday drinks, and those of the vehicle behind them. Often, the customers would give extra money, which all went to the Starbucks holiday toy drive.

Story #2: In December 2008, Brad Hennerfer, a teenager with down –syndrome became the boys basketball manager at his high school. Soon, he was getting playing time, and winning games by shooting many three-pointers for his team. This story is amazing and is a true testament to the statement: you can do anything you put your mind to! Also, the story shows how a community supports a young kid with many dreams!
New York Times article & Youtube video

In closing, these are just two examples in the world of how we can support and show kindness to those in the world. Even a small latte can make a difference in the world.

‘Til next time!

Victoria

Howdy Kennyetta!

September 28th, 2010 by socmedia | No Comments | Filed in blogs, Intern Blogs, Kennyetta Dillon |

Name someone/thing that inspires you….

I’m inspired by simple things like an unexpected smile, or a child taking your hand. I think the most inspirational things come from a simple idea/ action that just catches fire.

As for a person that inspires me, I would have to say it is my mother. She is an only parent and she has always been a strong hard working successful woman and I can only hope to be at least a little bit like her.

How will you contribute to the mission of Dreams for Kids?

In my role as social media coordinator, I just want to get the word out about the great things that Dreams for Kids is doing. It’s a great thing to see these kids take control of their future by simply understanding taking stock of what they’ve experienced and overcome in the short time that they’ve been alive and seeing the value in those experiences.  

 What fuels your passion?

I enjoy promoting other peoples passions. It gives me joy to see dreams realized.
 

What meaningful volunteer experience you inspired to give back?

 I tutored some inner-city kids and really began to see firsthand how the community can be just as responsible for the kid as the parent can.

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