Accolades: Why DREAM?
Awards and Recognition
Norwich DREAM Recognized as the Outstanding Volunteer Organization in Vermont by Governor Douglas in 2005.
DREAM Recognized with "Outstanding Mentoring Organization" Award (November 2004)
Vermont's annual Mentors Make a Difference Conference (organized by the Vermont Mentoring Partnership) brings together children, volunteers, and program directors and staff from across the state to attend workshops and discuss mentoring best-practices. This year, DREAM was again given the top award for mentoring organizations, recognized as the "Outstanding Mentoring Organization" of Vermont. We are so proud of all of the kids, mentors, parents, and supporters who have dedicated themselves to making DREAM such an amazing experience, and we are honored to have the opportunity to accept this award on their behalf. Winning this award two years in a row is a testament to the endless energy everyone is putting forth to expand the program beyond our wildest expectations!
Franklin Square DREAM Received Unsung Hero Award from St. Michael’s College (April 2004)
At the end of their first full school year, the St. Michael’s College students in the Franklin Square program were presented with the Unsung Hero Award by the Student Association Vice President. The award recognized the programs outstanding accomplishments over the previous year: growing to over 20 mentoring pairs, organizing weekly group activities, implementing several fundraising events, and undertaking an overnight trip to Lake George. In the future, we expect to continue seeing great things from this young DREAM program.
DREAM Awarded Outstanding Mentor Program by the Vermont Mentoring Partnership (May 2003)
At the Vermont Mentoring Partnership’s annual Mentors Make a Difference Conference for 2003, Vermont Governor Jim Douglas presented DREAM with the award for Outstanding Mentor Program for its innovation, collaboration, and impact. As DREAM is a young organization, and with so many strong mentoring programs in Vermont, the award speaks well to DREAM’s power and potential.
Elm Street DREAM Awarded The President’s Award for Outstanding Organization by the University of Vermont (May 2003)
At the end of their first full school year, UVM DREAM was awarded The President ’s Award for Outstanding Organization, which was presented to the program “in recognition of a lasting impact upon the university and Burlington communities.” The award recognized the outstanding accomplishments of the program. With over 40 students participating, weekly mentoring programs on campus, “Homework Helpers” at JFK Elementary School on Mondays and Wednesdays, and campus fundraising events such as the Chili Cook-Off, De La Soul Concert, and Spring Thing, their visibility and impact on campus and in the community has been enormous.
What people are saying about DREAM…
Outside Observers
"At Templeton Court, DREAM has demonstrated that college student mentors can make a
huge difference in the lives of low-income youth. The DREAM model builds and - more
importantly - sustains the excitement of both mentor and child, creating a warm and
enriching experience for both. Colleges and housing providers would serve their
students, their youth and their communities well by adopting the DREAM model."
- Michael McNamara, State Coordinator, Vermont State HUD Office.
Housing Authorities
"Poverty is not simply about the lack of things we all associate with being poor:
good jobs, adequate food and housing, educational opportunities. It is about living
without dreams - which isn't really living - it's just existing. Through DREAM,
children from the economic bottom of our society and young adults from the top are coming
together to dream and create new futures for themselves."
- Debbie Gourley, Property Manager, Templeton Court
Parents
"This program has done more for this community-not just Templeton, but for the whole
community... It has changed enough so I can actually say, I like where I'm living. I think it's changed because it started with our children..."
- Barb Sanderson, Templeton resident for 7 years. Mother of Chris (14) and Troy (7)
 "Carter used to be so angry and withdrawn, and Nedra was shy and extremely quiet.
But since DREAM, they have both come out of their shells, and Carter isn't as angry.
Their mentors are wonderful with them. I see an improvement in all the children in DREAM."
- Lori Keenan, Templeton resident, mother of Nedra (11) and Carter (7)
"Kids used to get excited about turning sixteen-so they could drop out of school-now
they're talking about college and careers. I can't tell you what this means to us
parents. Since DREAM arrived here, the parents are getting more involved. Many of us
are starting to care more: about our kids and about this place where we live. For
the first time in a long while, I feel connected-to Templeton, to DREAM, to life and
hope. Believe me, these DREAM partners are mentoring more of us than just the children!"
- Robin Wilson, Templeton resident for 9 years and mother of Nick (11) and Aaron (8)
Mentors
"DREAM changes what is acceptable in our lives and for our futures. It has
completely changed my definition of success."
- Sarah Siegel, Dartmouth '02 and DREAM mentor
 "I have met such great people through DREAM, it has changed my outlook on UVM. I was ready to transfer out of here because I couldn't find the right people to spend my time with, and I wasn't involved with anything, and becoming a mentor and meeting [my fellow mentors] has honestly changed that. I will never forget a single one of [them] for the unique individuals that [they] are, and I consider myself privileged to have met [them] and enjoyed the many memories we have made here."
- Kristi Kushmerek, UVM '04 and DREAM mentor
Children
"I am definitely going to College. Some of my older friends think about leaving
school, but DREAM helps them stay in school. It gets you away from Templeton and
just sitting around watching TV or worse. All week I look forward to Friday."
- Caitlin Day, 13 year old resident of Templeton and DREAM participant
* note: the ages above represent the age of each individual at the time the quote was spoken
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