Developed as a gang prevention program, award-winning Dreams & Futures is like summer day camp, emphasizing teamwork, self-esteem, decision making and standing strong against drugs, alcohol and gangs. The program is designed for 4th through 7th grade children at a high risk of getting involved in gangs, drugs and/or alcohol use.
Local schools identify the children who attend Dreams & Futures every weekday for two weeks. Summer mornings begin with classes in writing and computer skills. Afternoons include soccer and basketball camps, coached by police and community volunteers. Twice a week there are field trips to local museums and aquariums. Kids learn about leadership, cooperating with others and conflict resolution. They meet, work and play with police officers, encouraging a positive view of law enforcement.
Program staff consists of MVPD employees, volunteers and older kids from the community who can serve as role models or even mentors in relationships that continue after Dreams & Futures. It's a great opportunity to meet successful adults who were once at-risk kids themselves.
"My name is Ana Jauregui and I went through Dreams & Futures when I was a teenager. Dreams & Futures put me down the right path. It guided me to make the right decisions for my future. This program showed me useful life skills. I got involved in many community and school activities. Now I am a Police Explorer for the city of Mountain View. Thanks to this program, I have done great things with my life."
"Kids keep asking if they can come back to Dreams & Futures. They love it.This is a program that shows that a dream can happen when a kid knowsthat his 'future' doesn't have to be unproductive and bad!" Officer Bill Crawford, retired. |  | Definition:
At-risk Kids
Kids at a higher-than-normal risk of becoming involved in gangs, drugs or alcohol.
Dreams & Futures Attendees
2005: 72 Kids
2004: 75 Kids
2003: 48 Kids
Questions?
School Resource Officer
Ron Cooper
650/903-6387
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