a holistic approach to impacting youth · in the holistic approach. the school/ family/dream center...

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In Your Life MentoringA holistic approach to impacting youth

C E L E B R A T I N G F I V E Y E A R S O F

In Your Life Mentoring: a Holistic approach to Impacting YouthThe Dubuque Dream Center’s strategy — to Impact Youth and Strengthen Families — begins with our In Your Life Mentoring model. On the foundation of genuine relationships, In Your Life Mentors are strategically connected around an individualized plan to provide a child with the assets they need to be successful in school and life. In Your Life Mentoring is connecting caring adults to impact academic and character development outcomes of youth.

The Dream Center’s long-term vision includes holistic initiatives to benefit the entire family. In our first 5 years we set and accomplished goals that focused on Impacting Youth. We plan to initiate our vision of Strengthening Families and Building Community for the next 3-5 years and beyond. This year’s Annual Report will highlight our D.R.E.A.M. Center In Your Life Mentoring system and impact for 2018–2019.

E A MRDD I V E R S E R E L A T I O N S H I P S E D U C A T I O N A C T I V I T I E S M I S S I O N D R I V E N

Reflecting the community We are intentional in recruiting staff, mentors, and volunteers that reflect the community we serve. We seek to put our youth in position to build relationships across racial and social-economic lines. Youth will experience what real community looks like.

Caring (in) community When our program hours end, our impact only begins. Our mentors impact youth outside the walls of the Dream Center. We connect caring adults in the child’s life to build a systematic community structure of people who genuinely care. It’s not just programs, it’s personal. Over 50% of our mentors live and work in the radius of the kids we serve.

School Connectors School Connectors are Dream Center staff members who are trained in reading prescriptions and math improvement strategies, utilized by District educators, to continue teaching the school day curriculum. School Connectors visit students during the school day each week to encourage student success in the classroom and support the Dubuque School Teachers.

Dream Center impact We are a Sports, Music, and Performing Arts Academy that provides youth with structure, discipline, responsibility, and skills they can continue in high school and college. Dream Center activities include basketball, choir, guitar/piano lessons, dance, and boxing.

Building community We are intentional in building purposeful and healthy relationships with our students and their entire family. Our Parent Focus Group is comprised of parents that desire to be more involved with input and building the future of the Dream Center. Through this group, parents are creating long lasting relationships with one another in a way that provides an additional support system outside of immediate family members. Our desired outcomes for building community include contributing to a unified and safe community.

Our 2018-2019 School ConnectorsPart-time Connectors are School Teachers/ Paraprofessionals who work after school at the Dream Center and full-time Connectors are Dream Center staff who oversee Dream Center programming after school and conduct school visits during the school day to support teachers and students they oversee at each school site.

Each School Connector is responsible for a Sports or Music & Arts Team. Our goal is to have a 1:10 ratio of School Connectors per student for quality impact!

Photo by Anna Johnson

180180 youth participated in the 2018–2019 school year

and summer programming

Each year during our summer learning session, Dream Center youth continue school day curriculum that assists them in progressing towards grade level reading and math proficiency. Curriculum includes Imagine It, Lexia, reading

fluency protocol, ST Math, and Rocket Math– Other educational and enrichment activities include STEM (partnership with 4H & IBM) and Four Mounds Camp.

190 190 youth participants are enrolled in the 2019-2020 school year

Of students, 2nd–8th grades, increased their Reading MAP

score from Fall to Spring of the 2018-2019 School Year

Of students, 2nd–8th grades, increased their Math MAP

score from Fall to Spring of the 2018-2019 School Year

73% 88%

Hours per child of Spark Activities and skill development

Hours per child of Academic Center time

Hours per child of character development

and meal mentoring

70 35105

Meals served this summer

10,466

Volunteer hours served

480

Dream Center Impact

The Dream Center trained over 40 volunteers for our after school programming and 15 volunteers for our summer

academy. Our volunteers serve an average of once per week.

We are blessed to have many individuals who have dedicated multiple years to serving our students in the John Haupert

Academic Center. Get to know more about some of our long-term volunteers on the following pages.

T hank you.

CAPACITY SERVED—WHAT DEPARTMENT(S)

Eric is a unique volunteer to the Dream Center because he serves as a School Connector. He has coached, mentored, and tutored the same group of students since 2015!

MOTIVATION FOR SERVING

“ I am really inspired by Robert’s vision for the Dream Center. I truly see the Dream Center impacting youth, strengthening families and building community. It is a beacon of hope in a world that has so much negativity. It is a blessing to be part of it.”

FAVORITE DREAM CENTER MOMENT

We had a game where every boy on the team scored. This was the first and only time in my 10 years of coaching youth basketball that this has happened. It’s so fun to see the boys succeed!

ERIC B. HILLARY

VOLUNTEERED 4 YEARS

ERIC B. HILLARY

VOLUNTEERED 4 YEARS


Academic Center Tutor


“ I am thrilled about diversity in our community, and I saw this volunteer opportunity as something concrete I could do to help make a difference.”


I was reading a story to two first grade students on the last day of the session. Both students were so enthralled with the story, and although the time was up for Academic Center, the school connector let us stay and finish the book.

JEANNE HARRINGTON

VOLUNTEERED 4 YEARS


Academic Center Tutor, Administrative Finance Team


“ My friend Gail Kutsch knew I liked to work with young people and she invited me to visit. I like the Dream Center’s approach to build confidence by holding each child/youth accountable in areas such as respect and communication as well accomplishing daily growth goals in academics.”


Working one on one with a soon to be second grade boy who, at the beginning of the summer, wasn’t that enthused about spending time working on math skills. But, by the end of the summer that changed. He learned he had finished the hour with his highest daily total by completing the most levels/units and the largest number of minutes in ST Math. He was so happy and his smile and face were beaming with pride.

CHRISTINE SCHIESL

VOLUNTEERED 4 YEARS


Academic Center Tutor


“ Seeing how important DC is in the lives of our children and their families.”


Watching the kids interact with each other, whether dancing, studying, playing ball, and eating!

DOUG BAUSCH

VOLUNTEERED 5 YEARS


Tim Conlon has been the Board Chair since 2016. Since the beginning of his involvement, Tim has offered tremendous support to the Dream Center. In 2016 the Dream Center was able to renovate our Kitchen area with the help of donated materials and time lead by Conlon Construction. Willenburg Plumbing and Wendy’s Corp, was also involved with the renovation. Most recently in 2019 Conlon Construction remodeled our gym floor to be more efficient and durable for our students!


“ The good work and excellent impact the Dream Center team has made in the lives of students, their families and their neighborhood communities.”


The 2019 Banquet was special for the attendance of students and families, and encapsulating the energy and enthusiasm generated by the Dream Center.

TIM CONLON

INVOLVED 4 YEARS


Phil has been serving as a board member since 2016, and is a member of our Dream Team alongside his wife, Judy. He has been dedicated to helping with special projects such as kitchen renovations and purchasing two new basketball hoops for our gym!


“ I believe in the Mission of the Dream Center, and believe that it is making a difference in people’s lives. The values being taught, the involvement of parents and teachers, the dedication of the staff and volunteers, all contribute to the Dream Center’s success.”


Recently seeing the Dream Choir & Dance Team perform at the end of the summer session. They were outstanding.

PHIL RUPPEL

INVOLVED 3 YEARS


Sharon Kress has been committed to serving youth in the Academic Center and being an avid supporter outside of the center at games and performances!


“ I was drawn to serve by the mission statement. I also loved and believe in the holistic approach. The school/family/Dream Center connection which leads to accountability and trust was important to me, too.”


When I opened the door the first day of the summer session in June 2016 and heard all the excited voices, walked down the stairs and saw all the happy faces—what joy!

SHARON KRESS WITH KEITH COOK

VOLUNTEERED 5 YEARS

Total meals served this school year and summer

29,340

R E N O V A T I O N S

KitchenWhen the Dream Center first started programming all of the meals they made for students were cooked in the Kimble home and transported to the Dream Center for dinner time. In 2016 the kitchen space was renovated with the support of Tim Conlon, Phil Ruppel, and Andy and Anna DeWitt. These renovations allowed us to receive the USDA grant and become a licensed kitchen.

The Dream Center provides healthy snacks and meals through USDA guidelines and resources. During the school year students receive a snack and meal each program day. During summer programming students receive three meals a day.

Before

R E N O V A T I O N S

Dance roomIn 2019 the Dream Center revamped their dance team. Our new Facility Manager, Tim Gaffney removed the old floor and designed the current look.

Thank you to McCullough Designs for providing the materials for the logo!

Before

Going the distanceWhen the Dream Center first opened we could not provide transportation to students. In 2016, the Dream Center anonymously received a bus that allowed for in-town transportation.

As the Dream Center grew larger the bus was not enough to meet the needs of students. We began renting vans and using RTA services to provide transportation.

In 2019 we were able to purchase 4 vans thanks to the support of an anonymous donor and the Dubuque Racing Association grant.

With these vans, we are able to transport students safely to and from the Dream Center for programming, field trips, games, and performances.

Raised in Donations

$86.5K

2019 Spring BanquetWe hosted our 2019 Annual Spring Fundraiser on Thursday, April 25th. We had 130 attendees. Our students, parents, volunteers, staff, and board members were invited to attend for a special moment that provided a visual of Building Community for the audience. Over 70 of our students showed up! This certainly made for a memorable night. Attendees enjoyed a special performance by our Music & Arts Choir and Dance Team.

Special thank you to the speakers: Chad Chandlee, Donnelle Fuerste, Savannah Shepler, Latoya Mccauley, Sheena Longstreet, Lauren Jones, Doug Bausch, Deonte Howard, Eli Herrion, and Daquon Lewis.

5th Year Anniversary Open HouseWe made our 5th year as an organization in October 2018... so in the spirit of celebration and bringing more awareness to the community about the Dream Center we hosted an Anniversary Event on Thursday, October 25th. There were tours and presentations held from 3:30-6:30pm, and a variety of donors and community members attended!

Career Development programIn Summer 2019, in partnership with Dr. Ed (Pat) Alt, Dubuque Works, and NICC, the Dream Center piloted their Career Development Program.

The goal of this program is to focus on the future to impact generational poverty by developing the future workforce. Students gained training and employment experience in partnership with Northern Iowa Community College (NICC). Initially, students will focus on their individual career assessment, soft skill development, and job & career readiness training.

20 students enrolled in our Youth Career Development Program. 16 students graduated and received a Certificate of training with NICC.

During this time students worked on a shed project that was featured in Telegraph Herald, KCRG, and KWWL.

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1 Robert Kimble Executive Director

2 Gabby Sullivan Academic Center Coordinator

3 Ricardo Cunningham Finance Director

4 Bridgett Boone Music and Arts Coordinator

5 Nellie Kimble Operations and Kitchen Manager

6 Racquel Mcclellan Executive Assistant and Donor Relations Coordinator

7 Cori Lieb Technology and Marketing Administrator

8 Molly Huhn Grant Writer and Marketing Coordinator

9 Jason Zelle Boys Program Coordinator

Leadership

1 Board Chair/President Tim Conlon President and CEO, Conlon Construction

2 Treasurer Ricardo Cunningham Business & Accounting Department Head, University of Dubuque

3 Member Robert Kimble Executive Director, The Dubuque Dream Center

4 Member Racquel McClellan Executive Assistant, Dubuque Dream Center

5 Member Donnelle Fuerste Chief Executive Officer, The Metrix Company

6 Member Chad Chandlee Vice Chair, Kendall Hunt Publishing

7 Member Phil Ruppel Parco Ltd (Retired)

8 Secretary Anderson Sainci Resource Management Coordinator, City of Dubuque

9 Member Andy DeWitt, DDS Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, Great River Oral Surgery

10 Member Dave Cushman Executive VP, Morrison Brothers Company and Owner, Park Farm Winery

11 Member Maggie Blaser Owner, Dubuque Fire Equipment

12 Member Bjorn Hill Principal, IT Consulting, RSM

BoardWe’re grateful for the involvement and oversight of these community leaders serving on the Dubuque Dream Center’s Board of Directors.

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Grants

Community Foundation: Community Impact Grant

Dubuque County

Dubuque Food Council Grant

Dubuque Racing Association Grant

Dubuque Works

Food Pantry

HAVlife

ITC Charitble Contribution Grant

McDonough Foundation

Purchase of Service Grant (City of Dubuque)

Schoen Family Foundation

United Way

USDA

Wahlert Foundation

Women’s Giving Circle

S U P P O R T

Dream TeamThe Dream Team is composed of a group of dedicated donors who have pledged to donate $1,000 or more annually for 3-5 years. The Dream Center’s goal is to have $300,000 pledged each year.

Alt, Ed & PatBausch, Doug The Bullock FamilyChandlee, Chad and LauraColvin, Mark & AbbyConlon, Jason & PoppyConlon, Tim and ChristineCook, Keith & Kress, SharonCunningham, RicardoDalton, Dr. Michael and MollyDeWitt, Andy and Anna

Dubuque Bank & Trust First Congregational ChurchFuerste, Donnelle & RommelGilloon, Penny & ArtGreat River LearningHaupert, CarolynHill, B’jorn & SarahHillary, Dan & LuannHillary, Eric & JeanaHoefer, Bob and MarilynHorstmann, Doug and Karen

Jansen, CadenKnight, Wendy & Russell Krueger, Otto & Vrotsos, BarbMcKeag, Bryan & LindaMozena, Jeff & JanetNilles, KeithOttavi, John and StephanieParco, LTD. (Wendy’s)Premier BankRhomberg, JanetRuppel, Phil & Judy

Ryan, Steve & TamiSanders, Cynthia and RaySchatz, Brian and LynetteSchiesl, Michael & ChristineThe Sirk Family FoundationSmith, PeterTaylor, Scott & RhondaTerrell, Josh & TinaWahlert, David & Nancy Weitzel, Tim & DianeZuccaro, Joseph and Teri

D R E A M T E A M D O N O R S

S U P P O R T

Community Partnerships and GrantsWe would like to thank all our 2018-2019 community partners and donors, including the many generous contributions from those not named here.

City of DubuqueCommunity FoundationDays of CaringDubuque Community SchoolsDubuque Fire & EquipmentDubuque Food PantryEmmaus Bible College

IBMJohn DeereMcCullough CreativeMcDonough FoundationNICCUniversity of DubuqueWomen’s Giving Circle

American Realty of DubuqueBeaves, Peter & MargaretBeck, RobertThe Butler Family FoundationCavanagh, Brad & JenniferCherney, KoriClaussen, LindaColvin, Mark & AbbyCushman, Dave & ElizabethCushman, Dave & HollyCheever, Doug & JeanDecker, Randy & JoniDutrac Community Credit UnionFisher, SteveFraternal Order of EaglesGalena Bible ChurchGarner, GaylenGiese, Charlie & LindaGlab, Charlie & VickiGoodmann John & Ellen

Goodmann, John & TeriGunsolley, Jessica & BrianHaupert Family FoundationHearn, Joe & TrishaHeiar, David & JaneHillary, Daniel & LuannHolthaus, ElaineHorstmann, Doug & KarenHoy, JeremyIndependent InsuranceAgents of DubuqueJackson, Ernest & PeggyLange, JeanLoras CollegeMathis-Pfohl FoundationMcCullough, John & LynnThe Metrix CompanyPinchuk, Brad & JenniferOlk, Doug & MarilynRichardson, Venice & JimRunde, Simon

Scherr, Matt & AnnSchiesl, Jay & TerriSchmid, MarySchmidt, John & DonnaSisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin MarySisters of the PresentationSisters of St. Francis Smith, Dick & JoyceSteeple SquareTheisen, Christopher & PamelaTheisen, Jim & MaritaUncle Ike’s Sound & MusicVanMilligen, Mike & NancyVogt, Larry & JulieWalz, EdwardWeber, KathleenWeston, MeganWolf, JudyZuccaro, Dr. Pat & Janet

P A R T N E R O R G A N I Z A T I O N S I N D I V I D U A L D O N O R S A N D C H A R I T A B L E O R G A N I Z A T I O N S

Goals and needs2 0 1 9 – 2 0 2 0

G O A L S

– Currently we serve 190 youth participants in Grades K-12th, 4 days per week, we are seeking to keep the dream alive by:

1. Sustaining Operations Long Term

2. Renovating Present Facility

3. Expanding Programming five days per week for Working Families

N E E D S

– Dream Team Members: 2019 Dream Team Fundraising Goal 300K

– Dream Makers: $3,000 per student to attend the Dream Center for an entire school year and summer

– Academic Center Volunteers/Tutors

– Two 15 Passenger VansCost per student for a full year of

programming (includes summer academy)

$3KDonate today! dubuquedreamcenter.com/donate

Ways to give:

Donate today! dubuquedreamcenter.com/donate

TEAM

The Dream Team is composed of a group of dedicated donors who have pledged to donate

$1,000 or more annually for 3-5 years.$30,000$20,000$10,000

$3,000$1,500

$500$50

T E A M S P O N S O R S H I P S D R E A M T E A M

S T U D E N T S P O N S O R S H I P S

Supports a team of 10 students for a year of Dream Center programming.

Supports six students for a year of Dream Center programming.

Supports three students for a year of Dream Center programming.

Supports one student for a year of Dream Center programming.

Supports one student through a 9-month school year session of Dream Center programming.

Supports one student’s enrichment activities through a year of Dream Center programming.

Supports one student’s academic and character development curriculum through a year of Dream Center programming.

Ways to helpThere are many ways that one can get involved in the life changing work happening at the Dream Center, starting with becoming an Academic Center Volunteer! The role of an Academic Center Volunteer consists of tutoring, assisting with homework, and providing genuine support for our students through building positive and consistent relationships.

If YOU would like to be a Dream Center Academic Center Volunteer or if there are other skill sets and talents that interested individuals would like to utilize at the Dream Center, please visit our website and complete our online volunteer application!

DubuqueDreamCenter.com/volunteer

Thank you

DUBUQUE RACING ASSOCIATION

A special thank you to the food policy council for helping provide funding to teach two students interested in the culinary field learn about healthy meals and kitchen safety!

For your continued support in Impacting Youth, Strengthening Families, and Building Community.

a holistic approach to impacting youth · in the holistic approach. the school/ family/dream center...

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