Who We Are
Our Sponsor Story
Eighty-five year old businessman Jerome Robinson and his brothers, Herbert and Bernard, sponsored an "I Have A Dream" program in the Bronx in 1987. In 2006, he decided to sponsor a second class of Dreamers, this time in Newark, NJ. Ensuring the success of the Newark Dreamers is a team effort, and Mr. Robinson has pulled together other Sponsors and supporters from across the community. "'I Have A Dream' is the most worthwhile organization I know of that helps disadvantaged kids. Being a Sponsor has made me aware of the tremendous need in our world. I love helping Dreamers because I get so much satisfaction from seeing the kids advancing and learning."
Our Staff
Lhenee Riddick Program Director
newarkdream@gmail.com
Jenna Dublin Program Coordinator
jennadublin@gmail.com
James Johnson Program Coodinator jjohns87@hotmail.com
Board of Directors
We are seeking to grow our Board of Directors. Please reach out to Jerry Robinson at jlrinweld@aol.com if you are interested in learning more about this valuable opportunity.
Jerry Robinson Lead Sponsor of “I Have A Dream” Foundation of Newark
Peggy Barnett Executive Director of Ruth Bass Foundation
Deacon Francis Dixon Executive Director of The Vision of Hope Community Development Corporation
Diane Hill Executive Director of Office of Campus & Community Relations, Rutgers University
Jim Hudgins Private Investor, Chairman of the Board
Christine Lydon Director of Professional Personnel at McCarter & English
Bernard Robinson Former President of Awisco Corporation
Joseph Rothenberg Private Practice
Anthony Santiago Vice President of Asset Building of Newark Now
Sam Schwartz Former Chairman of Sonotek Corporation
Our National History
An impulsive move on the part of one visionary man sparked a national movement to positively impact the lives of children in low-income communities from coast to coast...
In 1981, New York philanthropist Eugene Lang promised a college education to 61 East Harlem sixth-graders if they completed high school. Lang referred to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his “I Have a Dream” speech. To achieve their dreams, the students were promised a scholarship, as well as Lang’s friendship, time, and his commitment to monitor their progress.
Lang’s vision and the success of his initial program inspired the launch of “I Have a Dream” foundations with more than 70 affiliates nationwide, helping disadvantaged youth stay in school and turn their dreams of a positive future into reality. Participating students receive the support and encouragement necessary to earn a high school diploma. Each student who graduates on time is guaranteed a scholarship to a college, university, vocational or trade school. 
Since then, 199 "I Have A Dream" programs have operated in 27 states, Washington, D.C., and New Zealand, together serving over 15,000 Dreamers. In the New York Metro Area alone, there have been 31 successful “I Have A Dream” programs in Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, The Bronx, Long Island, and New Jersey. These programs have dramatically changed the lives of more than 2,000 children.