dreamA publication of the U.S. Dream Academy, Inc.

MAKERSBreaking the Cycle, Bridging the Divide, Changing Lives Volume 6, Issue 2 FaLL 2008 Her mother’s drug addiction led to her becoming a foster child and adopted by Yvonne Cole at 2 years old. She learned that she was adopted at the age of 7. During the reality show she reconnected with her mother who was still in prison when the show began. “My childhood was not easy,” said Cole. “I went through a lot of trials and tribulations, so it was important for me to share my struggles—open up my life to my fans. I wanted this show to inspire young kids and let them know that no matter what their situation is, no matter where they come from, no matter where they are, no matter who they are—with faith, you can always accomplish your goals. I did it and survived, and so can they.” Even as her star was rising, her life played out on television as she tried to weave together the missing pieces. Cole has dealt with her Keyshia Cole mother’s incarceration and drug use, as well as reconnecting with siblings who were all impacted differently. Despite that, she continues to break records in the music and television industries. Dreams Do Come True! Cole did her first recording with MC Hammer at the age of 12. In 2004, Don’t let her petite stature fool you. Keyshia Cole is a force to be she attracted the attention of A&M Records. The following year, her reckoned with. After a public journey of discovery and reconnection Platinum-debut album “The Way It Is” was released, featuring the hit with an incarcerated mother on BET’s reality show, “The Way It Is”— singles, “I Changed My Mind,” and “I Should Have Cheated,” and it wasn’t surprising that she had a special fondness for the U.S. Dream “Love.” The album debuted at #6 on the U.S. charts and sold 89,000 Academy and its mission. copies in the first week of release. During the 7th Annual Power of a Dream “Dreams in Motion” Gala held at the Ritz Carlton in Washington, DC, in May, U.S. Dream Academy In This Issue students couldn’t take their eyes off of her. “I wouldn’t have missed it. I want to let you know that anything is possible,” Cole told the audience Dream Center Updates 3 after taking the stage with her birth mother, Frankie, and adopted Grant Announcement 7 mother, Yvonne Cole. Many of the students and audience present have Mentor-of-the-Year Profile 8 watched the evolution of the previously strained relationship on the reality show. Today the women stand together and take pride in knowing that Intro to Gala / Oprah Giving Challenge 9 they each played a role in who she has become. Dream Gala Photo Montage 10 Cole reminded students not to use their life circumstances as an excuse, Dream Academy Center Locations 12 using her challenging childhood growing up in Oakland as an example.

www.usdreamacademy.org 1 Volume 6, Issue 2 FALL 2008 Founder & CEO Wintley Phipps Message From the Founder & CEO Executive Director C. Diane Wallace Booker

Board of Directors It has been 10 years since we Delbert W. Baker, Ph.D. Lynn Parris President, Oakwood University Licensed Instructor, began this journey of turning Chaplain Barry C. Black, Ph.D. Northeastern Conference Chaplain, United States Senate of the Seventh Day Adventist Church Donna C. Bozarth a vision into a reality of the Chairman, Board of Directors Wintley Phipps Miss America’s Outstanding Founder & CEO U.S. Dream Academy. Teen, Inc. U.S. Dream Academy Cynthia Powell-Hicks, Ph.D. Benjamin S. Carson, M.D. For the children we serve, the prism through Director of the Division of CEO, Psych Med, Inc. Pediatric Neurosurgery L’Tanya Sloan, Ed.D. which they view life has been narrowed. It is a Johns Hopkins Hospital President & Founder Tim Farrell The ED-TECH Group morning without breakfast, a school day too CEO & Co-Chairman Colonel John H. Squire short, and too often a “goodnight” without a FutureSoft, Inc. U. S. Army (Ret.) (Treasurer, U.S. Dream Commissioner, M-NCPPC, hug from mom or dad. This is the reason for Academy Board of Directors) Prince George’s County, the U.S. Dream Academy. Our mission has been Gino Isaac Maryland Managing Director/ Partner Jody Victor to change the future for a group of children Galen Capital Corporation President & CEO whose lives, without effective intervention, George Johnson MarkerNET, Inc. Founder David R. Williams, Ph.D. could spell the difference between a life of Johnson Products, Inc. Norman Professor of productivity or one behind bars. After 10 years, James E. Lyons, Sr., Ph.D. Public Health and African Secretary, Maryland Higher and African American Studies it remains a challenge that cannot be overcome Wintley Phipps Harvard University Education Commission alone and we have been blessed on this journey with partners who have come along side our Diane Ming C. Diane Wallace Booker, J.D. V.Pres. of Administration Executive Director work with fervor commitment, and generous support for the children we serve. Kalorama Partners U.S. Dream Academy (Ex-officio) William C. Nelsen, Ph.D. As new centers open and interaction with new stakeholders and supporters increase, we are President (Retired) of Scholarship America encouraged by the growing population we are able to impact on a daily basis. The overwhelming (Chairman joy as we witness the children of prisoners and those struggling in school succeed is deeply U.S. Dream Academy Board of Directors) gratifying. The benefit is incalculable to those children served and their families. To see the Advisory Board dim light in the eyes of a child begin to brighten with hope for tomorrow has made all of our Sen. (Ret.) Connie Mack Carol H. Williams efforts worthwhile. King & Spalding, LLP Carol H. Williams Melvin Ming Advertising Agency During the summer of 2008 DreamKids engaged in a host of socio-cultural activities that were Exec. V.P. & COO, Willie Woods Sesame Workshop Founder/CEO (Ret.) designed to broaden their world and encourage expansion beyond their comfort zones. From Benjamin Reaves, D. Min. Software Networks college tours to trips to businesses and museums, our children were given blueprints to dream big V. P. of Min. Adventist Health System and pathway opportunities to achieve a life greater than their neighborhood experience. U.S. Dream Academy Inc. Plans are underway for the national replication of our Dream Academy program. This means that 10400 Little Patuxent Parkway, Suite 300 Columbia, MD 21044 more children will be able to benefit from our work and the Dream Academy will continue to play 410-772-7143 office a significant role in addressing the exploding national crisis facing today’s youth. 410-772-7146 fax www.usdreamacademy.org On behalf of the U.S. Dream Academy Board of Directors, Staff and Family, I want to express our U.S. Dream Academy is a 501(c)3 organization Editor/Director of Development profound gratitude for your generosity of spirit and resources and commitment to help us build an Angela Hunt Bonitto army of young men and women with positive dreams for their lives, equipped with the tools to make BDA Design Graphic Design their dreams a reality. The driving force behind the U.S. Dream Academy is a passionate belief that Publication Management “a child is inspired to dream when caring people express, in tangible ways, their belief that the child Hayes & Associates Media Services Copyright 2008 is able and capable.” We encourage your continued support in helping to make dreams come true. In His Service, Mission Statement The mission of U.S. Dream Academy is to empower children who are at risk of incarceration to maximize their potential by providing them with academic, social and values enrichment through supportive mentoring and the use of technology. 2 www.usdreamacademy.org U.S. Dream Academy Learning Centers (DALC) Summer 2008

Los Angeles DALC have never been to a fine restaurant, an Student Achievement Recognition Dinner opportunity to dress up and treat their Every semester DreamKids are selected based on parents to a lovely evening. The parents demonstrated academic excellence, to attend the comment that they look forward to their Bi-Annual Student Achievement Recognition students’ good grades even more now, Dinner. The honorees and a guest are invited to knowing they will receive another invitation a banquet to celebrate their success. The evening to the next semester’s dinner. DALC student begins with a keynote address, followed by an Niani Finalyson’s father said, “Niani is award ceremony, dinner and live music. This gaining so much exposure in this program, special evening allows students, many of whom but so are we. She comes home and she shares what she is learning and we get to celebrate with her at the banquet each semester. I have never been to a restaurant like this and I am so happy that we got to share this experience as a family. We could never thank the U.S. Dream Academy enough for what they do.” Los Angeles Zoo Field Trip The Watts DreamKids recently took a trip to the Los Angeles Zoo, where they were thrilled to see wild animals up close and personal. Although the zoo is only 30 minutes from Watts, many students had never been. Their faces were aglow at the sight of lions, giraffes, tigers, hippos, gorillas, bears and much more.

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Hollywood Field Trip This past summer the DreamKids took a field trip in their own backyard to visit the Disney El Capitan Theatre on Hollywood Blvd. in Hollywood, CA. Many have seen Hollywood Blvd. on television or the Kodak Theatre on awards shows, but had never seen it in person. During the trip, DreamKids strolled the walk-of-fame and read the names on the stars, watched as TV crews set up for an awards show at the Kodak Theatre, and had front row seats for the new Hannah Montana movie in 3D at the El Capitan Theatre.

Orlando DALC

Mentor Ms. Tessa lectures Orlando DreamKids at a Fashion Expo workshop this summer. Young ladies received valuable instructions on dressing appropriately, including understanding other people’s perceptions to tips for bad hair days. Each young lady had a DreamKids in Orlando received awards for academic excellence this summer for activities and work in chance to accessorize during a theater, Tae Kwon Do, and athletic sportsmanship. 60-second make over.

Shantdella G., a new addition to the Orlando Ms. Naomi spent time accessorizing Sommayria in a “Girls Only” self-esteem encounter. Center undergoes a make over.

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Washington, DC DALC In August, students at the U.S. Dream Academy were invited to participate in a hospitality camp at the Ritz Carlton. A group of 18 students from the Dream Academy Learning Center in Washington, D.C. visited the Ritz Carlton in the Nation’s Capitol for a one-day executive tour. Center Director Tanya Callender, helped the students prepare for the camp by having them complete research on the Ritz Carlton’s name, branding, history, and domestic and international locations, as well as additional facts of interest before they reported to the hotel. Their international research of the hotel chain actually linked in to their studies on India, Egypt and China, as the hotel has facilities all over the world.

The students’ research introduced them to the luxury hotel’s philosophy for hospitality and gave them a preview of what they would see on the tour. Armed with questions, DreamKids arrived at the Ritz Carlton, where the red carpet was rolled out for them. First they received an enthusiastic greeting at the front door from the hotel’s meetings and special events manager Abbey Slitor. Slitor then escorted the DreamKids to one of the Ritz Carlton’s ballrooms where a power point presentation and more staff were ready to introduce the world of the Ritz Carlton to them. After shaking hands with the hotel manager Kari Koskela and the director of meetings and special events Chris Lawing, the DreamKids enjoyed a special 30 minute powerpoint presentation about why the Ritz Carlton is considered one of the best hotel chains in the world. At the conclusion of the video, there was no doubt they understood the hotel chain’s philosophy “ladies and gentlemen serving ladies and gentlemen.”

After the presentation, the students were broken into three groups: engineering, kitchen/culinary, and laundry, to learn first hand what it takes to run a first class hotel. Students in the kitchen and culinary group had an opportunity to meet with the hotel chefs and see how they plan and Washington, DC DALC continued on page 6

www.usdreamacademy.org 5 U.S. Dream Academy Learning Centers (DALC) Summer 2008

“Indy Dream Team” lends a hand in opening and collaborations. Local groups that make up the Indy Dream Team are USA Funds, One America, the Dream Academy Learning Center in Indianapolis Indianapolis Public Schools, Office of Faith- Based and Community Initiatives, Marion County Probation, Indiana University School of Education, the Moore Foundation, and Gleaners Food Bank.

NBA Star Visits DreamKids Andre Owens, who plays guard for the Indiana Pacers, visited the U.S. Dream Academy DreamKids at his alma mater John Marshall Middle School. To the excitement of the students, Owens signed autographs and talked with Washington, DC DALC continued from page 5 students about his personal struggle of growing prepare meals for the thousands of guests January at the John Marshall Middle School, which up with a parent in prison. He encouraged the who stay at the hotel. At the end of their tour, operates year-around. At the urging of several DreamKids to never give up in spite of life’s DreamKids were asked to help make their local business leaders who are stakeholders in challenges. Later he took the students with him signature cookies and brownies and were the city, the U.S. Dream Academy was established. as he visited his old locker. The 6’4, 200 lb star given the recipe to use at home. Students in The partners, now known as the “Indy Dream looked like a giant standing next to his locker. the engineering tour learned how to keep the Team,” worked diligently raising funds, reaching DreamKids Learn What it Means to Give hotel operating in top shape around the clock. out to the community, and creating strong buy- Perhaps the most inspiring moment this year They were given hard hats and tools to help in, to make a case to locate a learning center in for Dream Academy Center Director Tina repair a problem with the heating and cooling Indianapolis. The Indy Dream Team serves as an Lewellyn was to see her students look beyond compressor. Finally, students on the laundry advisory panel for the learning center and meets their own circumstance to address a community tour learned how much laundry is handled monthly to strategize about funding opportunities, challenge. Recently, a tornado ripped through in a day at a hotel and why it is important to programming, student and mentor recruitment the neighborhood where the Dream Academy be good stewards of the environment when Learning Center is located in Indianapolis you are processing more than six thousand destroying the school gymnasium and the pounds of laundry daily. The students had dwelling places of many of the residents. An an opportunity to test the press and fold apartment complex, located directly across the machines. Amazed at the process, one student street from the John Marshall Middle School was expressed how she would like to have the same declared a disaster area and the residents lost type of machines in her home to do laundry. all of their belongings. In an act of kindness, After the tours, DreamKids were treated to a DreamKids planned and hosted a charity car “kid-friendly” buffet lunch. The chefs made wash to raise funds to help the people who a special point to provide the students with lived in the apartments. Their efforts raised a variety of foods to make their visit special. more than $400 which they used to purchase At the end of the day many of the students rolling luggage and necessities. After stuffing walked away with a new desire to work in the the luggage with items that families would need hotel industry, particularly the Ritz Carlton. to survive, the students delivered the gifts to the displaced families and witnessed first hand the Indianapolis DALC difference they made in the lives of others.

The Indianapolis Dream Academy Learning Indianapolis Pacer Andre Owens visited the Center opened its doors to 68 students in DALC at John Marshall to share information about basketball-related careers.

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Memphis DALC trip, the learning center staff led the students in The U.S. Dream Academy—Memphis Mentoring Site candid discussions about college life. To their recently transitioned to a full-service learning center surprise staff found out that the DreamKids knew at Alcy Elementary. Quixtar outfitted the Learning very little about college, but had a strong thirst to Center with 21 Dell computers. Currently, 61 students learn. So they devised a 30 question fact-finding are enrolled at Alcy and 35 are on a waiting list. survey entitled “Is College Right for Me and How Do I Get There?” to help the students gain knowledge With a full enrollment of DreamKids, the staff is about college life. The survey now focused on finding mentors for each student. was set up like a scavenger A new partnership with Federal Express will help fill hunt, requiring the the mentor slots. Memphis DALC was recently DreamKids to interact with featured at the Federal Express African-American the college students, faculty Mentoring Program luncheon, where interest was and staff in order to get the sparked from potential mentors. Beyond corporate answers they would need to partnerships, DALC is focusing on the Memphis- complete the survey. Once area community at large, including local colleges the DreamKids arrived on and universities, churches, service groups and Temple University’s campus individuals who want to make a difference. they were awestruck by its Overall, this past year has been a time of huge size, its beauty and the transition for the Memphis team, and they’re number of students walking looking forward to a great year. around the campus. It was like a whole new city to them. They were eager to Philadelphia DALC get started on the lesson their teachers had prepared Over the summer Philadelphia DreamKids for them. After separating into small groups they converged on Temple University in a quest for set out on the hunt for knowledge. At the end of the knowledge. It was the first college visit for the group day, the message that resonated with the DreamKids of 22 students, who were ecstatic about the idea of is that they must become lifelong learners to be able mingling with college students. To prepare for the to react to our rapidly changing world.

Two New Grants Fuel Dream Academy’s Capacity Building Plans

Atlantic Philanthropies recently awarded the U.S. Dream Academy a $2 million grant to build capacity over the next 2 years in operations, fundraising and program quality. This major donation well positions the U.S. Dream Academy to more than double the number of learning centers operating in the U.S. by 2013. Specifically, the grant funds will be used to support Pictured at the grant check presentation at Nina Mason front row, left to right are Trustees and improve program evaluation, professional development, Nancy M. Russell, Frank E. Russell and Carol P. Schilling. Back row, left to right are U.S. communications, fundraising, IT and Board development. Dream Academy’s Tina Lewellyn, Center Director—Indianapolis, C. Diane Wallace Booker, Executive Director and Pat Roe, Special Assistant to the President, USA Funds. New Grants continued on page 8

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The Atlantic Philanthropies is dedicated to bringing about lasting changes in the lives of disadvantaged and vulnerable people. Atlantic focuses on four critical social problems: aging, disadvantaged children and youth, population health, and reconciliation and human rights. Programs funded by Atlantic operate in Australia, Bermuda, Northern Ireland, South Africa, the United States and Viet Nam. To learn more, please visit: www.atlanticphilanthropies.org.

In July, U.S. Dream Academy received $50,000 from the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust. The funds will be used to support ongoing operations at the recently- 2008 MENTOR OF THE YEAR established Dream Academy Learning Center in Indianapolis, IN. The Nina Mason Pulliam Isaac “Ike” Brown, Jr. Charitable Trust awarded over $2 million to 27 Indiana nonprofit organizations in July Mentoring is a labor of love for Isaac “Ike” Brown, Jr. His time spent with 12-year- continuing Nina Mason Pulliam’s legacy. old Ryan at the U.S. Dream Academy Learning Center in Memphis has added to his own life with just the prospect of changing the destiny of a child. Each week during the school year, Brown spends time “During her lifetime, Nina Mason Pulliam with his mentee at the U.S. Dream Academy Learning Center housed at Alcy Elementary School. dedicated her assets and business expertise to organizations helping people in need, For almost 3½ years, the pair have participated in activities, played games, and most importantly talked protecting animals and nature, and about life goals. During the summer, Brown continues to mentor Ryan to maintain continuity in his life. enriching community life in her hometown “The most rewarding part is seeing his face,” Brown said. “It makes you feel good to know that he is of Indianapolis,” said Frank E. Russell, happy to see you week to week. It’s wonderful to be able to help somebody else.” Trustee Chairman. “Since the Trust began Brown said the challenge is not in giving of himself, but a desire for more time. “I think I’m making its grant making in 1998, it has awarded a difference,” he said. “He’s a good student. We talk about contributing around the house, going to more than $74 million to 393 Indiana college, and career options beyond basketball.” nonprofit organizations. Brown was named 2008 Mentor of the Year for his outstanding work. A U.S. Air Force veteran, he has For more information about how you can also been a correctional officer, and an air traffic control specialist. He is now retired, but fills his support the U.S. Dream Academy, please days volunteering. contact Angela Hunt Bonitto, Director of Development, at 410-772-7143 or by “I enjoy mentoring and volunteering at the U.S. Dream Academy because it allows me to fulfill what email at [email protected]. I think God put me on this earth to do, help others. I hope I have made a positive difference in other people’s lives.”

U.S. Dream Academy 2008 Staff Awards Congratulations to our staff for their contributions to the success of our program in 2008. Learning Center of the Year Education Specialist of the Year Mentor Coordinator of the Year Philadelphia Angela Byrd (Houston) Naaila Gray (Philadelphia) Under the leadership of Lavarr Zuber Program Assistant of the Year Most Improved Learning Center Center Director of the Year Javana Rhodes (New Jersey) New Jersey Jasmine Taylor (Los Angeles) Under the leadership of Betty “Guenet” McKinnon

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“Dreams in Motion” The 7th Annual Power of a Dream Gala 2008

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1. U.S. Dream Academy 10. Emcees of the 2008 Founder and President Power of A Dream Wintley Phipps praises Gala, Comedian Chris Jennifer Holliday Tucker and WJLA-TV’s after a magnificent Cynné Simpson performance of “And 11. Co-chairs Cong. Zach I’m Telling You I’m Not Wamp (R-TN) and Going.” Cong. Elijah Cummings 16 2. Joel and Judy Peterson (D-MD) come together talk with Dr. Benjamin for a common cause— Carson saving children. 3. Emiliano Richards and 12. DreamKids surround U.S. Dream Academy Chris Tucker and Executive Director Wintley back stage Diane Wallace Booker 13. Linda Phipps, Sandra 4. Legacy Award Randolph, Adventist Recipient Health; and Brenda 13 Dr. Benjamin Carson Black 5. Cong. Zach Wamp, 14. Wintley Phipps and Sen. Orrin Hatch, Jody Victor pose with Comedian Chris Tucker, Sandy Spielmaker, Dr. Benjamin Carson, Quixtar Candy Carson, and 15. U.S. Dream Academy Cong. Elijah Cummings Board Member George 17 6. Joel and Judy Peterson, Johnson and wife Joan Ernie Medina and Steve 16. Donna Bozarth, and Sheila Hodgkin Sen. Orrin Hatch, Diane 7. Peabo Bryson wows Wallace Booker, Wintley the audience with his Phipps and Cong. Sheila 14 soulful melodies Jackson Lee 8. MAOT Caitlin Brunell, 17. DreamKid Alumni R & B Artist Keyshia Quantia and Darrell 15 Cole, Wintley and MAOT pose backstage with Chair Donna Bozarth Wintley 9. Jody and Kathy Victor, 18. Wintley and Chris talk Bob and Terry about their longtime Andrews, Bill and friendship before the Sandy Hawkins, all audience of nearly 500 members of the IBOAI 19. Sen. Orrin Hatch and Board of Directors U.S. Dream Academy Chair William Nelsen U.S. Dream Academy Learning Centers

Collington Square School Memorial Middle School Baltimore, MD Orlando, FL Dionne Warwick Institute G.W. Childs Elementary East Orange, NJ Philadelphia, PA Foster Elementary School Dual Immersion Academy Houston, TX Salt Lake City, UT John Marshall Middle School Congress Heights Community Center Indianapolis, IN Washington, DC Edwin Markham Middle School Ferebee Hope Elementary School Los Angeles, CA Washington, DC

Alcy Elementary School A special thank you to each of our school and community partners Memphis, TN listed above for hosting our learning centers in their facilities.

Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Columbia, MD Permit #1238

U.S. Dream Academy Inc. 10400 Little Patuxent Parkway Suite 300 Columbia, MD 21044