DREAM Receives Multi-Year Philadelphia Housing Authority Grant and Launches Partnership to Expand Youth Programming
- The DREAM Program, Inc.
- Jul 9
- 2 min read
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Causha Spellman-Timmons, The DREAM Program Inc.
PHILADELPHIA, PA (July 8, 2026) — The DREAM Program (DREAM) is pleased to announce a new grant and formal partnership with the Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA) to expand no-cost afterschool enrichment programming for youth and families across Philadelphia.
The grant, which went into effect on June 1, 2026, will support DREAM’s expansion from three to five days of weekly afterschool programming across five PHA housing sites. The increased schedule will create greater consistency for youth and families and expand access to high-quality enrichment opportunities.
“This partnership represents an exciting step forward for DREAM and for the young people and families we serve in Philadelphia,” said Mike Foote, Executive Director of The DREAM Program. “With PHA’s support, we will be able to enroll more youth, deepen relationships with youth and families, and create more opportunities for young people to learn, grow, and experience the power of community.”
Funding from PHA will allow DREAM to increase staffing, including support for roles such as an Educational Consultant, to strengthen the educational development of participating youth. The grant will also provide transportation support, helping reduce barriers for families and ensuring that more young people can consistently participate in DREAM programming.
DREAM has worked with PHA communities since 2014. This grant formalizes the partnership and provides guaranteed funding for two years, with the potential to extend to five years. DREAM will be serving youth and families in PHA’s Lucien E. Blackwell Homes, Abbottsford, Morton Homes, Raymond Rosen Manor, Spring Garden Apartments.
DREAM provides year-round programming including guided and village mentoring, afterschool and summer enrichment, local and regional adventures, overnight camps, and education savings with the DREAM Scholarship Fund. Through these programs, DREAM creates opportunities for youth to learn, grow, and thrive.
About The DREAM Program
DREAM, which stands for Directing through Recreation, Education, Adventure, and Mentoring, is a nonprofit organization working to close the opportunity gap for at-promise youth through no-cost mentoring, enrichment, and adventure programs. Since its founding in 1999, DREAM has grown through deep community partnerships and sustained mentoring relationships, serving youth and families across multiple regions on the East Coast. To learn more, visit dreamprogram.org.