Dream Makers Youth Foundation (DMYF) believes that children with special needs have the right to engage in all activities made available to typically developing children. They deserve to have an accessible environment. They deserve to feel good about themselves. They deserve to fit in where needed. They deserve to enjoy being kids!
DMYF is dedicated to promoting the overall well-being of children with special needs and their families. We are visionaries determined to make a difference in the lives of our children, one dream at a time.
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Dream Makers Youth Foundation (DMYF) is a non-profit organization that provides community-based educational, recreational, and therapeutic services to children with special needs throughout Metropolitan Atlanta. Our mission is to enable children with special needs to be as independent as their conditions allow, within their natural environments.
DMYF is determined to make a difference in the lives of children with special needs through the following initiatives:
Through the programs and services we offer, and the personal relationships we develop, we impact the lives of everyone we come in contact with.
Dream Makers Youth Foundation has a five-member Board of Directors with a variety of educational and professional experience. Each member is dedicated to serving their community and providing assistance to those less fortunate than themselves. Each member was recruited based on their areas of expertise and selected based on our organization's mission and objectives.
Nikki K. Wilson, MA OTR/L
Founder and President
Nikki Wilson is an Occupational Therapist who earned her Master's degree from New York University in 2001. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Sciences from Western Michigan University (Kalamazoo, MI) in 1997. Nikki has been providing Pediatric Occupational Therapy services in a variety of settings since graduation; including aquatic, school-based and home-based therapies. She has attended several Continuing Education courses. Besides being competent in the stages of childhood development, Nikki has also coached wheelchair soccer and basketball.
Patricia A Wilson
Vice President
Patricia Wilson is a retired middle school English and Reading Teacher who earned her Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Michigan State University (Lansing, MI) in Secondary Education (1972) and Secondary Reading (1974), respectively. Ms. Patricia Wilson has taught on both the secondary levels and adult education levels in the Lansing, Comstock, and Kalamazoo School Districts. Besides having over 30+ years of experience in education, she is competent in curriculum research and development for school-aged children.
Anthony Riviere
Chairperson
Anthony Riviere is the Managing Principal for SHEA Engineering and owner of The Bernstein Group where he provides Project Management Services, Business Consulting, and Import/Export services. He earned an EMBA in International Marketing from Emory University and a degree in Civil Engineering from Georgia Tech with certificates in Materials, Urban Planning and Management. He is a member of the St. Thomas the Apostle Church and served as Grand Knight for the St. Thomas Knights of Columbus from 2008 - 2009 (Council 12386). Anthony looks forward to helping the Dream Makers Youth Foundation grow in scope and coverage by leading process development efforts and assisting with corporate development.
Gavin Cloy
Board Member
Gavin Cloy is a world-class Paralympic wheelchair basketball player with several years of experience with the National Wheelchair Basketball Association and international play. He played on Team USA during the Paralympic Games in 2004. In 2006, he won a Silver medal during the World Games. Gavin is very involved in the wheelchair sports community and has been instrumental in recruiting wheelchair athletes for our integrated sports events. He believes strongly in the importance of sports for all youth and is passionate about introducing wheelchair sports to youth in chairs.
Eric LaVette
Director of Marketing and Sponsorships
Eric LaVette, a marketing and sales professional has a diverse background in sales, marketing, business development, and entrepreneurship. He has been fortunate enough to work in the digital media space for over 10 years and has been a leader in helping businesses shift their marketing communication efforts from traditional media to the Internet. Blessed with a rare gift for making personal connections, Eric is a skillful communicator in both one-on-one and group settings. With a strong educational background that includes a bachelor's degree in Management/Marketing and an MBA in marketing and e-commerce from Keller Graduate School, Eric has marketing and advertising campaign management skills that are among the best in the industry.
The Sports Teams for All Regardless of Specialty (S.T.A.R.S.) Adaptive Sports Program encourages children with special needs to actively adjust to their conditions by providing them with opportunities to participate in sports and recreational activities.
Typically developing kids have countless opportunities to participate in competitive sports, whether it is during recess playing a game of pick-up basketball, or in an organized league. Children with disabilities would also benefit from competing in team sports, but unfortunately, there are limited opportunities for them. Dream Makers Youth Foundation initiated our S.T.A.R.S. Adaptive Sports Program to give our kids with special needs a chance to play!!
Our enrolled children experience the following benefits:
Through participation in our year-long S.T.A.R.S. programs, our children with special needs actively adjust to their conditions and enjoy being kids!
The Universal Tennis Academy (UTA), under the direction of tennis professionals Tim Noonan, David Stoole, Patti O'Reilly, and along with the assistance of many other UTA volunteers, offers FREE tennis lessons to children with special needs. Because of the Sports Teams for All Regardless of Specialty (S.T.A.R.S.) program, we are excited to be able to offer the chance for our kids to play tennis. More so, we are delighted to see the impact this program has made on the children already involved.
Openings are still available for this year-long program. Tennis lessons are typically held two Saturdays each month from 4:00pm to 5:30pm at the Bitsy Grant Tennis Center (2125 Northside Drive, Atlanta GA 30305) and one Saturday each month from 4:30pm to 6:00pm at the Blackburn Tennis Center (3501 Ashford-Dunwoody Road, Atlanta GA 30319).
Registration is required for this program. If you know of a child that would benefit from participation, please contact us.
CAMP DREAM - ALWAYS A HUGE SUCCESS!!!
Dream Makers Youth Foundation hosts Camp Dream. This special camp offers swimming lessons for children with special needs. Our campers learn skills such as photography, videography and video gaming. Some of our recreational activities include playing basketball and learning golf.
Check out the YouTube video to see footage from previous years.
The UTA has been offering our kids FREE tennis lessons for over 10 years. They are now in jeopardy of losing their contract.
Tap or click here for information on how YOU can help.
Since January of 2009, Dream Makers Youth Foundation has been hosting a monthly special event called "Family Movie Night". We create a theater-like atmosphere complete with a concession stand where your children can be themselves and enjoy a great evening enjoying a family-friendly movie together. Don't forget ... parents can join too. Of course, no stigmas are attached.
The Universal Tennis Academy (UTA), under the direction of tennis professionals Tim Noonan, David Stoole, Patti O'Reilly, and along with the assistance of many other UTA volunteers, offers FREE tennis lessons to children with special needs. Because of the Sports Teams for All Regardless of Specialty (S.T.A.R.S.) program, we are excited to be able to offer the chance for our kids to play tennis. More so, we are delighted to see the impact this program has made on the children already involved.
Openings are still available for this year-long program. Tennis lessons are typically held two Saturdays each month from 4:00pm to 5:30pm at the Bitsy Grant Tennis Center (2125 Northside Drive, Atlanta GA 30305) and one Saturday each month from 4:30pm to 6:00pm at the Blackburn Tennis Center (3501 Ashford-Dunwoody Road, Atlanta GA 30319).
Registration is required for this program. If you know of a child that would benefit from participation, please contact us.
Dream Makers Youth Foundation began hosting its Parent Empowerment Series in April of 2009. These powerful sessions, held at least three times throughout the year, feature speakers with expertise in areas of concern for parents of special needs children.
Dream Makers Youth Foundation is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of the children we serve and their families. We, therefore, schedule speakers through our Parent Empowerment Series to discuss issues relevant to raising children with special needs. These important issues/topics may include Education Advocacy, Behavior Management, Coping Strategies, Special Needs Trusts, and Diet Options for Autistic Children. The Parent Empowerment Series is hosted during our Family Movie Night. So, while the parents are being empowered, their children enjoy movies and concession stand goodies. It's a win-win situation for our parents and the children we serve!!
Dream Makers Youth Foundation has hosted its annual Celebrity Wheelchair Basketball Jam (CWBJ) since 2004. This star-studded event is a fast-paced game of basketball where local celebrities play wheelchair basketball in loaner chairs with and against disabled athletes.
Check out this video clip from a previous CWBJ
The Atlanta Hawks along with Dream Makers Youth Foundation host their annual "Hawks Night" at State Farm Arena in Atlanta GA. This entertaining event is filled with fun and surprises. See the Atlanta Hawks take on NBA rivals and cheer on some of our favorite Atlanta Hawks players.
The Dream Makers Youth Foundation annually seeks volunteers to help raise funds during the PGA Tour Championship in Atlanta GA. This FUN and rewarding event usually is held at the East Lake Golf Club, 2575 Alston Drive SE, Atlanta GA 30317.
Join us for our annual Casino Night & Auction Gala. Come dressed to impress in your “elegant chic” attire. Be ready to play hard and bid large as we raise the most money we ever have!!! Admission price includes: play money for the casino, hors d'oeuvres, homemade desserts, and beer & wine tasting for those who want them, and while supplies last. All attendees must be at least 21 years old. So MAKE PLANS TO JOIN US!!! BRING YOUR FAMILY & FRIENDS, YOUR FAMILY'S FAMILY, AND YOUR FRIENDS' FRIENDS TOO!!! We look forward to seeing you!!!
Since 2005, the Knights of Columbus Charities of Georgia has designated Dream Makers Youth Foundation as their "Tootsie Roll Drive" recipient. All funds raised during their annual Tootsie Roll Drive have been donated to the Dream Makers Youth Foundation. We are very grateful for their hard work and dedication to helping children with special needs.
Since 2008, Dream Makers Youth Foundation has hosted an annual Holiday Party. Every year has been a huge success as our children enjoyed decorating cookies, getting holiday tattoos, and making Christmas tree decorations. They also receive a gift from Santa himself! Each year, the Dream Makers Youth Foundation celebrates Christmas during our Holiday party.
Sheena McDonald | Media Contributor |
Download Dream Makers Youth Foundation Media Kit
Want to become a Dream Makers Youth Foundation volunteer? Contact us
Dream Makers Youth Foundation is currently seeking much-needed funds to assist with the maintenance, improvement, and implementation of our programs and annual events. We need support from individuals like you, who are willing to embrace and address the challenges faced by children with special needs and their families. Help us make a difference by making a contribution today!
ALL DONATIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE
You can make a contribution to the Dream Makers Youth Foundation using your Debit or Credit card via PayPal©. Simply tap or click the "Donate" button below. Thank you.
Dreamworks Children’s Therapy Network offers superior Occupational Therapy services to preschool through high school children with special needs.
We are dedicated to promoting the overall well-being of children with special needs and their families, as we work towards independence together, to improve their qualities of life.
Helping children to meet their goals is our business. We envision our children accomplishing amazing things and achieving personal miracles. Our success is measured by your child’s success!
Occupational Therapy Services Provided:
If you would like to work with our exceptional staff to assist in your child's development, there are a few steps you'll need to take before we can get started.
Dreamworks Children’s Therapy Network is a proud partner of Dream Makers Youth Foundation. Through their partnership, we are able to offer these monthly events:
Mark Selbee, World Champion Kickboxer
Created in the name of long-time friend and supporter Mark Selbee, the Mark Selbee Memorial Scholarship Fund provides scholarships to college students with disabilities. Mark was introduced to us by his wife Amy. He was our FIRST able-bodied celebrity to play in our FIRST Celebrity Wheelchair Basketball Jam. Mark played in EVERY Jam. We always looked forward to him playing. He was energetic, TRIED to be a team player, and didn’t mind looking foolish for the cause. As a matter of fact, we had a running joke between us -- that he did not make a basket until his THIRD YEAR.
Mark did more than play. He helped recruit celebrities every year. He developed relationships with the other players and our kids. He and Amy were instrumental in getting nearly $10,000 donated to our organization. Because of his dedication, he was awarded our first Volunteer of the Year award. As a tribute to Mark Selbee, we have named this scholarship on his behalf.
If you know of a college student with disabilities, apply for the Mark Selbee Memorial Scholarship Fund today !!!
Created by an Occupational Therapist, Rhythm & Writing provides parents, teachers and other professionals easy and effective strategies to teach their students and kids to write properly. It includes a pre-assessment, lessons and practice pages with similarly-formed letters, instructional videos, and a post-assessment to facilitate and demonstrate the learning experience.
Each time your shop at smile.amazon.com Amazon makes a donation to Dream Makers Youth Foundation.
Similar to the famous “Dear Abby” advice column, Ask Gavin answers questions directed towards the writer, but the difference is that the questions asked will be specifically disability-related. World-class Paralympic wheelchair basketball player Gavin Cloy will act as a mediator (see his biography below). He is interested and willing to share his experience and expertise with those who have recently become disabled.
Nikki Wilson, president of Dream Makers Youth Foundation, selected Gavin because he is the perfect candidate for an advice column such as this. She considers their advice forum "...an awesome resource for those (both typically developing, and those with disabilities) who have questions or concerns about what it’s like to be or become disabled, the rehabilitation process, or playing wheelchair sports,” and she looks forward to it evolving into a therapeutic tool used throughout the country.
Submit your questions using the form below and Gavin will respond as soon as possible. So, don't waste another minute. Go ahead and Ask Gavin!
Gavin Cloy, Paralympian
After losing both my legs in a train accident at the age of 21, I had a lot of uncertainty about my future. A man approached me about 6 months after my accident and asked me if I had ever heard of wheelchair basketball. When he learned that I hadn’t heard of the sport, he told me when and where the local team practiced and encouraged me to join the team. At the time I wasn’t in the right mindset for his advice so I didn’t think too much about it and I never went to check out a practice. A couple of months later while out at a local restaurant I was approached yet again by another stranger who insisted I needed to try out wheelchair basketball. By this point, I had decided that I could use the exercise and I was ready for a new challenge in my life so I decided to go to practice. I am so grateful that I did because I absolutely fell in love with the game of wheelchair basketball in the first practice I attended!
The game has opened up so many doors for me including offering me a college education while playing for the University of Illinois Fighting Illini and offering me opportunities to travel the world as a part of Team USA. I owe so much to this sport for making me the man I am today and I am very passionate about letting both young people and adults with a disability know about the opportunities that are out there both on and off the court.
The 'Ask Gavin' page is designed to be an open forum where you can ask questions about anything disability-related. I would love to answer your questions about wheelchair basketball, sports in general, living life with a disability, or anything else you can think of to ask! The mission of 'Ask Gavin' is to give people a place to ask and get answers to questions that people have about life with a disability. Disability doesn’t play favorites. It can happen to anyone at any time and for many of us, it can be a scary experience that we aren’t ready to handle. I’m happy to help you or someone you know adjusts to his or her new life. For those of you that have been disabled for longer, I hope you ask questions of me as well but know you are also welcome to add your thoughts and opinions to the mix!
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