Our History Have Dreams was founded in 1996 by a small group of parents and educators in northwest suburban Park Ridge seeking programs for their children extending beyond the school day. Parents along with visionary professionals, educator Kris Johnsen, Dr. Catherine Lord, and Dr. Kathleen Martin developed the first Have Dreams program, a Social Skills class, for the original seven children who launched the organization. Social Skills class was held once a week in a room above the Oakton Ice Arena in Park Ridge. Since that time, Have Dreams has experienced stunning growth. The number of participants in the program has increased from seven at the founding to over 60 children and their families participating on a quarterly basis. Initially, services at Have Dreams reached families from the Maine Township area alone. Currently, families from over 17 communities from all over the metropolitan Chicago area have enrolled their children at Have Dreams. Have Dreams offers twenty different instructional programs Monday through Saturday, as well as programming over winter and summer breaks. Additionally, parent and professional workshops and trainings, and individualized on-site and home programming instructional services are available throughout the year.