"I Have a Dream" Celebrates National Volunteer Week

The "I Have a Dream" Foundation of Boulder County
CELEBRATES VOLUNTEERS DURING NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK!
April 19- April 25, 2009
Activities Planned to Recognize Residents Who Help Those in Need


The most effective intervention in a troubled child's life is a mentor; tutors help children read and graduate from high school; and volunteers can help reduce violence. The "I Have a Dream" Foundation of Boulder County will join a nationwide celebration in honor of volunteers during National Volunteer Week by hosting several volunteer appreciation events. The National Volunteer Week 2009 theme, "Celebrating People in Action," honors those who dedicate themselves to taking action and bettering their communities (last year, America's 61 million volunteers gave 8 billion hours of service worth more than $158 billion.) It is also about inspiring, recognizing and encouraging people to seek out imaginative ways to engage in their communities - to put themselves at the center of social change.

Each year, over 180 volunteer mentors and tutors share their time and talent to help low-income youth (Dreamers) in Boulder County achieve their educational dreams. These citizens work 1-1 with Dreamers to help improve literacy and math skills, complete homework and offer guidance and support. In a recent survey, 98% of the Dreamers' parents reported that the support from "I Have a Dream" has helped their child improve their grades and feel better about school.

"Celebrating and recognizing the work of all of our volunteers is extremely important during National Volunteer Week because they are truly making a difference here in our community. We believe given the opportunity and individual support, that all children can graduate from high school and achieve their education and career goals. Our dedicated and committed volunteers provide that individual support and are critical to seeing that each of our Dreamers succeeds. We are very grateful for their time and the talent that they share with our students each and every day" - Lori Canova, Chief Executive Officer

"I Have a Dream" has Dreamers who are still in need of a tutor or mentor. If you can spare an hour a week to help a youngster in your community reach their dreams, apply online at www.ihaveadreamboulder.org




About "I Have a Dream" Foundation of Boulder County:
Since 1990, the "I Have a Dream"® Foundation of Boulder County has helped 400 children from low-income areas achieve their education and career goals by providing long-term personal and academic support, tutoring, mentoring and four-year tuition-assistance scholarships to each graduating student. Currently, there are six "I Have a Dream" classes in Boulder, Longmont and Lafayette of Boulder County. The program doubled expected graduation rates for its first three graduating classes of students, and awards over $90,000 in scholarships each year. "I Have a Dream" of Boulder County follows the national model established in New York in 1981 by founder Eugene Lang. Since then, 180 Projects nationwide have helped more than 14,000 students. The "I Have a Dream"® Foundation of Boulder County's main office is located at 3012Sterling Circle, Suite 200, Boulder, CO 80301. For more information, call 303-444-3636 or visit www.ihaveadreamboulder.org.

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