The HollywooDreamers Foundation (HWDF) is a private, non-profit youth agency established in 2010 by its Founder Holly Medley. Our vision is to Equip Dreamers through customized programs that will enable them to reach their full potential. HWDF targets inner city at-risk youth ages 13-24 coming mostly from single parentage, low-income, and often volatile environments. These young people are often t
urned away by other inner city youth serving agencies. During the early years, under Holly’s direction, neighborhood youth were persuaded to become responsible and accountable by teaching these and other values through team sports such as basketball. As a condition of playing, youth were required to remain in school and achieve passing grades. Volunteers assisted these efforts by mentoring youth, acting as role models and becoming their extended family at times. Basketball became a physical outlet for these youth, and our first after-school program that became the cornerstone for what we are today. Several hundred youth gained self-confidence, self-respect and developed into responsible adults by applying themselves with their learned values and positive choices from this experience. HollywooDreamers Foundation addresses the community crises of family disintegration, academic failure, violence, unemployment, and gang involvement. The foundation has served over 1,000 youth last year across the city of Chicago. All HollywooDreamers services are grounded in a Positive Youth Development Model, enabling youth to become more confident in their abilities, more resilient to adversity, and better prepared for the transition to adulthood. Our work is committed to addressing the growing need to promote the physical, mental, spiritual, and academic well-being of African American and Latino males within the community; many of whom face disproportionate risks and challenges. Our philosophy is “Dream, Believe, Work, and Achieve.” The HWDF works collaboratively with students and the community to build confidence in the intelligence, athletic abilities, and personal development of young men in the attainment of their dreams. In 2015 Hollywoodreamers opened the doors of a newly constructed facility that is now known as the "Bronzeville Dream Center" which is a place of retreat for under privileged youth in the city of Chicago. With the rise of violent crime in the city, the Dream Center serves as an alternative for those who are at risk of being incarcerated or becoming homeless. At HWDF, we consider ourselves a strong and resilient community network that will not stand by and watch our kids fall prey to a vicious cycle. We’re in the business of disrupting that cycle and helping our young people create the foundation for a bright and rewarding future. That’s the reason we do what we do. We have become a leader in serving at-risk youth through our ability to connect with these youths when others could not, which is our passion and strength.
