d.r.e.a.m. (discovering reality, easily and meaningfully) is a program designed to provide select at-risk youth an alternative to court-ordered placement. It is a comprehensive program designed with a balanced approach to juvenile offender rehabilitation. The program provides positive alternatives for participation, instills a positive work ethic, enhances pride, develops leadership skills, and at the same time protects the community at large.

Ideally, placement in the d.r.e.a.m. program is designed to last for six months. During this time each participant will be evaluated monthly on the three core components of the d.r.e.a.m. program: education, community service, and behavior modification.

• Education - In addition to receiving tutoring services and homework help, d.r.e.a.m. participants complete a curriculum of life skills and prevention education programs.

• Community Service - To complete court ordered community service, participants engage in a wide variety of activities including walking dogs at the Animal Rescue League, hosting bingo events at senior centers throughout Reading, and facilitating arts & crafts projects for youth at the PAL Unit of the Olivet Boys & Girls Club.

• Behavior Modification – To gauge participants’ compliance in the d.r.e.a.m. program, a point system known as “behavior modification” is employed. Participants can earn up to 10 points a day, and lose points for negative behaviors such as being disrespectful to staff and students, refusing to participate in activities, and being disruptive.

The d.r.e.a.m. program meets Monday through Friday. Students in night school attend the day program which meets from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. Students in day school attend the evening session which meets from 4:00 am to 7:00 pm.

Venessa Colon
d.r.e.a.m. program coordinator
610-898-0788

DuShawn Ware
d.r.e.a.m. education coordinator
610-898-0788

C.J. Williams
d.r.e.a.m. program assistant

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