Have Dreams
Gratitude Report
Gratitude for our Participants and Families
Ben Bragança, former Have Dreams participant and current SCILS Program Leader
“When I was three years old, I was diagnosed with Aspergers, now Autism Spectrum Disorder. I used to go to the Evanston Have Dreams After-School program during my time in middle school. During that time, I became close friends with a number of my groupmates, whom I would see outside of Have Dreams to hang out. I continued to participate in Have Dreams until high school, where I got busy with extracurricular activities, though the skills I got from Have Dreams were invaluable in my success in these groups. Midway through college I came back to Have Dreams as a volunteer, working with the same groups that I used to participate in. The greatest strength I bring to my work at Have Dreams is my experience as someone on the autism spectrum, as well as someone who used to go to Have Dreams. I can still remember when I was just like the kids I work with, so I can understand how important this place is to them. I think that the support I got in school and Have Dreams are the chief reasons I can do what I do today. Have Dreams was the first place I ever felt normal and comfortable, and I hope I can help others to feel the same.”
Lisa Bragança, Ben’s mother
“Have Dreams provided not just social skills programs that gave Ben tools he used to succeed in high school and college, but a place where he made friends and could relax and be himself.”
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