Dreams for Kids, Inc.

Dreams for Kids has such an important mission of empowering underserved youth to become social entrepreneurs!

Founder Tom Tuohy is one of the best and longtime friend!

GREAT org, GREAT team— the CLOZTALK team is honored to call DFK our partner!!

CLOZTALK team
>> Jonny Imerman, co-founder

Been with Dreams For Kids for many years ! Wonderful organization, providing a variety of different activities supporting Chicago area kids in needs. Has global perspective as well and reaches kids throughout the world.
Constantly trying different initiatives , and very good at bringing in young volunteers to help the organization.
The end of the year Holiday Party is legendary !
JC

Tom Tuohy and the Dreams for Kids organization is what nonprofit organizations should all be about. They are creating systemic change in the lives of kids by providing them with the experience of service and opportunity. A model for others to follow -- with success stories that truly touch the heart. Thanks for making such a difference!

I've known Tom Tuohy for many years now after reading his book with the same name as his nonprofit. Tom has a wealth of wisdom and expertise as relates to working with under-served youth and families. I have benefited by his wise counsel as I work with similar populations. He is a creative genius and has created a nonprofit that is an outstanding model for other nonprofits. Dreams for Kids, Inc. has withstood the test of time and benefited countless youth and families. I continue to seek Tom's help for various projects and look forward to partnering with him to create more dreams for kids in the future.

I have volunteered with Dreams for kids for the past 22 years! This incredible organization has not only served thousands of incredible children and their families but helps to bring out the best in all of us who volunteer. The Dreams for Kids founders personally helped me develop my dream of running an adaptive water ski program by bringing a group out from California to train us properly. Twenty years later, we are able to hold adaptive water ski events throughout the summer for those with different abilities. The Dreams for Kids Organization is all about putting amazing smiles on all those they touch.

I am a past volunteer at DFK. The staff is amazing, the smiles on the kids faces and the young men and women they grow into tells the whole story!

I first became involved with Dreams for Kids in 2008 as a volunteer for their Holiday for Hope. The experience was amazing for both the participants and the volunteers. The energy in the air was beyond compare. What an opportunity to interact on the front line with families in a time of need and to provide them with a warm inviting environment, as well as, bring joy to the whole family via the activities, a meal, and meeting Santa Claus to receive a bag of goodies. Additionally, the Summer and Winter Sports Day help children see there is more to life and to not accept NO for an answer related to a physical condition. Being a part of Dreams for Kids is one of my proudest accomplishments and I will support them and share their teachings for many years to come.

I recently became board member of this organization. It gives complete transparency and is ver professional. The total focus of this organization is the support and encouragement of youth!

I have been working with Dreams for Kids as a mentor for 9 years. Tom Tuohy is the Director and as a child growing up on the Southside of Chicago, it was Tom who encouraged me to give back and to help with the community that had given me so much. He also changed my perspective on the definition of an "at-risk youth" and how broad of a spectrum this term truly covered. Dreams for Kids does a lot more walking of the walk than talking of the talk and it has been an honor to be part of such a great organization. So much so that my children are now involved and giving back.

I have been a volunteer with this organization for more 20 years. I have had and continue to have the pleasure to see them grow and flourish when it comes to reaching out to the communities in the Chicagoland area and surrounding suburbs. Dreams for kids is a great example of a non for profit that doesn’t take short cuts to service the communities.

We have worked with Dreams for Kids with my company The Sole Revival, with our annual charity custom shoe fashion shoe. We talked about the charities cause and the kids. We had one of Dreams for Kids top students be our shoe model, was able to tell his backstory which everyone loved. Working with Dreams for Kids and hearing kids stories is absolutely amazing. What they do for motivated kids in the city of Chicago on an entrepreneurial level is something I've never seen before. They are one of my favorite charities and such a good people and a great cause!

Dreams for Kids, Inc teaches children skills to have a social impact as entrepreneurs. It's an incredible organization dedicated to cultivating a future of compassionate people.

Great cause carried forward by best in class practices and caring people.

Tremendous organization that cares so much about its target! Great events which engages and motivates children dealing with economic, physical, and mental difficulties.

Thrilled to be a part of Dreams For Kids. To help children believe in themselves and to know that anything is possible is truly a magical experience and one that we can all learn from.

A great cause, clarity on the mission, passionate and inspiring leadership, and execution on achievable goals are the core tenets of what I believe makes a charity successful. Dreams for Kids exemplifies this and it has been a truly rewarding experience volunteering for this organization.

Hi - I learned about Dreams for Kids through the University of Chicago Alumni Board Connect program. When I met the Founder and staff, I must say, i became more than passionate about the cause and the impact they were having on children all over the country. Even just locally, with the Holiday for Hope Event, to see 1000s of at risk and underprivileged children receive a day of activities, fun, toys, and most importantly, HOPE, was something that words can't describe. Later in the year I would become directly involved with Extreme Recess - where children with disabilities have the opportunity to participate in water sports and other activities that would seem "impossible". Lastly, the YES program may just change the world - and we are looking forward to implementing that in schools around the globe

D4K is ammmmmAZING cause with REAL positive impact for the kids!!! And the people who work there and volunteer and board members are friends and THEY ALL CARE!! A LOT!!! Keep up all the GOOD yall!!!! We're honored at CLOZTALK to rep your charity logo apparel at https://cloztalk.com/collections/dreams-for-kids -- all the BEST to the whole team and keep helping and inspiring the kids!!! :) Jonny

Dreams for Kids does such powerful work all year round. Volunteering for the Holiday For Hope event is what made me become so passionate about the work this organization is doing. When you replace charity with opportunity, you notice a different in the community and children you are working with and that’s exactly what DFK is doing.

Dreams for Kids positively impacts lifes of thousands of kids per year through its unique events. Holiday for Hope event allows those children to celebrate holidays who otherwise would not have an opportunity. Extreme Recess event inspires kids with disabilities buy giving them a very unique opportunity to water ski. I highly recommend DFK and its mission.

Dreams For Kids was such an amazing organization to work with. They commit to providing an unforgettable experience for the children and communities they serve. And to think this isn't the only foundation the team works on? Simply put, Dreams For Kids just wants to make the lives of the people they serve better.

Dreams For Kids stand by their name, and truly put the kids first by creating memorable experiences. Their summer event, Extreme Recess Water Ski was touching to be apart of. Not only was I able to help out with the event logistics, but I was able to see the pure joy given to the children and their families. DFK is an incredible organization to be apart of!

The Dreams for Kids, Inc Organization is doing great work for the City of Chicago and surrounding communities. Since becoming a part of the organization it's opened my eyes even more to seeing and understanding what an impact this organization is having on thousands of lives of families. I'm so proud to say that I'm part of an organization that doesn't say that they care, they show it with community involvement, and love.

I worked with many non-profit organizations in my career and DREAMS FOR KIDS is the one that stands out! I first met them at a Christmas event and I was touched by how caring and deeply involved everyone was! It felt like a super large and extended family partying together and taking care of each other with love and compassion, respect and empathy! It was hard to tell who were the leaders and organizers, and who were the guests... as everyone was taking charge and also enjoying the party in the very same way, with the same level of enthusiasm and commitment. The kids were shining joy for a Christmas celebration that some of them might have not had at all, if not with Dreams for Kids. As a guest/videographer for the day I truly felt grateful and also part of the family. The same youth that Dreams for Kids offer opportunities to through their programs were the ones taking care and entertaining the younger children, and that was their way to celebrate Christmas: what a wonderful message and generous skill to learn! I kept in touch with a couple of kids whose lives were changed by Dreams for Kids: not only have they become first class human beings and successful adults but they constantly verbalize how immensely DREAMS FOR KIDS has impacted their lives forever by offering them real OPPORTUNITIES! Highly recommend DFK to donors, prospective volunteers, and kids in search of answers and a rewarding life!

What I love about Dreams for Kids is that their programming provides opportunities for kids to both serve and be served. They learn accountability and responsibility while getting better self-awareness. This type of experience pays back sevenfold as they grow into adult members of the community. The founder Tom Tuohy has more than just big dreams for this organization. He has big plans. Those plans are making an incredible impact.

Dreams for Kids puts on great programs throughout the year. The impact that each event has on all of the children involved is immense. The first time I volunteered for Dreams for Kids, I was blown away by the entire event. Every child in attendance had a smile on their face, and I was so grateful I was apart of it. Getting involved with DFK was one of the best decisions I've ever made!

Dreams for Kids, Inc. has been one of my favorite nonprofits for years. I learned about them by chance in 2008 and have been involved as a volunteer ever since. From its humble beginnings at Women/Children's shelter creating Christmas, to an organization that now celebrates Christmas with a 1,000 kids! Also DFK has evolved with the times by creating Extreme Recess, the Dream Leaders program, Social Entrepreneurship, and DFK organizations throughout the USA and other countries around the world. They truly have brought back the concept of HOPE to all that participate one day a year to every day of the year. I look forward to continuing to assist in the evolution of DFK as we continue to meet the needs of our communities and beyond.

I've known Tom for many years and have had the privilege of watching DFK grow and change. I have also been able to help support some of the events both financially and by recruiting volunteers.

As someone who has worked in the non-profit sector for many years, I appreciate DFK's client-centeredness and fiscal responsibility. There is a level of excellence, efficiency and common sense that is far too rare in the NFP world.

Tom and his staff truely impact the lives of his kids and their families. Trust and credibility are two things that stand out about DFK. Those in need are well served with and amazing passion from all who come in contact with DFK.

Bob G

Life takes you in many directions. I was fortunate to have been introduced to Tom Tuohy to learn more about Dreams for Kids and it's Social Entrepreneuship program. I quickly learned how valuable this program is in helping close the widening skills gap that exists in today's economy and future economy. I am also a non profit professional who is honored and humbled to be able to spread the Dreams for Kids story and raise awareness of this initiative across the Chicagoland business community.

Great organization doing great work. I helped at the 2016 Holiday for Hope event. Inspiring.

Dreams for Kids is an amazing organization. The Dream Leaders Social Entrepreneurship program provides students with the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to create their own social enterprise. Is their any greater service for our youth, than providing them with the education and opportunity to share their unique talents and ideas to create positive change in the world? Dreams for Kids is doing just that, and an incredible organization!

Passionate. Driven. Committed to access, equality, and opportunity, Dreams for Kids is one of the purest organizations in the world -- by this I mean, they exist to serve and they keep all activities focused on impact and outcomes.

Dreams for Kids is an organization that puts the kids first. They understand that a little bit of hope can carry a lifetime. Their signature holiday and summer events put smiles on kids faces year after year. With a bit more support, I can picture Dreams for Kids really headed to the next level.

Dreams for Kids is a growing organization that has great potential. With a little more man-power and growth, this could be the "go-to" NPO in the city. DFK is very current; always exploring innovative ways to spark new ideas and help different groups of people. Holiday for Hope and Extreme Recess are amazing ways to get involved. Seeing the magic firsthand will change your life (not to mention the lives of others)!

I have volunteered my time and donated our money with pleasure to Dreams for Kids for over 20 years. That alone speaks volumes. There is no other organization that I can recommend more highly. DFK really impacts the lives of children through its many programs, whether by teaching young children how to overcome obstacles and become leaders, giving disabled children experiences that build their confidence and open up life experiences never before imagined and providing a real holiday for thousands of homeless/underpriviledged youth. You can trust DFK with your hard earned money and volunteering with DFK is extremely rewarding for many, many people. My family and I will always have DFK as part of our lives.

Incredible organizations that changes the lives of those in need. I have had an incredible positive experience working with the folks at Dreams For Kids. I look forward every year to their Holiday For Hope ..my teen age son and I so enjoy volunteering at this special day where kids have a chance to be kids! It isn't Christmas until we volunteer at this event. Through out the year they organize special events for at risk kids and kids with disabilities. Everything they do is from the heart...

My experience with this exceptional organization never disappoints!
From Holiday for Hope to Extreme Recess, Dreams for Kids provides opportunities for all sorts of differently-abled people. Celebrating differences, offering children the chance to try crazy things like water sports or snow skiing while encouraging all of us to look beyond our narrow worldview.
My favorite story is wheelchair bound children in Chicago learning their counterparts in other parts of the world don't even have wheelchairs. They have to drag themselves around or never leave their houses.
What did our kids do?
Organized a bake sale to get wheelchairs sent to them.
Dreams for Kids enabled children who are normally being helped to be the helpers ! A beautiful, beautiful gift!

Dream For Kids is one of the most amazing charities that I have ever come across, and had the pleasure to work with! Tom Tuohy is an admirable, caring, and amazing founder of an organization that has affected so many people across the board. Dream For Kids helps both directly and indirectly the communities of Chicago where help is needed so much in today's landscape especially! After serving for over 8 years on DuPage County's Positive Parenting Board of Directors, I worked with and was exposed to over hundreds of Chicago's best non-profits affecting children, parents, and professionals exposed to our youth on a daily basis. Based on my experience, I would rate Dream For Kids at the VERY top for not only their mission, drive, and dedication to improving the lives of Chicago youth, but also for their laser-focused execution in making dreams really become reality! We can all HOPE and WISH for better, but Tom, Shelly, and their team really MAKE DREAMS COME TRUE for all those people they intersect with - they make a better future possible for the youth of Chicago!

Sincerely,
Sarah Quinn

This organization is amazing. The people who run the events are great, and the opportunities get to know the families that come to the events is so personal. There are so many things to do at the events that it appeals to everyone and is such a fun experience for everyone attends. The thing this organization does for people is amazing.

I have helped out and attended many events for Dreams for Kids! I can't begin to tell you how fabulous the entire team is! For one Shelly Gonsch has a heart bigger than Texas and goes above and beyond for the kids and makes sure that every event is organized and fun to be at. It makes my heart feel good to be honored to have been a part of Dreams for Kids and I am looking to start helping out with this awesome group of people very soon

I'm an IBEW Local 134 electrician, I volunteered at our union hall for their christmas gift wrapping. It was a great time. I had so much that I invited family members and their friends, they also enjoyed themselves and looked forward to the event each year. I hope they will make arrangements to return to our hall in 2016 so that we can experience that joy of giving.

What a great experience! I have volunteered for several Dreams for Kids events, including Extreme Recess and Holiday for Hope. It is so wonderful to see the smiles on every one's faces, kids and adults alike! Dreams for Kids really does great things for the community. I will be participating for years to come.

I have volunteered for Dreams for Kids Holiday for Hope event . It's a great event because it brings everything about the holiday season to children who normally wouldn't be able to experience it. Everyone who works there is so passionate about their cause that its truly contagious. It's one organization that I will continue to volunteer for every year.

I have had both the pleasure volunteering with Dreams for Kids and being a part of the DFK team!!! I consider DFK my family and it is where I learned to give back to my community by helping at-risk, underprivileged youth in the Chicagoland area! I continue to be a part of the DFK team and utilize the skills I learned from this organization on a daily basis!!!

I have been involved with Dreams for Kids for many years. It's a great organization because everyone is extremely passionate about helping kids. I volunteer for both yearly events; The Holiday for Hope and Extreme Recess. Both of these events directly impact the lives of kids in need. Each year is better than the last!

I am not a rich person (financially) and I don’t have a lot of time on my hands. However, after being a volunteer for a Dreams for Kids (DFK) event called Holiday for Hope several years ago, I had decided to get more involved. I learned that not only does DFK provided children in the Chicago area with a holiday celebration they would not otherwise have due to poverty/low income or financially less fortunate, I had also learned they opened up another realm of charity to children with disabilities with events called Extreme Recess! This is where children with disabilities could water ski, snow ski, and a ton of other fun, outdoor activities that they would not have access to if it wasn’t for DFK’s! Since the first packing party event I attended, which prepares toy bags for the Holiday for Hope party, I have felt a strong connection and I have personally held yearly toy drives at my office, donated funds, volunteered at Texas Holdem fundraisers, volunteered at a Twin Lakes summer water sports and other fundraising events. There is nothing like this charity in all of Chicago as DREAMS FOR KIDS hold all kinds of events all year long, and there’s nothing like the smile on a child’s face that is result of Dreams For Kids.

I have had the honor of working with Dreams For Kids Extreme Recess for the past 4 years. DFK, Tom, Shelly and the rest of the staff are amazing. They provide so many people opportunities that kids would never dream of. It is so much fun to be a part of such a great day out on the lake making kids' dreams come true.

I volunteered with the Dreams For Kids, Inc. Extreme Water Ski event on July 30th, 2015. It was a great experience. It was very nice to see families enjoying the BBQ style event. There were many activities available to the families including adaptive water skiing, kayaking, fishing, and much more. The young lady I was working with especially enjoyed fishing! Everybody had a smile on their face the whole day, what a great experience!
Thanks Dreams for Kids for putting together an unforgettable event!

I volunteered at this year's Extreme Recess and it was a phenomenal experience. The event had many activities such as face painting, adaptive water-skiing, canoe rides, water slides, etc. The volunteers were all very accommodating and the happiness on the faces of the families/children was truly inspiring. This is an extraordinary organization and I look forward to volunteering for many events in the near future.

Dreams for Kids is a unique charity that is truly dedicated to helping special needs children and their families. I participated most recently in their "Extreme Recess" event. I was pleasantly surprised at what great lengths the charity (and all the volunteers that participated) went through to make the day special for the children and their families. I would highly recommend all levels of participation and support for DFK, from volunteering to donating, you simply know you're supporting a great organization.

My daughter Alexis has been invited to many extreme recess events. This is a great organization because they know exactly what kids need to be whole. They want to have fun.be like other kids.Leave their disability behind. They are going to remember they snow skiied,water skiied,fished,played baseball.A time when they soard and were free! All their lives! What a gift.what an organization Thanks for making my girl a standout in the game of life.

You can’t make this stuff up!

DFK’s Extreme Recess at Twin Lakes, WI is a day of water sports, fishing, bouncy house, water slide, plenty of sunscreen and a great BBQ lunch.

Most of the children have never had the opportunity to participate in these activities. Going from a wheelchair to a water ski and speeding along at 40 mph – at first it’s fear but the kid in all comes out in seconds using the thumbs-up signal to go faster.

As a volunteer, every year I take home a fond story or two. This year it was Thais. Exiting the bus I asked this young lady of perhaps 12 what she wanted to do first – water ski? Tubing? Canoeing? Thais looked me in the eye and said "I want to fish - I have never fished before.” Are you sure you want to bait a hook with a slimy worm I asked? “Yes” is all she said with a smile while looking past me to see where the fishing pier was located.

Within minutes Thais had caught her first fish - a 4” bluegill. She ended up with about 9 catches, one being a 10” wide mouth. And that’s no fish story!

CROYA has had the honor of working with Dreams For Kids Extreme Recess for the past 4 years. DFK, Tom, Shelly and the rest of the staff are amazing. They provide so many people opportunities that kids would never dream of. It is so much fun to be a part of such a great day out on the lake making kids' dreams come true. The look on their faces when they get up on the water ski, tube, kayak, boat or fish is priceless!!!

A big thank you to Tom and your whole organization for a wonderful water ski day...our son, has been attending for many years and looks forward to the day. The word LOVE was shown all day, by the delightful, helpful Hosts, the food crew, the boat drivers and helpers in the water, the fishing volunteers, who made him feel so good, with every catch!! It was a relaxing day for the parents too, as our children were well taken care of by their Hosts. Thank you for giving these young people the opportunity to be like everyone else, if only for a day. He took home many stories and of course, a tattoo to show his friends!! Looking forward to next year...thank you

Our family just attended the Dreams for Kids Extreme Recess adaptive waterskiing event in Twin Lakes, WI and it was a blast!! Our son is not able to experience standing up to waterski so a few years ago, we were invited to attend a waterskiing event where our son waterskied FOR THE FIRST TIME! This was his third year to ski and he loved it so much he didn't want to leave until he got "one more chance" to ski!! All the selfless Dreams for Kids team and volunteers are so giving and want everyone to have a great time. It is so impressive how dedicated they are to bringing joy to those with disabilities and they don't stop there. They also are so helpful to the families and provide fun for every member. We really appreciate the generosity and hearts of all involved!

I have been involved for about 4 years with Dreams for Kids. It's a great organization in terms of volunteering because everyone is extremely passionate about helping kids. You will also be sure to have a great time volunteering because you can feel the joy and happiness you are bringing to kids, whether it be for kids with disabilities or at risk youth. It just makes the time fly-by every event that I volunteer for because you are constantly engaged in activities. The organization is also operated by stand-up quality people including founder Tom Tuohy, Shelly Gonsch and crew. I've met some great people who have become friends through the years.

Dreams For Kids directly makes an impact in the lives of kids in need. They replace charity with opportunity in the sense that they enable children to achieve goals by providing them with the tools to do so.

Several years back I started volunteering with Dreams For Kids. I have a sister with autism, and after I had done a couple of events with them, they invited her out to be a guest. We've had some amazing experiences, and done things neither of us thought possible!

This is one of the most hard working, down to earth, friendly and fun groups I've ever been a part of who make a direct impact in children's lives. I feel so grateful that me and my family are a part of it and we hope to continue our involvement with them for years to come. Highly recommended on all levels.

On July 31st, I attended my first Extreme Recess event. I was blown away on many levels. The day was very organized. There was a wealth of things for the kids to do and volunteers to help them. It was clear the kids and their families were overjoyed with the opportunity to experience activities they have never or rarely participate in. I was proud to be a part of it.

This was my family's second year at Extreme Recess and once again they did an amazing job! My entire family enjoyed the day but most of all my 8 year old with special needs. This organization does an exceptional job going beyond expectations in accommodating families with special needs children all you had to do was look at the faces of all the children participating and see the joy and what great work they were doing. This year my son decided to try the water skiing . The staff and volunteers were so patient and encouraging even though it took 30 min for him to work up the courage. After his ride he told everyone it was the best day off his life. Thank you so much for making that moment possible .

You know you have done a great job when you see the faces of the kids that go skiing, tubing, or fishing for the very first time. It is a great day for all involved.
I would recommend a recruiter assigned to each boat that would go out and get the boats filled so more kids and their families get involved and we can serve more kids quicker. This is what I did for Mike H.'s boat in the afternoon. The fishing slowed down in the afternoon. I think we could have recruited a little better for that activity as well. I think it moved things along with Mike's boat and got more people rides. Thanks for a special day.
Tom Mullen
Kiwanis

My son & I attended the Extreme Recess last week for the first time. He had a blast! My 12 year old son has special needs, so there aren't many extra curricular activities available for him, so anytime I hear of one we are all over it. What a great event! Everyone was so attentive, pleasant, patient, friendly & most important excepting. What a great event! I'd like to thank everyone involved in this event , especially our helper Ryan for the day. This to me was a success, my son had a smile the entire day & a pleasant sleep on the ride home.

For 1 day every year, me & my Joe are on vacation & we are lucky to spend our vacation within the the family Tom Toughy -created through "Dreams For Kids" & "Extreme Recess"


For 1 amazing day me & my 10 yr old son Joe are surrounded by total acceptance & help & comfort & fun & adventure.


For 1 amazing day a year we are at ease.


To see my son experience the joy & pride of water sports, navigating the BBQ buffet with his "friend / volunteer", waiting his turn & actually helping another child is beyond thrilling.


Joe is a very sassy, smart, funny kid with autism. & like every family welcomed to Extreme Recess we have our challenges.


Autism if brutal & hard & my son is an amazing kid. & My son's father is dead & my son's life is hard. & we go to Extreme Recess & land in the most amazing place!


1 day a year at Extreme Recess:

Total acceptance, positive peer models - seeing father's & adult males "showing up" & high fiving & cheering my son!


& Joe seeing the pleasure of doing & giving to others & so lucky to be on the receiving end of so much generosity!


Vacation:

Family

Fun

Acceptance

Love

Gratitude



P.S. To our volunteer Ciara - THANK YOU! You are amazing & patient & kind & we will not soon forget!

I was honored to be a part of the Dreams for Kids team for two months. They have a very welcoming and great team who are dedicated to service. Even though my internship with them has ended, I am certain that I have made long life friends and family and I will continue to work with them from wherever life takes me. Having attended Extreme Recess for the first time, I was touched by how happy and carefree the kids with disabilities were. It was great to see them enjoy the day and appreciate the simple joys life has to offer with no limitations. I come from Zambia where there are a lot of people who are in need of help. Seeing the work that Dreams for Kids is doing in reaching out was inspiring for me to start Holiday for Hope in my country. I learnt ways in which I can reach out to the community for help and Tom told me even if only one child shows up, I shouldn't lose hope but work towards a better turn out the next time and as I will be 'changing the world one person at a time'.

There are a lot of ways to spend your life. Many are absorbed with self-importance. Others like Tom Tuohy and Dreams for Kids are absorbed with significance - with making a real difference in this world, one kid at a time. Tom founded Dreams for Kids in Chicago in 1989 and his vision continues to be realized every day in the lives of thousands and thousands of at-risk youth. Dreams for Kids is uniquely powerful and effective because it focuses on giving our most challenged population, those who are disadvantaged for any reason, a hand up rather than a hand out. By teaching them social entrepreneurship skills, these at-risk youth move from being victims to being solutions, active agents for positive change in their communities and in the world. While others treat the symptoms of poverty, disability, disadvantage and yes, even affluence, Tom and DFK treat the real causes. DFK is a world changer. Amid all the challenges we face in this world, none is more significant than creating hope for our at risk youth. They are everywhere, and sadly, the problem is getting worse, not better. We owe them better. They do not want our charity, they want our love, our respect and they want an opportunity for a better future. This is a noble journey - it is life giving and life changing for anyone who will join hands with us. Take a hand up, give a hand up. Make a difference. Come join us and be changed in the significance!

There are no words to adequately express my gratitude for Dreams for Kids. My son Matthew has so many fears which Dreams for Kids and its wonderful volunteers have helped to overcome. Still, the fear of going down a snow mountain was not only great but very much justified. Therefore, I was dumbfounded when he kept insisting that he wanted to do it, and on regular skis no less. Naturally we were all careful. Dreams for Kids volunteer Dave took Matthew on the smallest of the bunny hills and he alone went down the slope with Matthew. If you could see the stars in Matthew's eyes, it was a magical moment. They did it a few times but Matthew was not satisfied and insisted on going on a bigger hill, and so they did, two volunteers at that time. I must say I absolutely adore Dave, he kept taking Matthew up the slopes so many times, and it is hard for me to stop Matthew from having fun. Finally they all tired and when thought safe to let go of Matthew, they started talking. Matthew jumped at this opportunity and pushed himself to glide in the direction of a small slope. OMG, I ran after him thinking he'd be afraid. He was not, he was elated. Everybody stood stunned. It was a moment I will never forget. Of course he did not know how to take turns so I had to help, but let me tell you, this sight is so fresh in my mind as if it just happened. For days and weeks afterward Matthew begged me to go skiing again. There is no doubt we will be at the next skiing event and expect that Matthew will surprise as all.

Thank you, thank you, and again thank you. If it weren't for Dreams for Kids my son would never know he could ski, water ski, climb rocks, and many other physical pursuits he so enjoyed that Dreams for Kids staff made possible for him.

Elizabeth Halemba
A Proud Mom to Matthew

My son has been an active member of Dream for kids for about 9 years now. He was born with a physical disability and I’m so grateful for this organization for giving us hope.
We were accepted with open arms and my son has gained the confidence he needs to become an active member of his High School. My son has taken part in both the Water Ski and Snow Ski . His disability has never been an issue and he is able to take part in sports like any other child his age. I fully support and have great gratitude for all the work Dream for Kids has done to help children with exceptionalities!

Dreams for Kids, Inc. allowed my 8 year old daughter the opportunity to ski both on water and snow for the first time a couple years ago. They made Jaiden's dreams become a reality. I cannot put into words what it feels like when you see your child out of her wheelchair, flying down a snow hill smiling and screaming in excitement from ear to ear. I cannot describe to you in words that feeling, I only tears of joy. This was a dream I didn't know would ever be possible when I heard the diagnosis of cerebral palsy years ago.

Seeing a boat pier full of empty wheelchairs and watching those children in tubes and water skis pulled behind boats are all dreams becoming real. Dreams for Kids, Inc. events are a highlight for my family every single year and with every event. On the day of the events, it is the few times all year that my daughter and our family forget about cerebral palsy.

Dreams for Kids, Inc. is a truly amazing organization, making dreams happen is what they do. They also help children of all ages and disabilities believe in themselves. Dreams really can come true and this organization is proof of that.

Dreams for Kids is a wonderful organization that teaches at risk youth(students who suffer from poverty, depression, or lack of family involvement ) valuable career and life skills that will allow them to live healthier, more financially stable lives and stay away from gangs, drugs, and poverty. With skills in financial management, writing, and fundraising, these students not only have increased knowledge of how to succeed in the real world, but also learn how to support their communities by understanding how they can give back and help others in need

Dreams for Kids is an amazing organization that provides opportunities for children who need it the most. They focus on what the child CAN do, rather than what they cannot do. The positive environment throughout the organization inspires everyone involved to be the best they can be.

Dreams for Kids is a fantastic non-profit! I participated with them during this last summer. At every single event I helped out with the kids always left with giggles and grinning from ear to ear. Dreams for Kids truly makes a difference in children's lives.

The Norm Van Lier Scholarship Fund is an extremely proud supporter of the Dreams for Kids' Dream Leaders program on the South Side of Chicago. The Program has a brilliant curriculum that is very effective and profoundly transformative in the lives of the participants. Dream Leaders teaches the kids that they have great value, that they are important, and that they can help others. I am so grateful that I was made aware of this organization, as it does exactly the kind of work with kids that my husband believed in so strongly.

I met Tom in March, 2010 and was very impressed with his leadership, his work and passion for Dreams For Kids. In April, 2011, I invited Tom as a thought leader for the Chicago Chapter of the COO Forum following Tom's visit to the White House to meet with the President to honor the Blackhawks for their Stanley Cup! The topic of Tom's presentation was "Strategic Social Entrepreneurship--Values and Opportunities". The feedback from COO Forum members was so positive that I invited Tom again in May of this year to be our thought leader on "Social Enterprise:  The End of Charity". Two of Tom's Dream Leaders, Cortez Alexander and Richard Babatunde were included at the meeting and invited to speak and tell their stories at our annual social event that followed the meeting. Comments from the members who attended included:
"Thank you for bringing these inspirations into my life...this is a reminder of what commitment can achieve and how much more we can each do to influence outcomes"; "You gave us a great deal to think about in terms of our own personal contribution to society and the critical need to be positive role models for children"; "Thanks for the experience this evening, what fine young men even though it left me with a feeling of inadequacy in terms of what I may leave as a legacy on this planet. Can only strive to do more, inspired by their example"; "Thank you for the inspiring talk and for meeting two great men. When I got back to my office, both my partner and I talked about the evening and we feel strongly that we would like to help out in some way. Please let me know how both of us can become involved in the program either as a volunteer or raising donations"; and last but certainly not least: "Thank you for a great inspirational presentation. I felt more compelled than ever to make a difference the next few days. The world is a better place due to your efforts." The bottom line for me personally is that I feel fortunate to have such an inspirational colleague and friend in my life.

I met Tom and DFK about 2 years ago, initially as a consultant. What blew me away was the stories behind the DFK "story", equally touching. Highly recommend reading Tom's book, "Changing the World, one person at a Time". Because the impact is really all about the lives they touch and change for a lifetime. The Dream Leaders program (social enterprise curriculum for at risk youth) is the differentiator for me. The ability to inspire at-risk youth, many at the poverty line themselves to look beyond and realize that they have the ability to transform the lives of those even less fortunate. While the program certainly develops skills and experiences not normally found in classroom, more importantly it creates better human beings. That's powerful.

The Chicago District of the United States Tennis Association is honored to work with Dreams For Kids. With a shared passion to create opportunities and support children of all backgrounds, the CDTA is proud to work closely with Dreams for Kids. This past August, we partnered to run a Tennis Festival for over 100 children. These children had never played the sport before. With excited kids, even more energetic volunteers, these children had an incredible afternoon on the campus of University of Chicago. All walked away with a racquet and possibly a new passion! Dreams For Kids makes it possible for children to go beyond the walls of their community to meet new kids, learn unique skills, and create a pathway for their future that might have seem impossible. Dreams For Kids truly makes dreams into realities for thousands of kids. Keep going Dreams For Kids and thank you for including us in the fun!

Few companies or organizations act more or with more nobel motives than Dreams For Kids. DFK was a phenomenal fit for me because its mission aligned with my passion: spread opportunity to all children of all backgrounds, race, creed, ability... and allow them to fearlessly pursue their dreams. I am incredibly fortunate to have grown up in a cohesive, close, and objectively well off family. Because of this I have enjoyed my childhood very much; and I know that every kid in the world deserves the chance to also greatly enjoy their youth through support and the provision of opportunities that can lead them to succeed and follow their dreams later in life. This is Dreams For Kids: the national-award-winning Dream Leaders program that provides at-risk youth with the opportunities to help others while teaching critical thinking and business skills and encouraging college attendance; or the countless programs like Extreme Recess that allows many youth with disabilities their first chance to participate in sports and learn lessons that athletics instill; or providing children in nearly 100 countries with their first real Christmas celebration (and it is quite a celebration). It was an incredible experience working and seeing real results and as rewarding a summer as I will ever have. Few missions are more pure or admirable than DFK's looking to provide equal opportunities and support to all youth of the world; and I could not be more proud to say I was a part of it.

I first heard of Dreams for Kids about 4 years ago and the first event I took my son to was water skiing. The fears my son has are so multiple and often so unreasonable so naturally I did not know what to expect. It took 5 volunteers over 30 min to coax him onto a modified water ski, who would have such patience. Lucky for me a photographer went on boat to take pictures and captured my son's elated joy upon return. He enjoyed it so very much and was so proud of his achievement. Since then we've been to every water ski event. My son also went snow skiing, again I did not think he'd be able to do it. With the help of two very strong volunteers he went up and down the slope. He loved it so much he did not want to take a lunch break. Since then my son experienced scuba diving, rock climbing, bocci and all sorts of other activities he would never have a chance to experience were it not for Dreams for Kids and for Tom Touhy. We are so grateful for Tom and all the volunteers at Dreams for Kids. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Elizabeth H.

I have been involved with Dreams for Kids for many years and I have found it to be the best group of people I have had the priviledge to know. They are the most dedicated and generous people in the nonprofit communtiy. I have been to many of the events and each time I tell myself I must do more with this organization. I'm glad that an organization like Great Nonprofits can tell their story.

In 1989, I was first introduced to Dreams For Kids at the first Christmas party at Clara's house. That will be a day I will NEVER forget. To see the joy this organization was able to bring to this homeless shelter was magical. I have seen the Dream Leaders program and it was amazing to see so many teens empowered..(I also felt empowered as I attended a parent session)...With the Extreme Recess program, I have attended tennis, baseball, water skiing and downhill snow skiing. WOW! While at these events, I have seen some of the biggest smiles I have ever seen! I have seen children experience things that would often be near impossible without this program. The Holiday for Hope party has grown so much since the first gathering. It is now taking place all over the world. The number of people who are positively touched by DREAMS FOR KIDS is staggering. I know that these children feel so rewarded by this program..As a volunteer, I too feel rewarded. Thank you Dreams for Kids!

Dreams for Kids is great at talking about programs....but, in reality they do very few events. Tom Tuohy has a huge ego, doesn't appear to even really like kids.....other then when he can get a photo opportunity or when he has a microphone. The Christimas Party is nice, but DFK always overstates the number of kids at the event. Wake up, the Chicago Park District, Adaptive Adventures, Rehab Instititure of Chicago, Shriners, Great Lakes Adapted Sports Association, and the Midwest Sport and Social Club all have more programs in one month then Dreams does in an entire year!

My son has participated in Extreme Recess and the Dream Leaders program through Dreams for Kids. It has been an enjoyable experience for not only him, but for my daughter as well. We are pleased to be affiliated with such a fine organization

What is Dreams for Kids - This organization and its founder Tom Tuohy have been a positive influence in the lives of children that otherwise might not see that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. The programs which DFK sponsors teach "social entrepreneurship which is a means by which people can better their community by doing something meaningful. Overall, I believe that DFK has bees a very positive influence in the lives of disadvantaged children and those with disabilities by teaching them that they can make a difference in their lives and the lives of others.

The Dreams for Kids team is awesome. The vision and passion they bring to their mission helps change lives. Their ability to inspire young people to grow, face challenges and help others is "Off The Charts". Diveheart is proud to be a strategic partners with Dreams for Kids in building confidence, independence and self esteem in young people around the world Jim Elliott President & Founder www.Diveheart.org

As an advisor to several families of wealth, I research and visit with promising organizations that meet my donors' needs. Dreams for Kids is one of these organizations. Founder and head cheerleader Tom Touhy invited me to attend the first after-school session of a new program in a Wicker Park school. The energy the volunteers brought to the introductory session created the space for these students to immediately buy into to the concept of learning key entrepreneurial skills while using what they earned to help other chldren. Their eyes were dancing with excitement and they started discussing ideas. They walked into the classroom as students but they left as more confident individuals, enthused and excited for the next session. It was obvious they felt listened to, understood. No idea they put forth was rejected. The success of Dreans for Kids has grown through the years and best practices are now in place. I endorse Dreams for Kids as one of the most innovative and effective programs fir youth that I have encountered.

Dreams for Kids was first introduced to me when I was applying for internships in Washington DC. After going through multiple websites of organizations and multiple interviews I wasn't blown away by any of them. Then I came across DFK and I knew I HAD to get this internship. Long story short I got the internship with them and was on my 6 hour drive down to Washington DC from Syracuse NY not knowing my entire life was about to do a 180. Working for Dreams for Kids changed my life. I made incredible friends and met amazing individuals. The work they do with Extreme Recess and Holiday for Hope is truly unbelievable. I will ALWAYS be there to support DFK in any little way that I can!

The Internet can do wonders because that's exactly how I found out about Dreams for Kids. I was impressed and moved by the mission behind this particular organization that I had to be a part of it. This past summer, I was fortunate to intern with Dreams for Kids in Chicago. I can easily say that the events I attended along with the work I did in the office was one of the best times I've spent in a summer. Everything Dreams for Kids does is more than words can express. It's not just a non-profit organization, but a great, big family. And I am so happy and grateful to have been a part of it.

I was first Interduced to Dreams for Kids in 2008 while at the Illinios Center for Rehabilition and Education By Ron Rispoli I will never forget the feeling I had when he asked If I'd ever water skied before? My whole face lit up as I said " No but I'm willing to try! Then the monent came as the other kids and I were getting off the bus. Out loud I said to myself "Oh my god, today I don't have to be on the side!" Boy was that an understatement, That day turned my whole life into something new! Within a few weeks Ron came up to me in the hallway at ICRE. He asked "Are you inerested in a program called Dream Leaders?" Of Course, I said "Yes " Then he interduced me to Abby Kritzler the head of Dream Leaders. Abby had us do all kinds of things form whatching videos to saving bake sales to showing us just how much of impact we had on the world! That was when I realized just what I wanted the world to know. " Just because I'm differnent it doesn't mean I you have to be scraced" If this wasn't enough, One night she pulled me aside and to my surpirise offered me an internship and just like that I was part of of the Dream Team! I kept asking myself," How did this happen?" I then I rememered back to the day Ron asked, "Carrie have you ever been to Twin Lakes before?'' To this day if it was not for that one question someone asked I would not know who Tom Tuohy is or know just how much one day can change someone's life forever. Without Dreams for Kids I don't know who I wanted to be but, now almost five years later I might not know where I'm headed but I have pretty idea of who I am. Thanks to all who helped along the way!

I have been with and seen the growth of Dreams For Kids since my years in High School. They have done some tremendous work for the community of Chicago and now that they have branched out to Washington D.C. and even to Canada excites me. I believe in the work they do. Dreams For Kids is more than just a non-for-profit. They are a positive family that really sees to it that the people around them have a great time and are learning as well. The past summer I interned for them and I had a terrific experience from the events that we attended to the hilarious moments in the office. It's a great place to be and a great place to start when you want to give back to your community.

Dreams for Kids is so refreshing! This organization reinforces the good in the world, spreading the seeds of success and hope for a child or young adult to grow into a leader.

The time I got to spend with Dreams for Kids was one of the most rewarding experiences of my lifetime. I enjoyed waking up for work everyday- as I would walk into an office of friendly people that were passionate about empowering youth and enacting social change. What made my job so rewarding though, was not only the people I worked with, but also seeing the work in the office pay off. Having the opportunity to travel to numerous Dreams for Kids events, I was able to see firsthand the impact DFK had on these children’s lives. Seeing these kids so grateful to be apart of this organization really demonstrated how powerful it truly is. This power is growing as DFK is teaching children all over country and the global community to pay to forward.

Dreams for Kids' focus on empowerment is amazing, the ability to teach youth to promote change and overcome hardships and disability is an astounding and important goal. Dreams for Kids truly empowers the youth that it touches.

Dreams for Kids is an awesome place to work because not only are you gaining real world experience but you are also helping to create a great change. It is inspirational to see the hard work of all the staff come together for events and conferences. Also, the rewards for working for such a great company is far beyond gaining experience when you actually get to meet the children with whom we run programs with and really see how we are making a change.