Dream Cities | Indianapolis, IN
8902 E 38th St.
Indianapolis, IN 46226
Phone: (317) 890-3288 x15
Learning Center DirectorTina L. Rhoden-Lewellyntlewellyn  usdreamacademy [dot] org | Mentor CoordinatorDarla Hudnalldhudnall usdreamacademy [dot] org |
Feature Story
Brooksource, an IT company in Indianapolis, was holding their national conference and wanted a team building activity that also stressed giving back. They decided to have their employees break up into teams of 4 and put together a bicycle. Brooksource purchased the bikes from Performance Bicycle, who gave them a 10% discount and threw in helmets to compliment each bike. When the company was seeking out a non-profit that worked with kids, Karly a Dream Academy Indianapolis Mentor who is interning at Brooksource chimed in and told them that we were the perfect organization.
Alas the big day arrived. The employees were a great and energetic bunch, who was also in for a big surprise. Only the owners and a few choice folks were aware that the bikes were going to kids and that they were going to see them receive the bikes!
Brooksource announced each child individually and rode their bikes out to meet them. The most awesome and spontaneous reaction was from DeAngelo. Our charismatic 11 year old spontaneously jumped to his feet when they announced his name, ran to the middle of the room, faced the Brooksource team and saluted them. The gentlemen jumped to their feet and saluted right back. There wasn't a dry eye in the room. Performance Bicycle was on hand to give a safety check for each bike and to fit each kid with his/her helmet.
There weren’t enough bikes for all the children in the program so the following day, we debriefed with the bicycle recipients and the kids who did not receive a bike. We had a nice character lesson on giving, receiving, gratitude, feelings of jealousy and how to overcome those. We always explain that showing up and trying your best are the most important things and will always be awarded, both at the Dream Academy and in LIFE.
Our History in Indianapolis
The Indianapolis Learning Center opened its doors in January of 2008 with the unwavering support of USA Funds, the Office of Faith Based and Community Programs, One America and other committee partners listed below who make up the Indy Dream Team. The program, which continues to function with the help and support of the advisory "Dream Team", utilized John Marshall's year round calendar to serve over 120 students since it’s inception, helping to build skills, character and develop dreams through innovative tutoring and mentoring initiatives. In planning for the 2010/2011 academic year, Dream Academy staff determined that an opportunity to partner with the Community Alliance for the Far Eastside (CAFE) would allow the team to serve a greater cross-section of the community. The program relocated to the CAFE community center in August 2010.
About Our Staff
Learning Center DirectorTina Rhoden-Lewellyn brings over 17 years experience to her position as Center Director for the Indianapolis Learning Center. Prior to joining the Center, Ms. Rhoden-Lewellyn served as the Executive Director of a social service organization overseeing residential treatment, home-based services and alternative education programs. Ms. Rhoden-Lewellyn studied social sciences at Indiana University and continually enhances her knowledge by attending conferences and training workshops such as, therapeutic crisis intervention, Servant Leadership and non-profit management. She has also served on the Board of Directors for the Indiana Youth Services Association. | Mentor CoordinatorJacqui Hughes has devoted her professional career to serving her community. Before joining the Indianapolis Learning Center as Mentor Coordinator, Ms. Hughes served as a banker and fundraiser for the United Way of Central Indiana. With a deep passion for child advocacy, Ms. Hughes maintains a foster care license, trains other foster parents, and engages in efforts to develop young minds through the power of dreams, education and mentor relationships. Ms. Hughes graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice and African American Studies. She also holds a Master of Science degree in Management from Indiana Wesleyan University.
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Our Indianapolis Partners in the Dream
One America
The Pacers Foundation
The Nina Mason Pulliam Trust
Indianapolis Public Schools
The Office of Faith Based and Community Initiatives
Marion County Probation
Indiana University School of Education
The Moore Foundation
Gleaners Food Bank
Upcoming Events
There are no upcoming events scheduled for this learning center at this time. Please check back later.
