D.R.E.A.M.’s mission is to expand opportunities for youth and families by providing positive role models, invaluable life experiences and ongoing support and assistance. D.R.E.A.M., which stands for Developing Relationships through Education Athletics and Mentoring, began its work in 2006 with the vision of professional football player Steven Warren, his wife Heidi and good friend Kevin Jordan. The organization began in Omaha as one after school program with 20 students and five volunteers dedicated to making a difference for at-risk youth. Programming began in the 4th, 5th and 6th grade where students met for an hour after school each day, learning the value of education and how to build good character. At that same time Kevin Jordan founded K.Y.J.O Enterprises, Inc. (Keeping Youth Journeying Onward) in Fresno, California. This organization began as one residential group home for young women ages 12-17 that were in need of shelter, treatment and overall social and life changing support.
By 2008, Kevin contacted D.R.E.A.M. with the opportunity to collaborate a partnership of the KTDA Group Homes. On December 3, 2008, D.R.E.A.M. and K.Y.J.O. joined forces to combine ownership of six group homes for at-risk youth, establishing D.R.E.A.M. Fresno. That same year, D.R.E.A.M. Omaha was awarded a Community Learning Center grant to establish its third after school program, and was able to donate three more vehicles and two more scholarships.
D.R.E.A.M. Springfield, the third chapter, was established in the summer of 2009. This chapter is extremely special to founder Steven, because it is where he was raised. Currently D.R.E.A.M. is sponsoring four youth basketball teams and developing plans for after school programs, and the creation of a Learning Center that will offer career services, literacy programs, and other invaluable life skills for youth and families.
“We’re very excited about the growth of D.R.E.A.M., but we understand that it takes a community to raise a child. With your support, we will continue to make a difference in the young people and families we work with.”
-Steven Warren, President & Founder
I’ve had the blessing of Dream to show my son how to educate himself to go to college. He’s such a different young man now. Thank you dream.
Feel free to contact us at the D.R.E.A.M. foundation. We are excited to have you inquire information about our goals and where we are going. Contact us today!