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Major Mission Committee Oversees I Have A Dream Program

With almost 15 years behind us, there are many success stories as a result of Immanuel’s participation in the I Have a Dream Foundation Program. And, due in large part to the vital role so many have played in this project, Immanuel has begun a second Dreamers program, called "Changing Lives."

PEOPLE make the IHAD Program work. All things are done by the congregational members determined to help Dreamers succeed. The program is flexible. There is always room for new ideas and willing hands. The real danger? Getting involved -- the program is ADDICTIVE!

A Little History
Since 1990, the Immanuel congregation has been sponsoring a class of 66 then-sixth graders in Anacostia under the auspices of the I Have A Dream Foundation. The purpose: Help “Dreamers” through high school and into college or vocational school. The Major Mission Committee, a joint committee of Garden Memorial and Immanuel congregations, oversees the I Have A Dream Program. It is one of 10 sponsors in the Washington area and one of only two church sponsors.

In the early days, a six-year-long Saturday morning tutoring/ educational program at Garden Memorial was conducted by a variety of congregational members and guest speakers. For five years, a summer program was offered, running four days a week for six weeks using professional teachers and college students.