Every program we design and offer is based on two principles -
can at least one child make the world a better place upon completion and
can that child grow up one day and pay it forward

The programs are continually evaluated and enhanced based on what we are seeing in our local community, the needs of our area's children and any specific societal trends that are coming to light.

All of our class are free, highly engaging, focused and started with the expectation that the program will give our children tools they can use for the rest of their lives.

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2024 PROGRAM:

Leadership Through Sports: In partnering with the NFL's GENYOUth's program, work with 7th and 8th grades using flag football to help students at a local school:

• Develop and refine motor skills & movement patterns;
• Understand & apply concepts and strategies that will enhance success;
• Achieve & maintain a health-enhancing level of physical fitness;
• Exhibit responsible personal & social behavior; and 
• Recognize the value of physical activity for health, enjoyment, challenge and social interaction.

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MILESTONES:

• 2024: Received an Alliant Credit Union Foundation's Community Leadership Award of $500
• 2023: Enhanced the Tackle Your Dreams leadership team by adding Eileen Sugrue who embodies the traits of Tackle Your Dreams , including her demonstrated performance in helping those in need, prioritizing children in the community, and her positive energy 
• 2022: Partnered with the Crisis Text Line with a goal of providing 200 hours of service annually. The program helped teens move from a tough moment to a calming moment. 
• 2020: Once COVID was underway, we pivoted to performing phone mock interviews for applicants from at-risk communities looking to enter a trade (e.g. plumber, electrician)
• 2019: Rolled out the Young Gentleman's Club: A class on the basics of becoming a young man. We focused on key interpersonal actions such as handshakes, standing with confidence, listening with patience, cleanliness, appearance, how to use a wallet, manners at the table and the long lost art of chivalry from opening car doors to not being the first to order off the menu
• 2018: Expanded our program to impact another 400+ kids
• 2017:
  • Nominated a local teacher for her great work as a leader in the classroom, who won the Symetra Teacher of the Year Award, that included a $2,000 check for her to use in the classroom, field passes for a Chicago Bears game and recognition during the game at Soldier Field
  • Led the Chicago Bears Mini-Monster Day where several hundred students were able to participate in real-life football drills led by our volunteers and a Chicago Bears Alum
  • Instructed the NFL Character Playbook class which impacted nearly 15 students
• 2016:
  • Tackle Your Dreams is officially incorporated in the State of Illinois and registered as a not-for-profit organization
  • Several hundred volunteer hours put in at local not-for-profit organizations
• 2015: Collected nearly 30 bags of winter clothing for 2 Chicago Public Schools in one of the highest poverty neighborhoods
• 2014: First fund-raiser event with the Race to Wrigley completing with a Top 10 finish for most funds raised for Lurie's Children Hospital
• 2013:
  • Tackle Your Dreams vision and board of directors defined
  • First volunteer event with sorting and tagging a few thousand books for Bernie's Book Bank
  • Collected and donated several dozen toys to the Walter and Connie Payton Foundation
• 2012: Tackle Your Dreams idea was started after a really bad day