2024 Gratitude Report
Kristina Johnsen Founder and CEO of Have Dreams
At Have Dreams, we celebrate breakthroughs, big and small, together. Whether it’s our participants securing competitive employment through the Have Dreams Academy, making a new friend in our after-school SCILS class, or independently following a cooking recipe to completion in our adult Life SCILS program, we commemorate these achievements as a team. Our dedicated staff works tirelessly to fulfill Have Dreams’ mission: to help individuals with autism learn, function independently and socialize so that they may realize their full potential and develop into contributing members of their communities. As Have Dreams supporters, it's important to know that we want to celebrate you, friends who have invested in our mission and work. Because of your generosity, Have Dreams has reached more special education professionals through increased in- school consultations, expanded our counseling services offerings by hiring more professional therapists and offering a free support group, extended our Have Dreams Academy workforce training program to 24 weeks, added more social skills groups for teens and adults, and more. We invite you to look through the pages of our 2024 Gratitude Report to see what we’ve done TOGETHER to serve the community, and hope you enjoy these inspiring stories illuminating the impact of Have Dreams' important mission and work.
2024 was a year of growth, learning, and transformation. None of it would have been possible without your trust and investment. Your loyalty and encouragement have helped Have Dreams innovate, lead with purpose and stay true to our mission.
With immense gratitude, Kristina Johnsen
Have Dreams
www.havedreams.org
Michael Coughlin Partner & COO, Setna iO
Setna iO is a leading supplier of aftermarket aviation parts, headquartered in Lincolnshire, Illinois. We were founded in 2016 with a small team of just three people, and since then, we’ve grown into a global leader in our industry with over 500 team members across 11 countries. Our growth has been driven by a deep commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and building a strong company culture. That has earned us recognition in publications such as Crain’s, INC.com, and the Financial Times for both our rapid growth and our positive, people-centered workplace.
In 2023, we were preparing to expand our global headquarters, moving from 20,000 square feet in Chicago to over 200,000 square feet in our current facility, and I needed to significantly scale our warehouse operations team. I started looking for creative solutions that could provide value to the company and also meaningful opportunities for the people. At Setna, we’ve built our business on seeing value where others might not – whether that’s in an aircraft we’re acquiring or in the potential of an individual we’re hiring. I found Have Dreams through a simple Google search and sent a cold email. That email turned out to be one of the best decisions we’ve made. This decision was deeply personal for me. I was the very first employee at Setna iO, and over the years I’ve sat in just about every seat at the company. My very first role was the one most of our Have Dreams Academy graduates are hired for. This gave me a hands-on, in-depth understanding of what the job entails and what success in that position looks like. At the same time, I have a personal connection to autism through my younger sister, Savannah. That experience has given me a deeper appreciation for the unique strengths neurodiverse individuals bring to the table and the kind of environment that helps them thrive. Seeing both sides, it was clear to me that this could be a great fit, and it absolutely has been.
Have Dreams
www.havedreams.org
Michael Coughlin Partner & COO, Setna iO
The productivity that the Have Dreams Academy graduates bring to Setna speaks for itself. The HDA graduates are consistently amongst the top performers in their departments. In 2024, the most productive and second most productive employees in those roles, across all of our global locations, were both Have Dreams Academy graduates with another graduate also ranking in the top ten. One even received a company award for their outstanding contributions. They’ve become some of the strongest and most dependable members of our team. But their impact goes far beyond performance. We’re a relatively young company, and for those of us who were here at the very beginning – like myself – one of our goals has always been to preserve the spirit and authenticity of a small startup as we scale. I call it “keeping the magic alive”. The positivity, presence, and genuine character that our Have Dreams Academy graduates bring to the workplace are a huge part of keeping that magic alive. I always tell people the thing I’m most proud of in my entire professional career is our partnership with Have Dreams. I’m a firm believer that all the success in the world is meaningless if you don’t use it to have a positive impact on the people around you. What makes me most proud about this partnership is watching the Have Dreams Academy graduates excel in their roles, seeing their confidence grow through that success, and then witnessing that confidence carry over into everyday social interactions. Whether that be around the office or at company events. It’s clear that when you create space for every kind of talent to shine, the entire team gets better in performance, collaboration, and in spirit.
See HDA in action by scanning here
Have Dreams
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Have Dreams Academy Have Dreams’ workforce training program In 2024, our innovative workforce training program gave our HDA interns the opportunities to have hands-on internships, valuable practice interviews, resume-building exercises and more, all while building confidence to enter into the competitive workplace.
Have Dreams
www.havedreams.org
Lora Slutsky, MS, CRC, LCPC Director of Clinical Services and Therapist
Offering counseling services at Have Dreams was something our team had considered for many years. When the pandemic hit, we saw the increased demand for mental health support for the broader population and, in particular, for the autism community. We launched our Counseling & Employment Services in the fall of 2020, offering fully virtual services at the time. We now offer both in-person and virtual therapy services to neurodivergent children, teens, adults, and their family members/partners, greatly expanding our reach. Our team of therapists brings decades of expertise supporting neurodivergent individuals and their families. We’re proud that one-third of Have Dreams' staff, including several of our therapists, identify as neurodivergent, bringing their lived experience to their work supporting clients. Whether working on managing anxiety or navigating a job search or any other goal, our therapists bring an affirming, warm approach to their client work, incorporating evidence-based mental health and autism interventions to best support clients. We are also fortunate to be able to offer support to parents, caregivers and other family members, whether through our free support group, or via individual therapy sessions. This addition to our suite of services has expanded our ability to continue meeting the needs of the autism community, one of Have Dreams’ core principles since our founding.
See the impact of our Counseling Services by watching this video
Have Dreams
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Lora Slutsky, MS, CRC, LCPC Director of Clinical Services and Therapist
There is a critical demand for autism- affirming mental healthcare. Not only do Have Dreams’ Counseling & Employment Services help to address this need, but they also complement the other programs we offer. We love the opportunity to collaborate with the staff in our after-school SCILS groups or Have Dreams Academy workforce training program when participants in those programs are also served by Have Dreams’ therapists. With their consent, this allows
for a more wrap-around approach, where our team can offer more comprehensive support both in the therapy session and beyond.
We work on developing a more affirming view of neurodivergence, thinking about the impact on relationships, work, school, and future goals. We consider whether the client wants to disclose information about their autism to family, friends, employers, or teachers, and if so, what accommodations might make social, work, or school environments more accessible for them. I find it deeply meaningful to be a part of this journey with clients, particularly watching as internalized stigma and shame start to melt away and a more accepting and affirming view of their differences starts to emerge. The “aha” moments, where clients connect the dots and realize “Oh, X was really hard for me as a kid because of my autism, not because of some personal failing” is incredibly powerful. Playing a small part as they retell these stories about themselves is a true honor. The moments that stand out to me are when I have the opportunity to support clients who were diagnosed with autism as adults. A lot of our work in therapy focuses on learning about what autism is, how it manifests for them, and what it means to them. We often unpack a lot of trauma around being misunderstood for so many years, processing experiences of being bullied or called “lazy” by teachers or parents. So much of our work in therapy is about self-awareness and reframing the likely shame that developed over decades of feeling a “need” to mask autistic traits in order to fit in.
Have Dreams
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Life SCILS Have Dreams’ adult day program
Life SCILS is a comprehensive, community-based program for adults with autism over the age of 22. Our participants stayed busy in 2024 with community outings, cooking activities, art projects and even got to safely experience the solar eclipse! Through all of these experiences, and thanks to your support, our participants develop greater independence, communication, social skills and work skills.
Have Dreams
www.havedreams.org
Kris Milashus Have Dreams Parent, mother of Sara
Sara has participated in Have Dreams programs for almost 20 years now. Once she was old enough, we signed her up for the after-school programs, which she continued throughout high school and transition. Sara started attending the Life SCILS program after graduating from her transition program. Have Dreams has been such a tremendous support to our family, and especially to Sara. We have literally grown up with them. The continuity of support at all levels has been so meaningful. Their acceptance and love of my child has always been so obvious, and the support offered to our family is immeasurable. The Life SCILS program is a highlight and she looks forward to going every single day. Sara has always liked to be on- the-move, and the variety of activities, vocational opportunities, and community outings fits her perfectly. What can I say about the staff at Have Dreams? They are some of the most caring and dedicated people I have ever met. It's invaluable and unusual to have people in Sara's life that have known her for so long and understand her. When our family had financial challenges, Have Dreams offered assistance so that Sara could still attend programs. When I think about how Sara feels about the staff, I just look at the few times we've had to take a short break and how much Sara missed everyone. Sara would walk in upon her return, sobbing "tears of joy" because she was so happy to be back. I am grateful for everything about Have Dreams. They have been a constant source of support to me, our family, and especially Sara. Have Dreams is not an organization - it's a family, a safe space, a lifeline.
See Life SCILS out in the community
Have Dreams
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Diana Schoblocher Educator, Chippewa Middle School
I work for CCSD62 at Chippewa Middle School as a classroom teacher. Have Dreams was brought in to support our Educational Life Skills and STEP classrooms to maximize our abilities to provide support to students at their level, increase their independence and continue to promote and adopt best practices universally across the district. The consultant, Caroline McCarthy, provided support through classroom observations, debriefing and talking through what was working and what could work better. This continued several times during the school year to help identify areas of success and areas for continued growth. Caroline provided brainstorming opportunities, best practice checklists, environmental supports and support in structuring activities to maximize independence in skills.
As educators, we can often get stuck in a rut or overwhelmed with the workload that comes with working in a special education classroom setting. Having the support of Have Dreams allowed me to rethink and reimagine structures and routines of the classroom and provide students with clear, consistent and structured activities that foster their independence. Students clearly benefited from the restructuring of
some classroom routines as well as using to-do lists. Students demonstrated more independence in skills and observationally increased their willingness to participate in non-preferred tasks. The benefits have carried over as I work within an instructional and general education setting. I was able to put in supports, structure environments and break down potential barriers for students.
The experience I had working with Have Dreams has been such an amazing opportunity to expand my knowledge, enhance my teaching practices and show the outside world what my students are capable of achieving independently. I wish I had this opportunity earlier in my career!
See the impact of our professional trainings
Have Dreams
www.havedreams.org
SCILS Have Dreams’ after-school program
SCILS is an after-school program for elementary, middle and high school students. 2024 was a great year for friendship-building through structured activities like games, cooking and crafts. Because of you, we are able to continue to provide a fun, safe and enriching environment for the kids at Have Dreams in both our Park Ridge and Evanston locations.
Have Dreams
www.havedreams.org
Have Dreams Events 2024 Have Dreams is grateful to have an incredible community that passionately supported our 2024 events. Thanks to our dedicated sponsors, volunteers, and attendees, we raised vital funds and increased awareness of Have Dreams’ programs and services. Whether it was painting a winter canvas, enjoying take-home pizza and ice cream kits, hitting the golf course, running the Chicago Marathon, or dining with award- winning chefs — there was truly something for everyone!
Painting for Dreams: February 4
Pizza With a Purpose: March 6
Have Dreams
www.havedreams.org
Have Dreams Events 2024
Have Dreams Golf Classic: September 16
Chicago Marathon: October 13
Chefs, Cocktails & Dreams: October 19
Have Dreams
www.havedreams.org
Financials
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION HAVE DREAMS December 31, 2024
ASSETS
Current Assets Land, Buildings and Equipment (book value) Security Deposit Right of Use Contribution Receivable
1,121,532 56,056 5,257 1,486,209 276,789
2,945,843
LIABILITIES & NET ASSETS
Current Liabilities Non-current liabilities: Operating Lease Liabilities
1,680,406 289,308 1,391,098
Total Liabilities
Beginning Net Assets Prior Period adjustment Change in Net Assets
1,167,668 0 97,769
Ending Net Assets
1,265,437
TOTAL LIABILITIES & NET ASSETS
2,945,843
STATEMENT of ACTIVITY (Condensed) for the 12 Months Ended December 31, 2024 REVENUES
Contributions In-Kind Contributions Program Service Fees Special Events Revenue Unrealized Loss on Investments Miscellaneous Income
824,476 0 975,117 240,843 2,312 49,434
TOTAL REVENUES
2,092,182
Professional Fees & Contract Service Occupancy Classroom Expense Public Relations and Marketing Insurance Printing and Reproduction Other EXPENDITURES Staff Costs: Direct Care (Program) Management & General Fundraising
889,435 332,291 254,194
1,475,920 66,798 307,239
Total Personnel Costs
32,203 14,944 35,038 1,353 41,002
TOTAL EXPENSES DEPRECIATION TOTAL EXPENSES WITH DEPRECIATION TOTAL CHANGE IN NET ASSETS
1,974,497 19,916 1,994,413 97,769
Have Dreams
www.havedreams.org
Have Dreams Team Board of Directors
Robert X. Creevy, President Steven C. Gustafson, Vice President Jeffrey Devlin, Treasurer Doug Bolton, Ph.D. Andrew Bonk Kristina Johnsen Peggy Gilger Labern
Life Trustees
Medical Advisors
Gil Fergus Peggy Gilger Labern Richard Malone William and Connie Manika Dale Seaberg Staff
Bennett L. Leventhal, M.D. Catherine Lord, Ph.D. Lauren Wakschlag, Ph.D.
Kristina Johnsen, M.A., Chief Executive Officer Dana Fenceroy, MNA, M.A. Chief Operating Officer and Therapist
Christine Bellosa, M.A., LCPC Michael Bolton Cameron Boone Kate Carlson Megan Fleischel Andrea Franckowiak, MA Bobbi Frazes Goldman
Tim Kalkirtz Haleigh Kent Deirdre King
Corrine Murray, M.Ed. Andy Norkett Kelly Passaneau Lora Slutsky, M.S., CRC, LCPC Paulette Wilkins, MSW
Jaime Langosch, M.A., LPC Elena Matta, MSW, LCSW Caroline McCarthy, M.A. Cathy McCarthy, MBA Celia Mooradian, MLIS, CAS David Murray, MBA
Lydia Wissing Mary Yukevich
Maureen Hartwig Melanie Johnsen
Have Dreams
www.havedreams.org
515 Busse Highway, Suite 150 Park Ridge, Illinois 60068
2020 Dempster Street Evanston, Illinois 60202
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instagram.com/have.dreams
linkedin.com/company/havedreams
Have Dreams
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