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 50 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 14 communities from all over the
metropolitan Chicago area have enrolled their children at Have
Dreams. Have Dreams offers seven 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.
