DREAMS Program

The Dallas DREAMS chapter was introduced to the Garland community by Mr. Shaji Thomas and Mr. Johnson Kuriakose, who visited the DREAMS program in Monroe, LA. With the help of Mr. Haridas Thankappan and other friends, they conducted an open dinner musical night on Saturday, April 26th, 2014 to officially inaugurate and welcome more volunteers to the project.

Mr. Shaji Thomas, Mr. Johnson Kuriakose, and Mr. Haridas Thankappan (co-founders) met with the board members of the India Cultural and Education Center (ICEC). In the first week of August 2014, the Dallas chapter organized its first summer camp at ICEC, serving predominantly second-generation Indian middle schoolers.

Ms. Brandy Soileau, Ms. Linda Legrand, and Mr. Nicholas Duncun from Louisiana visited and trained the mentors for the first couple of summer camps and follow-up programs. The active involvement of children and their parents made the events a huge success.

In 2016, ICEC of Dallas TX agreed to collaborate with Let Us Dream, Inc., and Dallas DREAMS was approved as an official service project of the Dallas County Community College District.

The project serves more than 30 middle school students each year with 12–15 college mentors and over 12 adult community volunteers. Those students who completed the first three-year program now help run the camps and follow-up sessions.

In 2020, under the leadership of Mr. Leon Tharakan, Mr. Alen Koshy, Mr. Jotham Simon, and Ms. Leah Tharakan, the Dallas youth team implemented the first virtual summer camp.

DREAMS Band

The DREAMS Band strives towards making a positive difference in the community by utilizing musical skills. The band was initiated under the leadership of Mr. Shaji Thomas, Mr. Dawn Jose, Mr. Sujan Tharakan, and Mr. Mathew Ozhukayil.

Mr. Leon Tharakan, Ms. Angela Shaji, and Ms. Leah Tharakan served as youth leaders, organizing performances at summer camps and local events. Their concerts have received wide recognition, and they continue to recruit new members to explore and develop musical talents.

DREAMS Pro Club

The DREAMS Pro-club is a support group for the personal and professional development of young professionals. Small groups of 10–12 working professionals meet once every month to discuss and implement strategies for personal growth, communication skills, leadership, cooperation, and community engagement.

The Dallas Pro Club Chapter is yet to be initiated. Those interested in partnering may contact Mr. Johnson Kuriakose for further details.