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 90 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 18 communities in the metropolitan Chicago area have enrolled their children at Have Dreams. Have Dreams offers 23 different instructional programs Monday through Saturday, as well as programming during winter and summer breaks. Additionally, training for professionals, support for families, comprehensive diagnostic assessments and re-evaluations for Individual Education Plans, school consultation services and community education are provided throughout the year.