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See what we've been up to this year and what we have coming up! Read our Spring Newsletter

Greetings DREAAM Team!  As promised, I am writing to share logistics for the Illinois Marathon, scheduled for April 24-26 . DREAAM is a Community Racing Partner (CRP), meaning we are able to receive donations as participants register. It also means we need to be there to represent DREAAM! There will be a contingent walking the 5K , but you are welcome to walk or run any of the events! DREAAM families, employees, your family members, and friends are invited to join the DREAAM Team when you register.   Team members can promote their participation to family and friends to inspire others to donate to DREAAM on your behalf. Please note there is a second team for board members, so please look for my name- CRPs are required to have two teams. To register , please visit this website:  https://raceroster.com/registration/89829/fy3nscvgyqx7snpq/registrant/1 You will be required to create an account if you don't have one already. There are two places to choose DREAAM as you register: Here: And Here: Together, we hope to raise $2,000 . Equally important is spreading the word in our local community about DREAAM by having big numbers at the 5K! At the very bottom (under all the merch), there is a space to enter a discount code for DREAAM Team members. These codes will freeze the cost of participation as the marathon nears. In other words, these are the current prices, but you can register later and still get this price. Code Events Fixed price Group title DREAAM10K 10K $45.00 $45 - 10k Charity DREAAM5K 5K $40.00 $40 - 5k Charity DREAAMFULL Marathon $130.00 $130 - Full Charity DREAAMFULLI Full I-Challenge: 5K + Full Marathon $170.00 $170 - Full I Charity DREAAMHALF Half Marathon $90.00 $90 - Half Charity DREAAMHALFI Half I-Challenge: 5K + Half Marathon $130.00 $130 - Half I Charity DREAAMMINI Mini i-Challenge: 5K + 10K $85.00 $85 - Mini Charity DREAAMRELAYI Marathon Relay I-Challenge: 5K + Marathon Relay (Team Captain) $340.00 $340 - Relay I Charity DREAAMRELAY Marathon Relay (Team Captain) $180.00 $180 - Relay Charity DREAAMTRIPLEFULLI Triple Full I-Challenge: Mile + 5K + Full Marathon $192.00 $192 - Triple Full I Charity DREAAMTRIPLEHALFI Triple Half I-Challenge: Mile + 5K + Half Marathon $152.00 $152 - Triple Half I Charity DREAAMTRIPLEMINII Triple Mini i-Challenge: Mile + 5K + 10K $107.00 $107 - Triple Mini Charity DREAAMTRIPLERELAYI Triple Marathon Relay I-Challenge: Mile + 5K + Marathon Relay (Team Captain) $428 $428 - Triple Relay I Charity If you don't wish to walk/run but would like to donate (or pass along ways for friends to do so, please share this link: Thanks so much, and let's get walking!! Warmly, Sarah Sarah Laufenberg Director of Development DREAAM: Driven to Reach Excellence & Academic Achievement for Males Office: 217-373-4818 Mobile: 217-766-6888

DREAAM is strongly committed to upholding our values of compassion, equity, and access for our community members. These are not merely ideals to be followed when convenient; they are core values that shape a better, stronger community for all of us. They are essential to supporting and investing in the lives of DREAAMers and their families. They are about ensuring equal opportunities, breaking down barriers, and creating spaces where every voice is heard and valued. DREAAM will continue to advocate for policies and initiatives that promote justice, fairness, and opportunity for everyone. Our commitment positively transforms the lives of local youth, promotes healthy households, and creates empowered parents in schools and neighborhoods. Thank you for your continued trust and support. I look forward to working together toward a truly equitable future for all. Together, we can continue building an inclusive society that reflects the rich diversity of our Champaign County community.

Your love, prayers, and support mean the world to these families and our community as a whole. Thank you for your compassion and willingness to help. We write today with sorrowful hearts, deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Darnell “DJ” Wicks and Sherman D. McCraney. We cannot begin to comprehend the pain their families and friends are enduring, and we stand with them, united in grief and support during this time of unimaginable loss. ​ DJ, a bright scholar in the DREAAM College Prep Saturday School, brought joy and inspiration to those around him with his infectious smile and friendly confidence. His mother, Malaysia Wicks, has been an active and supportive member of our DREAAM family, and we stand alongside her in this time of profound loss.    We also mourn the passing of Sherman, an 18-year-old who recently graduated high school. Though he was not a participant in DREAAM, he was a beloved member of our community. His family, friends, and teachers will deeply feel the absence of his promising future and the joy he brought into their lives.   Both DJ and Sherman were loved by many, and their lives held great significance. Our community mourns deeply. We are united in our prayers for an end to gun violence and systemic oppression, as we work together for safer neighborhoods and stronger families. We are committed to offering our strength, compassion, and help in any way we can.   Your love, prayers, and support would mean the world to their mothers and our community as a whole. If you’re able to donate, please consider the following GoFundMe appeals.     Please help DJ’s mother: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-malaysia-wicks-family-after-tragic-loss   Please help Sherman’s mother: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-shermans-family-after-tragedy   All donations will help with a range of needs over the next several months. Thank you for your compassion and willingness to help.

Goal $5,700 Black Philanthropy Month is observed every August as a month of celebration and renewal of giving to and by African-descent communities. Donate 8/28 is a national giving day to support organizations like DREAAM, which strives to reach, teach, and impower Black boys and young men in our community. DREAAMers recently visited Malawi, and it was a life changing experience. They decided to raise money to build a Habitat house in Malawi. Please donate to help DREAAMers make a difference in Malawi.

Champaign, IL — July 18, 2024 — Driven to Reach Excellence & Academic Achievement for Males (DREAAM) is excited to announce an upcoming international experience aimed at enhancing excellence in achievement, engagement, and behavioral and mental health among boys and young men ages 3–24 years old. This unique journey will take place from July 29 to August 8, 2024, with the delegation arriving in Lilongwe, Malawi on July 30th and departing from Blantyre on August 7th. ​ The DREAAM travelers for this mission include Founder and Chief Executive Officer Tracy D. Dace, two staff directors, and five high school DREAAMers. This diverse group is set to embark on a transformative journey designed to achieve four key objectives: Experience the Beauty and Culture of Malawi: The team will immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes of Malawi, fostering a deeper appreciation for the country’s unique beauty. Engage in Community Service: DREAAM travelers will actively participate in volunteer service activities, including a STEM Camp and recreational programs with local schools and youth organizations. This engagement aims to build bridges and create lasting positive impacts within the Malawian communities. Explore Partnership Opportunities: The delegation will explore potential collaborations between DREAAM and a similar organization in Malawi, paving the way for future joint initiatives that support the mission of empowering young males through education and holistic development. Expand Knowledge of Africa’s Vast Resources: The experience will broaden the travelers’ understanding of Africa’s immense resources and cultural diversity, enriching their global perspective and informing DREAAM’s future programming and outreach efforts. "We are thrilled to embark on this international experience, which aligns perfectly with our mission of fostering excellence and holistic development among young males," said Tracy D. Dace, Founder and CEO of DREAAM. "This journey not only offers a unique cultural exchange but also strengthens our commitment to community engagement and global partnership." This international experience is made possible through the generous support of our donors and partners. Private donations Busey Bank First Presbyterian Church of Champaign Joyce Whitter Memorial Fund Urbana Sister Cities Program The Strategic Peacock Christopher Fuller Photography DREAAM’s international experience in Malawi is poised to be a landmark event, fostering growth, understanding, and collaboration. Stay tuned for updates and stories from the travelers as they share their journey of learning, service, and exploration. ​ For more information, please contact: Tracy D. DaceFounder and Chief Executive OfficerDriven to Reach Excellence & Academic Achievement for Males (DREAAM)Email: tracy@dreaam.org Phone: 217-560-2194 ​ About DREAAM: Driven to Reach Excellence & Academic Achievement for Males (DREAAM) is dedicated to fostering excellence in achievement, engagement, and behavioral and mental health among boys and young men ages 3–24 years old. Through a range of educational and developmental programs, DREAAM empowers young males to reach their full potential and become positive contributors to their communities. www.dreaam.org

Luther Sparkman's journey embodies the resilience and triumph our organization strives for. His story illuminates the transformative power of determination and support. Being selected as 2024 Successful WIOA Participant in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) in Annual Statewide Performance Report Narrative Success Stories is a huge accomplishment. This recognition celebrates individuals who have overcome obstacles to achieve success in the workforce development system. Background: Raised in a loving household with limited resources, Luther's early academic determination is truly what led him on his remarkable journey. His wit and high intellect brought him to the University of Illinois where he studied psychology. However, upon graduation, he faced the challenge of limited professional experience in his field. His previous work experience provided him with financial assistance, but didn’t align with his academic background. Overcoming Obstacles: Undeterred, Luther sought opportunities and found support through DREAAM. As a DREAAM Maker, he collaborated with staff to align his skills and aspirations with job opportunities. Progress and Achievements: Luther's journey showcased significant growth, transitioning from a Work Experience (WEX) to securing a full-time coordinator position. His development included enhanced communication, technology proficiency, and industry-specific knowledge, alongside training in youth development and trauma. Support System: DREAAM provided Luther with comprehensive support, including mentoring, career counseling, and leadership development. Additionally, he received training in trauma and CPR, financial literacy, and academic advising. These resources helped Luther gain not only a stable income,  but paid holidays and professional opportunity. Impact: Luther's success underscores the collaborative efforts of workforce development programs like WIOA. His story serves as inspiration for others, demonstrating the transformative potential of resilience and dedicated support in empowering individuals within our communities. His journey stands as proof that with care, determination, and strength, one can overcome many barriers in the workplace.

In late July, Mr. Tracy had a vision to collect 500 pairs of shoes for DREAAM's Back to School Drive in honor of his 50th birthday---a goal that seemed near impossible. But our community and supporters from all over the nation stepped up and far exceeded that goal!! On August 13th, DREAAM was able to supply more than 600 pairs of shoes to the youth in our community!!! We are humbled and in awe! We are so incredibly grateful for the support of our donors and our community. We're pretty certain this was a birthday celebration Mr. Tracy won't soon forget!! P.S. It's not too late to celebrate Mr. Tracy by making a gift to DREAAM here.

We love Destin's story, and we just had to share it with you! Destin Lembelembe started working for DREAAM about a year and a half ago, in February of 2021. Last fall, he took part in DREAAM's 5-10-15-20 Program, which included 5 eligible participants who participated in a 10-week program and received 15 hours of life skill training per week and were assigned with life coaches to help them along the way. In addition, 20 hours per week were reserved for employment or volunteering services that would eventually work towards employment. [Participants then decided to pursue further education including completing a GED, applying for college, trade school, or obtaining a full-time job. The aim was to promote personal and professional development. Life skills included finance literacy, mental health, physical health, nutrition, preparing for job search, job application process, resume writing, mock interviews, communication skills, etc.] Destin is always wanting to help others and has grown so much as a person, an employee, and a DREAAMer. He has been an integral part of our team. We look forward to seeing this young gentleman make strides here in Champaign County and beyond! He's well on his way! Read more about Destin in our interview below. Please tell us about you! Where are you from? How long have you lived here in Champaign? I am from Africa–The Democratic Republic of the Congo. I have been living in Champaign-Urbana for about 7 years now. What's your favorite food? Fufu and chicken Please explain your experience with DREAAM. How did you learn about DREAAM? I learned about DREAAM through my church, First Presbyterian - Champaign. And that’s the only way I learned about DREAAM. Mr. Tracy Dace spoked about DREAAM during a Sunday service. Once I heard about it, I was interested and I wanted to be a part of it but I couldn’t because I did not know if they wanted younger employees. But one day I was looking for a job and I remembered Mr. Tracy. After visiting with him, he offered me a position with DREAAM; I got so excited and I immediately accepted the offer and have been with DREAAM ever since. I stuck with it. DREAAM–it’s an organization that builds you up as a young man, all the way up to an adult. I am forever grateful. Awhile after I started working with DREAAM, I heard about this 5-10-15-20 program. I took the class. The class taught me about money management, bills wise, banking, eating healthier, how to be a successful young man living on my own, etc… I learned so much and am so grateful. What has been your favorite experience with DREAAM? My favorite part about DREAAM is that we are all family. We strive to help the youth and we are not ashamed to share our personal problems, feelings. Because when we do so, there’s always a solution on the situation or the problem. We're all there for each other. Where are you working now and how did you get there? I am still with DREAAM through the month of July. I have a life coach who has been keeping me going and has motivated me not to give up fast. Thanks to DREAAM and all I've learned, I will be moving on to be a teacher at Bradley Learning Center, an Early Childhood Education Center, in Urbana.

After a two year hiatus due to the pandemic, the Illinois (Marathon*) Race Weekend is here! DREAAM is one of the race weekend's Charity Running Partners, which means runners have the opportunity to give more meaning to their miles, training, and race(s) by raising money for a nonprofit organization. We are humbled to have three amazing people (& me : ) running for DREAAM today and tomorrow. If you're planning to be out on the course to cheer on the runners, be on the lookout for highlighter yellow shirts with the DREAAM logo on the front and cheer loudly!!! Let's meet the runners!!! Judi Geistlinger will be running the Mini I-Challenge: the 5K (3.1 miles) tonight and the 10K (6.2 miles) tomorrow. Judi first learned about DREAAM through First Presbyterian Church of Champaign, one of our first partners who stepped up with seed funding early on. [Thank you, First Pres!!!] In Judi's words: “I started "running" 10 years ago primarily at fundraiser races. I run for the swag, the people cheering, and the post-race banana! When DREAAM became part of a race I have run for the last several years, I jumped at the chance to support this wonderful cause. I was already planning to run the Illinois Marathon Weekend, but now I get to support this terrific work too. I am running with a purpose this year. I love DREAAM because it helps raise up young men, giving them the future my children had automatically due to our race, economic status and education. Supporting DREAAM financially is such a small thing to do, but if it can make a difference in one young man's life, the world will be a better place. And so many young men have the chance for success with the skills and community developed through DREAAM. I will be honored to wear a DREAAM shirt this weekend and support this wonderful cause.” Jake Watts will be running the Illinois Half Marathon (13.1 miles) tomorrow. He grew up on a farm in Rankin, IL and attended PBL High School in Paxton. After graduating from PBL, he studied Crop Sciences at the University of Illinois and graduated in December of 2021. Since graduation, he has been working in the Moose functional genomics lab on campus as an hourly employee studying nitrate transport genes in corn. How cool is that!??! Jake hopes to attend graduate school in the fall to continue studying plant genetics. In Jake's words: "I run simply to stay active and elected to raise money for DREAAM because we share the belief that education is our greatest tool to end poverty cycles in the community and your organization takes action on that belief!” Caitlin Drake will be running the 10K on Saturday. Caitlin has been a longtime supporter of DREAAM and says, "I love a challenge so thought it would be a good time to train for the 10k and when I saw DREAAM was a charity partner, it was an easy decision to choose you guys. Love your program and the impact it has in our community." Caitlin's daughter, Mia, will be rocking the Youth Run tomorrow, as well! Thank you so much, Judi, Jake, and Caitlin, for running for DREAAM! All of us here at DREAAM are wishing you a phenomenal race! Know we are all cheering you on!!! You ROCK the DREAAM HOUSE!! Learn more about the Illinois Race Weekend at illinoismarathon.com. *The marathon is not a part of the races this year due to staffing and the amount of space the marathon would take up street-wise and time-wise. Many thanks to our fundRACERS Jake Watts, Judi Geistlinger, Lina Mongwa, Jacqueline Jasek, Caitlin Drake, and Caitlin's daughter, Mia Drake! And thank you to all who supported DREAAM through the Illinois Race Weekend fundraising platform! Take a look through these race day photos!

The Kappa Kappa Gamma Alumnae Association of Champaign-Urbana's 52nd Annual Flower Sale starts tomorrow!!! We are so grateful that, for the second year in a row, the sale will be benefiting DREAAM!!! [Thank you, CU KKGs!] Get your flowers tomorrow, Friday, May 13th from 9am to 5pm or Saturday, May 14th from 9am to noon at Indian Acres (1 Arrow Road) in Champaign. Some of our DREAAMers will be there tomorrow afternoon and on Saturday to help assist customers! [NOTE: Please remember to bring either cash or checks, as credit and debit will not be accepted.] There is a wide array of planting flowers and herbs to choose from, as well as hanging baskets, patio gardens, and more! All the plants come from Ropps, a local nursery from in Mahomet and Gibson City. The plants are incredibly beautiful and healthy and long lasting! So, make sure to grab some for yourself this weekend! Hope to see you there!

For the past few weeks, 10 DREAAM participants had the wonderful opportunity to take part in STRIVE, a program offered by the YWCA in Champaign. They not only enjoyed the personal interaction, but also gained worthwhile experience with technology that they are sure to use in future careers, as well as in their daily lives. STRIVE’s program offers free digital skills and workforce development using the Google suite of applications, such as Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, Forms, Keep, etc. In addition to learning tech, the STRIVE program offers peer mentoring and fellowship. On the first day of training, each DREAAM participant received a Chromebook, which they were able to keep upon completion of the program! Throughout the six-week course, specific topics were covered, including basic familiarity of computers, introduction to Google Workspace, and gaining confidence with technology. STRIVE and DREAAM are helping our participants gain beneficial skills to help them succeed! The next 6-week session will begin soon. If you're interested or know someone who could find this program helpful, please reach out to sam@dreaam.org.