Started in August 2000 as the first rural chapter of the National "I Have a Dream" Foundation (founded by Mr. Eugene Lang in New York City in 1981).

 

MISSION

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Drive a comprehensive program that will help one group of 54 Greene County School children (first grade class of August 2000) to become productive citizens by providing a long-term educational support program (16 years) with an assured opportunity for further education beyond high school (e.g., college or vocational school) through tuition assistance. Currently there are 47 Dreamers in the program.

Note: The Dreamers are now in 12th grade.

 

SUPERVISION

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SPONSORS:	Tom and Kathy Kelly
PROJECT DIRECTOR:	Beth Thomas

 

 

APPROACH

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We address the WHOLE CHILD

• Self-confidence
• Academics (College Readiness and Career Opportunities)
• Character (Honesty, Respect, Responsibility)
• Life Skills (Manners, Speaking, Listening, Etiquette, Healthy Choices)
• Community Service / Giving Back
• Cultural Expression(Art, Music, Theatre)
• Dreams/Aspirations

Note: We have taken these children on more than 80 field trips (museums, live theatre, 3 days at space camp, 18 college campuses, etc.) to help them dream.

 

 

SPECIAL COMMITMENT

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Provide tuition assistance for post high school education.

 

 

GOAL

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That all of the Dreamers will become productive citizens who feel good about themselves, pursue a wide variety of careers and interests, and become leaders in our community, our state, and our country.

 

 

RECOGNITION

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• St. Augustine Medal April, 2004
• "60 Minutes" Profile May, 2004
• Georgia Governor Perdue July, 2004
• People Magazine November, 2004
• Time Magazine December, 2004
• Villanova University Medal June 2005
• Service Above Self Rotary Award June 2007
• Sheriff's Service Award, State of Georgia July, 2009
• Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Award January, 2011

 

 

RESULTS

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• 98% have met or exceeded standards on Georgia CRCT Test (2005)
• All Dreamers have made Honor Roll at least once
• 90% + average attendance rate
• Continue to significantly out-perform peers on various quantitative tests
• Dramatic improvements in self-confidence, life skills, team work, good character traits, and their ability to dream
• Many are projected to be the first in their family to go to college!

 

 

PROGRAM SCHEDULE

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• In School - Counseling and follow-up
• After School - Reading, math, technology, science, character development, recreation, individual tutoring, community service, writing, team building
• Saturdays - Field trips, community projects, special tutorials, test preparation
• Summer Program -Academic enrichment, college selection, application and acceptance guidance

 

 

STAFF

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• One full-time Project Director (Ms. Beth Thomas)
• One part time Family Manager (Mrs. Mattie Waller)
• Variety teachers/tutors for our after school, Saturday and summer programs
• Specialized Consultants

 

 

MENTORS

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• Dreamers paired with individual mentors for one-on-one guidance
• Focus on academic goals with opportunities for social and cultural experiences

 

 

PARTNERS

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• Parents
• Teachers
• Greene County School System
• University of Georgia Administration, Faculty, and Students
• Community Organizations and Individuals

 

 

SUPPORTING OTHERS

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• Partner with the school system in identifying and obtaining more than
  $4.3 million dollars in state and federal grants for Greene County's Public Schools (spread over 12 years with Dreamers receiving $50,000/year)
• Financial assistance for a limited number of families with significant needs
• Dreamers participate in many community service events

 

 

NEEDS

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• FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR OPERATING COSTS (FIELD TRIPS, TEACHERS, TRANSPORTATION, AND SPECIAL PROGRAMS)
• WE HAVE ZERO ADMINISTRATION EXPENSES
• FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR COLLEGE TUITION ASSISTANCE

 

ALL DONATIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE 501(C)(3) STATUS/NON-PROFIT CHECKS or STOCKS Payable To: GREENSBORO DREAMERS 1571 JACKSON RIDGE ROAD GREENSBORO, GA 30642

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT Tom Kelly (Sponsor) (706) 467-2393 Beth Thomas (Project Director) (706) 347-0750 e-mail:mailto:gbdreamers@yahoo.com website:http://www.gbdreamers.org