Organization Details:

Elliott-Chelsea "I Have a Dream" is housing-based. Two consecutive classes of first graders living in the Elliott-Chelsea housing projects qualified for participation. It is a long-term education program with the promise of college tuition assistance. The "I Have a Dream" program has committed to work with this same group of children (the "Dreamers") and their families year-round from their elementary school years through college. Before the inception of the latest program, there was a first Elliott-Chelsea program. Many graduates of this program are now in college and pursuing their goals. Due to the success of the first program, development of second and third was a natural progression.

"I Have a Dream" relies heavily on volunteers of all ages to bring their strengths and passions to the program. This is where you can make a significant impact. Our organization has a great need for volunteers. We need Academic Tutors, Arts and Recreation volunteers, and Computer Instructors for second and third grade students.

Description and/or History:
Chelsea-Elliott II “I Have a Dream” is housing-based. Two consecutive classes of first graders living in the Chelsea-Elliott II housing projects qualify for participation. Before the inception of this program, there was a first Chelsea-Elliott II program. Many graduates of this program are now in college and pursuing their goals. Due to the success of the first program, development of a second one was a natural progression.

The mission of the Chelsea-Elliott II “I Have a Dream” program is to imbue children with the knowledge, intellectual curiosity, and fortitude to reach their potential. They may cultivate talents in areas ranging from academia and the arts to community organization. These Dreamers will have a chance to achieve goals they could not have imagined.

The Chelsea-Elliott II program fosters academic, social, creative and civic development. It is a multi-pronged program with a comprehensive professional staff. The program also relies on volunteers of all ages, who bring their strengths and passions. Program Director Elizabeth Cooke, LCSW, a licensed practicing psychotherapist, had ten years of experience heading the mental health center in the first Chelsea-Elliott II program. Her staff includes Assistant Program Director Treston Lambert, Program Educator Salim Martin, Program Manager Natalie Corujo, a former Dreamer, and Teil Samuels, Support Staff. Also working for the program are interns from professional graduate schools and CUNY Federal Work Study students.

In 1981, entrepreneur Eugene Lang made an historic speech, giving birth to the “I Have a Dream” Foundation®. As he prepared to address students at the East Harlem elementary school he had attended fifty years earlier, the school principal informed him that three-quarters of the student body would probably not graduate high school. Lang mounted the podium and surprised the audience with an impromptu promise to provide college tuition for every student who graduates high school. The implications of this amazing plan reverberated across the country, and “I Have a Dream” programs multiplied. There are currently over 180 programs in the US and one in New Zealand. Programs vary in size and structure and have their own sponsors.

Contact people:

Terence Stokes, Volunteer Coordinator, (212) 627-3086, (email) Treston Lambert, Assistant Director, (212) 627-3086, (email)

Address:

322 Eighth Ave, Suite 200 New York, NY 10001 (See a map)

Directions:

Take the C or E train to 23rd Street and Eighth Ave, walk 3 blocks to 26th Street. The entrance is located on 26 Street.   Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: 23 Street c and E Trains,   Walk distance (in minutes): 2-4 minutes