Green Bay Packers Give Back announced that the organization has awarded a $250,000 Social Justice Impact Grant to "I Have A Dream" Foundation – Milwaukee. Social Justice Impact Grants aim to support social justice and racial equality causes in Wisconsin communities.
The "I Have A Dream" Foundation provides long-term individualized social, emotional and academic support to young people from historically marginalized communities from kindergarten through post-secondary education. Program participants are also guaranteed college tuition support. Since the program was founded in 1981, nearly 20,000 students have been served in over 200 programs nationally.
The Milwaukee chapter was founded in 2007 and has continued to grow throughout the years to serve more children, empowering students to thrive at school, at home and in the community by providing support from first grade to first job. In 2022, the chapter launched its most recent cohort with an intentional and intensive focus on wrap-around support for participants and their families. "I Have A Dream" Foundation – Milwaukee is currently serving 100 third graders and their families, including 161 siblings.
"We at "I Have A Dream" Foundation – Milwaukee are overwhelmed and overjoyed by this incredible gift from the Green Bay Packers," said the program's Executive Director Dan Schiller. "Our impact relies on building trusting relationships and understanding the real needs of our kids and families who have often been denied the fundamental things they need to thrive. We serve as a bridge to provide and connect them to the resources and services they want, need and deserve to be at their best. Every one of our Dreamer-Scholars has a light in them, and this kind of investment in their holistic well-being helps us ensure those lights shine bright for everyone to see. Our kids are amazing, and it means so much that the Packers see them and believe in their promise the way that we do. This gift will make a meaningful and lasting difference."
A component of the Green Bay Packers Give Back program, the Social Justic Impact Grant, combined with other Packers charitable endeavors, contribute to a comprehensive Packers charity impact in excess of $13 million in the past year.
