2017 Staff
Conference

Dear “I Have A Dream” Foundation Colleagues,

Please join us for our annual “I Have A Dream” Foundation National Staff Conference, “Growing Stronger for Our Dreamers” in Newark, New Jersey on August 1^st – 5^th 2017.  This year’s conference will be dedicated to Eugene M. Lang, who passed away in April 2017. As the founder of the “I Have A Dream” Foundation, we honor Mr. Lang's legacy by continuing the transformational work he began with his first Dreamer Class in 1981.

The annual IHDF National Staff Conference serves as the organization's "Learning Community" where we gather together to learn new skills and strategies to more effectively support our Dreamers. We also have the opportunity to share best-practices, reflect on our past year and plan for the upcoming year. Most importantly, the conference is a time to celebrate our work, recognize the commitment and hard work of IHDF staff across the network, and rededicate ourselves to our Dreamers and to the mission of the "I Have A Dream" Foundation.

We are very grateful to this year’s host, the “I Have A Dream” Foundation – Newark (soon to be IHDF-New Jersey!), especially to Executive Director Yolanda Gadson, who has been the key organizer of this year’s conference in close collaboration with national staff. As always, this year’s conference promises to be substantive, informative, engaging and fun!

On behalf of the national staff, we look forward to seeing you in Newark in August!

With appreciation,

Donna A. Lawrence
President and CEO

On behalf of our Dreamers, parents, Board and staff, we are so excited to host the 2017 IHDF National Staff Conference, August 1-5, 2017, at Rutgers University in Newark!  It is a fantastic time to visit the City of Newark and experience a very active and vibrant transformation of Newark's downtown district, which serves as home base for leading companies such as Prudential, PSEG, Panasonic Corporation of North America, Audible.com and IDT Corporation. It is also home to leading higher education institution Rutgers University,  Rutgers Law and Medical School, Rutgers renowned Institute of Jazz Studies and the New Jersey Institute of Technology.  Our IHDF Newark office, located in the heart of the city and walking distance to all of the happenings, will host a nightly after-conference party....just kidding!

Here are a few fun facts about Newark as well as what you can expect to enjoy during your stay: 

Fun Facts 

• Newark is home to the largest collection of Cherry Blossoms in the nation with 5,300 housed in Branch Brook Park. Branch Brook Park is also, the nation's first county park.
• Newark's Radio Station WJZ was the first to broadcast the world series in 1921. 
• Newark is nicknamed "Brick City" and "The Gateway City" but most passionately known by locals as "Nork.
• The Ironbound district, or "Down Neck" of Newark, has almost 200 dining options. From American, Italian, Barbecue, Sushi, Brazilian, Portuguese and Spanish restaurants, sandwich shops and bakeries, you will never go hungry in Newark. 
• Enjoy performances at NJPAC, games at the Prudential Center, and art at various art galleries like City Without Walls, Gallery Aferro, and Gateway Project Spaces.
• Don't forget to stop by New Jersey's largest museum, the Newark Museum.
• Jazz buffs, be sure to check out Clement's Place, the Indigo Hotel, the Priory, and outdoor Summer Concert Series hosted by the greatest Jazz station in the world Newark's "WBGO"! 
• Newark is a rapidly developing and busy town. With more than 100,000 people commuting to Newark during the work week, it is New Jersey's largest employment center.
• Among the latest developments is Newark Riverfront Park which runs along the Passaic River in the Ironbound district and has a great view of downtown Newark's skyline.
• We hope you enjoy all of the rich cultures that Newark has to offer and we are excited to have you here!

Warm regards,

"I Have A Dream" Foundation New Jersey