We spoke to TOM SHERO , father of Frank, about that experience and what it meant to Frank when Have Dreams was able to safely reopen in June of 2020.
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Frank has been a part of the Have Dreams family since he was seven years old. Frank started with the after-school programs at Have Dreams in Park Ridge. Frank was one of the first students to participate in the full-time day programs in Evanston. The transition to high school was extremely stressful for Frank and Have Dreams was a perfect fit. Quite honestly, it was a godsend. When Have Dreams closed it was very difficult. Although we explained there was a terrible epidemic and that people were getting sick and needed to stay home, Frank believed he was being punished. Frank believed he did something wrong and was asked to leave. We had to drive him by the facility many times just to show him that it was closed for everyone, just like the schools. Without the program Frank became depressed and anxious. The questions - When would Have Dreams open, If the staff still loved him, and If he could return soon - were asked numerous times a day. The loss of Have Dreams in-person programs was devastating. Frank was at such a loss, he had no direction, no set schedule to follow and he was so sad. Frank is not very communicative when it comes to his emotions but he told us a number of times that he missed everyone and hoped he did not make anyone mad. We always understood the impact on Frank’s life, but not to its true extent. Have Dreams is his family as much as we are. The Have Dreams staff reached out via email and telephone. There were numerous check-ins and updates. It gave us hope that everyone was trying to figure a way to get the program back on its feet even while the pandemic was in full force. Frank’s return to the in-person program has been great. Frank is at his second home. One day after the re-opening, Frank asked if we could build him a room at Have Dreams so he can stay there. We are grateful to the Have Dreams family for everything they do, not only for Frank, but for all the other children and adults they help. We thank you all.
” Have Dreams is his family as much as we are.” “
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