Dream Cities | Philadelphia, PA
1541 South 17th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19146
Phone: (215) 339-1090
Fax: (215) 339-1091
Learning Center DirectorLavarr K. Zuberlzuber  usdreamacademy [dot] org | Mentor CoordinatorNaaila Grayngray usdreamacademy [dot] org |
Feature Story
To the staff and students at the Philadelphia Learning Center, mentors mean the world! That’s why the Center recently hosted a heartfelt event to express their appreciation and also recruit others who may be interested in mentoring.
The luncheon was held on the campus of Drexel University, in partnership with Drexel’s Center for Civic Engagement. Forty people, including college students, law enforcement members, business men and women, members of the faith based community, parents, and many others were in attendance, along with 40 DreamKids. Appreciation certificates were awarded to current mentors, and two members received special recognition: the Super Mentor award, given to an individual who mentors more than one hour per week, and the Outstanding Impact Award, given to an individual who is nominated by the mentee whose life was impacted. DreamKids also shared the difference mentoring has made in his or her life, and had an opportunity to interact with the guests with board games and crafts.
“We’re excited when we see people who are interested in making a difference in the lives of our kids,” says Lavarr K. Zuber, Center Director. “From this event, ten people turned in applications to become mentors. That’s phenomenal.”
Our History in Philadelphia
Recognized as “Center of the Year” in 2008, the Philadelphia Learning Center helps students at G.W. Childs Elementary School develop useful skills, positive characters, and attainable dreams, despite negative circumstances.
Located in an economically and culturally diverse community in South Philadelphia, the Learning Center provides mentoring and tutoring to students who are falling behind academically or who have a parent or family member who is currently incarcerated.
The Philadelphia Learning Center also provides a six-week summer program that offers golf lessons, photography, dance, and music programming in addition to Dream Academy program standards: skill, character, and dream-building activities.
About Our Staff
Learning Center DirectorLavarr Zuber has over 10 years of experience working with at-risk children, including serving as Math Instructor for juvenile offenders, Case Manager for recently released juvenile offenders, and Consultation and Education Specialist for children in need of behavioral health services. Mr. Zuber has also served as a Youth and Family Case Manager for a clinical after-school program promoting drug and violence intervention methods. In his spare time, Mr. Zuber serves as a volunteer soccer coach for young children. He holds an undergraduate degree in Psychology from Cheyney University of PA. Mr. Zuber was awarded the “Director of the Year” honor for 2009. | Mentor CoordinatorRecognized as the “Mentor Coordinator of the Year” in 2008, Naaila Gray has dedicated her career to enhancing the lives of youth and children for the past six years. Her wealth of experience includes work in the areas of youth ministry, tutoring and mentoring. While in college, she also launched the “Life After High School Project,” to assist high school students in developing a post-secondary plan. Ms. Gray holds a degree in Communications from Old Dominion University and enjoys speaking at various youth program events. |
Our Philadelphia Partners in the Dream
Drexel University
Pennsylvania Prison Society – Support for Kids of Incarcerated Parents
United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania
Upcoming Events
There are no upcoming events scheduled for this learning center at this time. Please check back later.
