DREAM Expands Montessori to La Romana

Newsletter
April 2015

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DREAM Expands Montessori to La Romana

Our new partners from Hogar del Ni?o have launched their first DREAM Montessori Classroom in La Romana, adding high quality early childhood classes to their amazing organization. HDN works with more than 1,500 youth each day, offering everything from newborn care to vocational training, and now, the very best in Montessori education. We are so proud of the hard work and passion the educators and leaders of HDN have put into this historic partnership. The community of La Romana now has access to an incredible new resource and we look forward to reaching more and more children together.

Santo Domingo Event sells out, sparking "The New Dominican Philanthropist"

DREAM was the recipient of more than US$30,000 as a result of the sold out "Cigar Country presents Top Dominican Cigar 2014" event held April 16th at the JW Marriott in Santo Domingo. The event was created, designed and inspired by a new group of industry leaders in the DR, and featured the very best of the Dominican Republic, with live music, gourmet food, signature cocktails and the who's who of the capital. 100% of the event's proceeds will go towards DREAM's Early Childhood Education Program, which now serves more than 600 children in six communities throughout the country.

DPV Network Welcomes
60 New Coaches

The DPV network is growing fast! This month, DREAM and Peace Corps hosted a successful Training of Trainers (ToT) to certify 60 new DPV coaches. Youth leaders learned the curriculum's methodology, acquired new knowledge about HIV/AIDS prevention and sexual health, and gained valuable leadership skills to replicate DPV courses in their communities. This year's ToT was led by the DPV network's outstanding Master Coaches.

A Visit From NYC Councilman Rafael Espinal

The 2014-15 DREAM Corps Fellow winner Rocio Martinez was proud to host NYC Council member Rafael Espinal with her Young Stars students last week. As a Dominican American, Rafael's story had a big impact on our young learners and their questions reflected their interest in his path to public service. Thanks to funding from the NYC Council, our DREAM Corps Fellowship offers Dominican Americans from NYC the opportunity to spend one year volunteering with DREAM, bridging our two countries, our culture and love for learning.

The DREAM Contemporary Music Program Celebrates Jazz!

Inspired by our friends and partners at The FEDUJAZZ Foundation, our young musicians will celebrate International Jazz Day this April 30th, 4:30pm at Ocean Dream Plaza. With both our local music volunteers and an international lineup of talent, this is an event you do not want to miss. The music appreciation continues later in the evening with FEDUJAZZ's fundraising concert at The Beach Club at Sea Horse Ranch, so come one, come all and let's celebrate Jazz!

DREAMer of the Month

Pura Barruos

Pura Barruos, librarian and teacher at DREAM's library in the Abreu public school, was awarded with the coveted employee of the month recognition in April. We honored Pura for her critical thinking abilities, as demonstrated in her work with students and her efforts to continuously strengthen library programs. Pura's coworkers note that she makes tremendous contributions during staff professional development days and that her ability to work independently and solve problems sets a positive example for others. Congratulations, Pura!

Donors of the Month

A special thank you to all who gave this month, including:

Kimball Family Foundation     Michel Zaleski
Wilmington Friends School     Carnival Cruise Lines
Georges de Menil     Michelle Cruz-Santiago
Crea Lintilhac     William Murphy     Kristina Paider
AT&T Employee Giving Campaign     Jon Erickson
Margaret Prough     Casey Babcock     Patricia Roth
Eileen Prichep     Gayla Martinez     Samuel Carlson
Frances Granatino     Rebecca Schulze     Anonymous
Dane Swanson

And all who gave/purchased tickets through
the Top Dominican Cigar event.