The DREAM Program, Inc. P.O. Box 361 Winooski, VT 05404 (802) 338-8979 tel www.dreamprogram.org
Birchwood DREAM Monthly Snapshot March and April 2012 Program Happenings and Highlights Birchwood mentors collaborated with the Champlain College service office to put on a kickball fundraiser, that included teams of professors, mentees, DREAM office staff and board members, and mentors! Birchwood mentors worked with Sandi Earl and the on-campus dining hall to put on the now famed annual Iron Chef fundraiser. As part of this event, teams of mentors worked together to prepare delicious meals including the secret ingredient-cranberries. The winning meal was pulled pork with cranberries, but really EVERYONE won because the event raised for the Birchwood DREAM program! DREAM would like to thank Sandi for her wonderful support of the program, and for helping to make this wonderful event possible. After weeks of careful planning, Birchwood DREAM spent an amazing day in the Birchwood community for their annual Beautification event. As part of the event, the DREAM mentors, mentees, Birchwood families, and Champlain employees filled 4 twoton dumpsters, got rid of several truckloads of tires, and put up an activity shed & basketball hoop. The community is looking wonderful, and everyone was excited about the work they accomplished on this fun day! The DREAM office put on our annual Teen Retreat, inviting teens from all Vermont DREAM Programs to the King Street Youth Center for a weekend of educational workshops, and, of course, plenty of fun! Teens attended workshops on appropriate use of social media, financial responsibility, and leadership styles. Additionally, a DREAM teen worked with an office staffer to help lead a fun and interactive workshop on finding your passion!
Participants Mentees Total: 19 Females: 8 Males: 11
Mentors Total: 24 Females: 15 Males: 9
The DREAM Program, Inc. P.O. Box 361 Winooski, VT 05404 (802) 338-8979 tel www.dreamprogram.org
Weekly Programming with Children Birchwood DREAMers enjoyed a rousing game of “Minute to Win It” during one Friday program! Mentors set up a scavenger hunt through Champlain campus that included lots of good facts on DREAM history. Mentors and mentees enjoyed two Fridays spent at the local park in Milton, playing wiffleball, kickball, and other outdoor activities! DREAMers were invited to the annual “Spring Meltdown” on campus at Champlain. This yearly event is put on by the college as a celebration for students at the end of the year. DREAMers enjoyed a bounce castle, henna tattooes, food, games, and more!
Thank you for your ongoing support of DREAM. If you would like additional or more detailed information, please contact me by email or by phone. DREAM big, Sarah Caliendo Program Empowerment Director scaliendo@dreamprogram.org 802.338.8979