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ABC 7 INTERVIEW
CHICAGO TRIBUNE
Around the Southland: AP students help out at Shepard, $50K grant for Tinley school expansion, and more – Chicago Tribune
Evisha Ford, left, executive director of iCan Dream Center in Tinley Park, accepts a grant award from Devin Maddox, head counsel at Rivers Casino Des Plaines. (iCan Dream Center)
CHICAGO TRIBUNE
Celebrity Chef Rome stopped by a Tinley Park alternative school to fix a meal, help students ‘live out their dreams’
Celebrity chef Jerome Brown, aka Chef Rome, and iCan Dream student Chris Dorsey prepare a meal Saturday at the iCan Dream Center in Tinley Park. Brown did a cooking demonstration for students and their families in support of a fundraising cookbook they are working on together. (Jesse Wright / Daily Southtown)
CHICAGO TRIBUNE
“Supported by cannabis taxes, a Tinley Park school graduated its first class of certified nursing assistants while offering young people a second chance at success”
Taryn Turner, left, stands with behavior therapist Zipporah Leach at iCan Dream Center in Tinley Park. Turner recently graduated from the CNA program at the alternative school, where she has studied for four years. (iCan Dream Center)
Dr. Evisha Ford is available for media interviews on the following topics:
- Equity in Education
- Diversity Equity and Inclusion
- Educational Advocacy
- Special Education
- Leadership
- Public School Administration
- Marginalized Youth
- School to Prison Pipeline
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Neurodiversity
- Implications of Race on Disability Diagnosis and Service Delivery
- Therapeutic Schools
- Trauma-Informed Schools
GOOGLE REVIEWS
iCan Dream Center is an excellent place for children with behavioral issues. Both of my children have greatly benefit from iCan Dream Center. Even to the point of resuming regular classes.
I learned a lot of new things and travel to new places. When I first started here, I felt so nervous but now it feels like home.
I have had nothing but positive interactions each time I’ve worked with the iCan Dream staff. Dr. Ford has done an amazing job of selecting the right people to be on her team to represent her vision of educating and caring for others!
The iCan Dream Center is a place where your child can be immersed in the socio emotional, academic, and functional services needed to help your child to become what they were designed to be.
Love the TLC approach to recognizing the needs of the parents as well!
The iCan Dream Center provides services and opportunity for underserved students and families throughout Southland community. The iCan Dream Center continues to grow its vision focusing on equitable access to education, jobs, and life experiences that students with disabilities or at-risk factors would typically not be afforded. The staff develops nurturing relationships with their students and families which is a contributing factor to the student success rate. Dr. Ford has poured so much love, passion, and HARDWORK into making her dream a reality so the iCan Dream Center can cultivate the dreams and promises of young lives in our community.
I was so amazed to see how well the children and young adults were cared for and developed! This place is excellent in every way, from the facility itself to the knowledgeable and loving staff!
My early childhood age son has been attending since 6/2021 for the summer session and he has made so much progress in so little time. His speech has improved, and meltdowns have significantly subsided. Great communication amongst staff and parents and my son is always excited for school! My prayers have literally been answered.
An absolutely outstanding program. iCan Dream has been a continual resource for the youth and have made a large impact within the community!! Trustworthy and competent staff. Overall blown away with this place!
The iCan Dream Center is one of a kind. Truly has exceeded my expectations as I’ve watched it grow with not only the children, but the community and their families as well.
I came to teach but ended up learning. I am greatful to the students and the staff for an amazing journey throughout this cookbook project. This has truly been rewarding.
The iCan Dream Center is a safe space for children with special needs and their families. The founder of the organization truly has a heart for children and youth and she has been blessed with amazing staff that have hearts for children with special needs as well. When you see how well the staff work together as well as their passion for education and development you know this is a safe place where students can dream, become educated and equipped with the skills necessary for success.
Our son Olu is nearly 14 and he went to his first dance party at ICan Dream Center. He was so happy, he had the best time dancing, exploring the new environment and meeting other teens. We were so comfortable we actually left. Though I danced a little too before we excited the party. We felt so much joy in my heart for our son. Olu said Best weekend of 2021.
This is an absolutely outstanding program. Dr. Evisha Ford has built a wonderful, friendly, & professional team. They are focused on helping children. The many programs and activities that they offer are the best around. This should be a blueprint for other educators to follow! Great job and keep up the outstanding work!