A Program of Settlement Housing Fund, Inc.
The DREAMS YouthBuild & Young Adult Training Program is an equal opportunity employer/program, auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities

Testimonials

Webster dictionary defines education as providing with training or school. DREAMS has been a major contribution not only to my education, but to my life. When I left high school, I had no intentions of furthering my education. My life experiences taught me that without a formal education, I wouldn't be successful in life. In September 2008, I enrolled at DREAMS and transitioned from the PRE-GED/ CEPS component to the GED class. Within 8 months of working hard I obtained my GED! My education at DREAMS went beyond reading, writing, math and other subjects you learn from a book. DREAMS taught me invaluable life lessons on self control, leadership, getting and holding on to a job, and community development. DREAMS gave me the opportunity to learn and apply skills I would have never learned in high school.
Now that I have accomplished my goal of getting my GED, I plan on going on to college to obtain a degree in business administration in the hopes of one day opening up my own garage. I would like to thank the DREAMS staff for making me a better person.
Franquez E. -Class of 2009

My dream is to one day become a successful dentist with my own office. To follow this dream I must first finish school and go to college. I have to stay focused and I must believe in myself. I will not let anyone turn me away from pursuing my dream. I will not get discouraged; I will always stand strong and continue to have faith in myself. I know that it is a long journey to my long term goal but if I stay on the right path I will reach my goal.
While growing up, school wasn't so easy for me. I had trouble going to the next grade. I got left back in the second grade. I would get frustrated very quickly. People would say things to discourage me, and I would fall for them. I didn’t have any confidence in myself. As I was getting older, I started to change, my grades got better and my behavior was improving a lot. Then I went to High School and I started messing up again. School was always a struggle for me so I just stopped going.
In November 2007 I started the DREAMS Young Adult Training Program. Because of my scores I was placed in the CEPS class. This was the best class for me because I was able to understand the work and soon do well. I was doing a lot better. I am more focused now. At DREAMS I had to go through mental toughness training. I didn’t think I was going to make it, but thanks to the most high God, I made it through. I cried a little, but I survived. I am now in the GED class and on my way to my dreams.
Niaja B. -Class of 2009

The DREAMS YouthBuild and Young Adult Training Program changed my life. DREAMS helped me achieve my goal of getting my diploma. It helped me to better myself as a person and as a mother. Besides improving my academic skills and getting me ready for college; I am currently learning job skills as an intern in the DREAMS office that will help me in the future.
I came to DREAMS because although I had good grades; High School wasn’t working for me, and I knew I had to do better for my two little girls. I wanted the best for them, so I decided that I would lead by example.
I knew that it would be hard financially to support them if I couldn’t get a good job, and without a diploma that wasn’t possible.
I knew that with the DREAMS Program I wouldn’t have to wait a year or two to take my GED exam, because they would send me as soon as I was academically ready. I attended classes daily, and worked very hard until I received my diploma. The individual attention I received at DREAMS also helped me to deal with some problems at home. Now I have a job and I am supporting my family all because of the Dreams Program.
Tiffany M. -Class of 2008

I came to the DREAMS Young Adult Training Program not expecting to accomplish what I have accomplished, because most of the kids were from my neighborhood. I knew this was going to be a problem because I get distracted fast. This is why I didn’t finish High School and due to the fact that I wasn’t going because I was being lazy. I decided in December 2006 that I wanted to better myself and get my GED. It wasn’t an easy choice, I had no doubts about it. I thought how would people look at me if I had a Good Enough Diploma (as some people would call it) instead of a High School Diploma. Then I thought how would have looked at me if I didn’t have any kind of diploma.
I signed up for DREAMS in January 2007 and started in February. All of the kids in the programs had to go to a mandatory Mental Toughness trip to stay in the program. Classes started the following Monday. Our teacher was a Nigerian man named Mr. Osondu also known as “Chief”. At first the class took advantage of him. We didn’t listen to him, ate in class, talked loud and cracked jokes. He had an accent that we couldn’t understand some of the time, we thought it was funny. Chief had this saying “ The behind of the chicken will show when the wind blows”. Basically we’ll see who’ll have the last laugh. Then we took our first predictor and almost the whole class failed. Now the behind of the chicken showed and he had the last laugh. I think that’s when I realized there was a time to play and a time to be serious, and if I wanted a GED as bad as I said I did I had to work twice as hard.
Now at this point I was determined. I remember taking some of the school books and putting them into a bag hiding them outside so that I could practice more at home. I almost got caught by Chief when some boys I know brought the bag of books back into the room. I jumped up and grabbed the bag. I had to tell Chief they were bringing me my clothes.
Every night I practiced in a different subject so I could pass the next predictor. I wasn’t present the next time the class took predictor. I had to take it in the back of the class while class was in session. Through all the noise, laughter, and playing I still managed to pass. The day I was scheduled to take the state predictor I just came home from South Carolina because of a death in my family. Two weeks later we got the results back and I was one of the three out of six that passed. I was happy and shocked.
I was placed to take official GED in July. While taking my test I was confident that I was going to pass, and two weeks later I found out that I did. I was overwhelmed and excited and just couldn't believe it. I finally did something that not only made me proud and happy but everybody else. I wouldn't have received my GED without my determination and without the help of Mr. Osondu, who stayed on my back about the importance of getting my GED.
I understand that High School isn't for everyone, and some people can't do things as well as others, but I recommend anybody who's willing to make a change in their life to get a GED if High School didn't work for them. I plan on going to college to major in Criminal Justice and receive a higher education. I can't just settle for a GED.
Charizma J - Class of 2007

In my few years in High School, I found it difficult getting to class. I was unfocused, rebellious, and very much influenced by distractions. The times I did make it to class, I was a very good student. But to me it was boring and I didn’t feel important or noticed amongst such a large crowd.
A friend of mine recommended the DREAMS Program. At first I was like “this ain’t for me” and school is boring. Then I decided to call. I spoke with the Director and she seemed very understanding and excited to meet me. Once I enrolled, I noticed the smaller setting in the classroom. This to me was perfect. I felt comfortable right away amongst the other students.
This program was close to home. It was easy to get there and throughout my time there, I maintained perfect attendance. We learned so much. I learned so much especially at the Mental Toughness Camp. There I learned and also kept the 14 traits of leadership: Justice, Judgment, Dependability, Initiative, Decisiveness, Tact, Integrity, Enthusiasm, Bearing, Unselfishness, Courage, Knowledge, Loyalty, and Endurance. All of which came in handy.
At the program we had a great teacher, Mr. Osondu. He taught very well and his excellent teaching enabled me to pass and obtain my GED. What I also liked about the program is that we were heard. If we had any problems it was very simple to sit and talk with Ms. Kohn or Ms. Linnell, even Mr. Osondu gave us his advice and words of wisdom.
I am grateful of this program. It has changed my life so much for the better. I am now a student at Medgar Ever College aspiring to be a journalist. I just completed my first semester. I believe that my darkest days are behind me. Today I walk with my head held high looking toward the future.
Shanquay J -Class of 2007

Webster’s dictionary defines the word dream as a fond or cherished hope. In my opinion, it most directly depends on the image reflected by ones mirror. Case in point; someone who metaphorically cannot stand up on his or her own two feet will therefore dream all day, and won’t ever know what it’s like to accomplish a goal that he or she has set for themselves. As opposed to a person that is self-governing and is well aware of how society operates, he or she will effectively fashion hope into their way of life making it more than just an aspiration but a reality as well.
Langston Hughes asked “What happens to a dream deferred?” But is it really so important to know what happens to the dream or what might happen to a person who has had their dream belated? Unfortunately, to this significant question I cannot give you a general answer because individually, we would all react differently to our dream having been deferred. However I can share with you my own recent experience related to the matter.
My dream of graduating High School was delayed because of an irresponsible decision I made. Although my actions altered the outcome of my High School career, instead of holding on that dream which was slowly rotting, I realized I had to let it go in order for me to move on.
Instead of dwelling in the past, I then set forth another goal for myself, which is to strive and excel in whatever environment I’m in. This new dream of mine opened up a window of opportunities for me. Within a period of just four months I’ve accepted a trophy for academic achievement, scored well on many test, and now I’m reaching for a spot on John Jay’s Community College enrollment for either the fall or spring semester, and readying myself to become a successful mother and college student.
I need all of the graduates of the DREAMS program to remember that life is whatever you make of it and that everything in life happens for a reason. Sometimes a dream deferred means that there awaits a bigger dream. Catch it. Don’t just hold it. Use it. THIS IS MY DREAM.
Charlene M. -Class of 2007