Operation DREAM Mentoring Program for Boys
Mission Statement: Operation DREAM was organized to connect with and provide guidance to at-risk school age boys and their families, with hopes of producing responsible citizens.
A Litte History....
A couple years ago, a frustrated mother told me "Just take my son and put him in a boot camp!" The concept of Operation DREAM was born at that moment. In 2006 three Milwaukee natives, Rodney Bourrage, Kenneth Kingsby and Roderick Williams wanted to help change the way Milwaukee youth were being influenced by gangs and violence. After this meeting Rodney Bourrage took to the streets and gathered up some boys who were in the need of guidance and direction.Today Operation DREAM is one of the most exciting and effective mentoring programs in town. Leadership trainings are held every Saturday at Children’s Outing Association (COA) river west facility. Operation DREAM has 1 full time, 4 part time , and 4 volunteer staff members who mentor over 70 boys. Operation DREAM members are 4 to 17 years old. All the boys go through 6 weeks of leadership training before they are allowed to move up in levels of rank. Operation DREAM core values are discipline, respect, education, appreciation and mentoring. We also instill the importance of being a good productive community member. Operation DREAM fieldtrips include visits to local museums, sporting events, state universities, and nature outings. Operation DREAM, now in the third year has it’s own 501c3 non-profit status. All donations are tax deductible. Operation DREAM is making an impact in the Milwaukee community. We have a goal to take 100 boys off the street every year and place them in this structured program. Unlike other mentoring programs, Operation DREAM staff is committed to mentor these boys until they reach adulthood. Our DREAM is that our members become productive citizens in their respective communities. All the boys and their families have access to the mentors 24 hours a day in case of any emergencies. Together we can make a difference!
Rodney Bourrage
President and Founder
The most recent community work our members have vounteered in: April 5th Milwaukee area clean up with Richard Badger, from the Mayor's office, 12th, Prayer Breakfast for Peace at Bethany Luthern Church. May 10th, Cleanup with Agape Neighborhood Association, 17th Wellness walk for Peace with Tracey Dent from the Mayor's office, 24th Overnight visit and fishing trip to Ripon College and the Fox River, March for Freedom with 2500 other concerned citizens, 25th Overnight fishing trip to Fort Atkinson, 31st visit to Rufus Kihg High school, trip to Elm Brook park to join Mt Calvary Church in a family outing for children, June 6th helped Lutheran Ministries with a church cleanup, joined in at Washington park for the E,B, Gardner Fishing Clinic, 14th joined L.A.N.D. with the Lisbon ave Neighborhood Clean Up, passed out flyers for a safe Juneteeth Clebration, swimming party at The Hilton Hotel, 21st Overnight Fishing trip to Montello, Wolf River, 28th Prayer Breafast with the Lutheran Socitey for Non-Violence, Community Display at Mr Perkins resturant. Yes, Yes, we stay busy and involved in our community!
Recently, our young men from Operation DREAM were invited to a prayer breakfast at Bethany Lutheran. There were many individuals in attendance, including Dr. Howard Fuller, Willie Hines, common council president, Captain Harpo from Milwaukee police department, and Ron Fields, state assemblyman. Operation DREAM members were recognized at this breakfast for being outstanding stewards in the community.
On May 24th and June 14th our members were featured on Channel Six's community news segment. To view the media coverage go to the website below:
My Fox Milwaukee and type in, Youth March For Peace and for the other coverage type in, Organizers of Milwaukee Juneteeth Call.
JS Online and type in Selig dedicates diamond.
More information will follow on these events - we make the news pretty often because we are out in the community trying to make a difference.
On Tuesday July 1st members from Operation DREAM will take our show on the road and visit Madison and see how our state representatives feel about helping inner city youth have a safe summer.
Operation DREAM had a summer outing at Dr. Mark Wichman's summer home on Big Cedar Lake Wednesday August 6th.
Eleven boys from the program had a chance to enjoy lake front activities that Mark and his wife provided for the group. All the boys enjoyed themselves with boat and jetski rides, tubbing, fishing, and swimming activities. Mark had a host of family members join the boys as the fun filled day was a DREAM of a lifetime for the boys. Attorney James Miller also joined in and took the boys on jetski rides. Again, Dr. Mark Wichman, Operation DREAM board member, has raised the bar as to how we can show our kids an alternative to the violent city streets.
WAY TO GO MARK!
Operation DREAM has a military style with a rites of passage theme
Operation DREAM survives solely on generous donations from our community.
All gifts are tax deductible.
Operation DREAM, Inc.
5555 N. Port Washington Road
Suite 303
Milwaukee, WI 53217
rdbourrage@hotmail.com 414 507-5008