I Have a Dream

I should have paid better attention during math class when I was in school. Then maybe I wouldn’t find tutoring 4th graders in math so darn hard. In fact, I often rely on the kids to explain to me how to do a difficult equation—which I then use to check their homework. There are numerous opportunities in one session that I find myself saying, “You kids are way smarter than I am!” But, I like to think my enthusiasm and love for the kids makes up for my mathematical handicap.

This all began with a desire to do something good for the community. Volunteer work was my first solution and, as a big-time animal lover, I thought I could work at a shelter. But then I realized surrounding myself with homeless animals could be a problem—my house was too small to give all those sweet pooches a new home. And with their big puppy eyes, saying “no” would be close to impossible. So, when I heard about tutoring children through the I Have a Dream® Foundation, I decided that was a better choice. According to Ellie Gompert, the program’s director, taking children home is not an option, so I wouldn’t be tempted.

I Have A Dream® Foundation - Richmond chose Broad Rock Elementary School as the first program site in the Richmond area. The children start with the program in 2nd grade by attending after school tutoring and learning programs. If they continue to participate in these programs through their senior year of high school, the Foundation guarantees financial support for college.

Since the inception of the National I Have a Dream® Foundation in 1986, 189 individuals, groups, foundations, faith-based institutions, community organizations, and universities have started I Have a Dream® programs serving nearly 14,000 children with long-term, high-quality, supportive supplementary education and enrichment programs, continuing mentor relationships, and guarantees of financial support for higher education.

To learn more about volunteering opportunities with the I Have a Dream® Foundation or to donate, please visit www.ihadrichmond.org.