Have Dreams

Get Inspired: Have Dreams

Have Dreams. We all can create spaces that help each other thrive. We're inviting your family to think about how our educational environments shape the way we view the world. Check out Have Dreams, an organization fostering empowering learning environments for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Jennifer Ferguson, a graduate of Have Dreams Academy, notes that autism isn't something that's wrong, it's how she thinks and views the world. Have Dreams is an organization that provides a space where people with ASD can receive support and empowerment to thrive in and out of the classroom. From early childhood education, to teacher trainings, to job preparedness programs, Have Dreams fosters a community that is led and supported by people who know their needs best.

This film was produced by Small Forces, a creative impact studio here in Chicago dedicated to amplifying the work of purpose-driven organizations through cinematic storytelling. We love their inspiring work!

Let’s Talk

After watching Have Dreams' video, use the questions below to kick-start a great conversation with your family:

• What stood out to you about the work of Have Dreams? What made you smile?

• Many of the Have Dreams students talk about how excited they are to be there. What places or groups are you excited to be a part of?

• Dawn Beasely, a Have Dreams parent, notes that the Have Dreams community brings out the best in everybody, and everyone's “best” is unique! What makes you unique? Who supports you in celebrating your uniqueness?

• Bonus! Think about what makes your friends and family special. Tell them why you love their unique qualities!

Do Something: Share Your Creativity

Families helping families! Do you have a game, activity, or craft that keeps you busy? Do you crochet, build Legos, collage, or do puzzles? We're inviting you to share your favorite crafts, games, and boredom busters with other Chicago families.

Take a short video or snap a picture of yourself doing your favorite at-home activity. Make sure to include a materials list and instructions and send it to your classmates, a neighbor, or friends to inspire kids across the city to have fun and learn at home.

Community Connections: Puzzles for Have Dreams

It's time to get puzzling! Grab your new and gently used 24 or 48 piece puzzles. Let's give them a new home. Have Dreams uses puzzles in their educational programs. By breaking your puzzle up in different sections and labeling the pieces, you can help their students complete all kinds of puzzles with a little support! Check out the Have Dreams video demo and Puzzle Instructions to learn about how you can prepare your puzzles to donate.

Adapted puzzles can be mailed or dropped off in a drop-off box outside the door:

Have Dreams

2020 Dempster St

Evanston, IL 60202

Questions? Please contact Andrea Franckowiak at ajohnsen@havedreams.org.