Have Dreams, the Park Ridge nonprofit that started with seven children meeting above an ice rink in 1996, now serves more than 700 people on the autism spectrum each year.
The growth has been steady.
The organization is marking three decades with a gala called "Decades of Dreams" on Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Park Ridge Country Club, 6 to 10 p.m.
Have Dreams began when a group of parents and a special education teacher gathered around a kitchen table in Park Ridge to build something that barely existed at the time: structured social-skills programming for children with autism. That origin story is recounted in a profile by The Real Park Ridge. The organization now has offices in Park Ridge and Evanston and runs programs from childhood through adulthood.
Programs across the lifespan
The nonprofit's flagship is SCILS, an after-school program for elementary, middle and high school students on the autism spectrum. For adults over 22, the Life SCILS program focuses on social, communication and independent living skills through community-based activities.
The Have Dreams Academy, a workforce development track, prepares young adults with autism for competitive employment. Mary Herrold, whose son Jack graduated from the academy, described the change on the organization's website.
"He's the hardest worker I know. He's getting amazing reports, he's a team player, he's more confident," Herrold said. "He has a great team and Have Dreams is a big part of that team."
Mental health expansion
Demand spiked during the pandemic. The organization saw a sharp rise in requests for mental health support during COVID-19, according to The Real Park Ridge. Have Dreams responded by expanding its counseling staff to six therapists who provide in-person and virtual sessions. It also runs a free monthly support group for parents and caregivers.
Terese Soto, whose son Richie participates in the SCILS program, described Have Dreams on its website as a judgment-free space where her son found friends and learning for the whole family.
How to get involved
Have Dreams is located at 515 Busse Highway, Suite 150, in Park Ridge. More information is available at HaveDreams.org or by calling (847) 685-0250, ext. 113.
Before the October gala, the nonprofit hosts its Golf Classic fundraiser on Monday, Sept. 14. Details for the Decades of Dreams benefit are available at havedreams.org/decades-of-dreams.
Upcoming Have Dreams events:
- Monday, Sept. 14 — Have Dreams Golf Classic fundraiser
- Saturday, Oct. 17, 6–10 p.m. — Decades of Dreams 30th anniversary gala, Park Ridge Country Club
