1. URBAN DREAMS: 2016
YEAR IN REVIEW
Monday, January 30, 2017 Into the Future
Over the past year, Urban Dreams has created new programs, events,
and hired new staff. In this report, you will relive the journey of 2016
and understand our goals for 2017.

2. Urban Dreams: 2016 Year in Review
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CONTENTS
Urban Dreams 2016 Yearend Review – Executive Summary................................................................................... 3
The 2017 Urban Dreams Community Events ................................................................................................................. 3
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT EVENTS ......................................................................................................4
The Iowa Brown and Black Presidential Forum............................................................................................................. 4
Valentines Day Daughter Dance...................................................................................................................................... 5
Trunk-or-Treat ...................................................................................................................................................................... 5
24-Hour Community Appreciation Buffet....................................................................................................................... 5
Community Health Fair....................................................................................................................................................... 5
BBQ for Dreams................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Dreamchasers 8K Run/2-Mile Walk............................................................................................................................... 6
Glad Tidings Market .......................................................................................................................................................... 6
PROGRAMS..............................................................................................................................................7
Outpatient Substance Abuse Treatment and Services ................................................................................................ 7
Mental Health Counseling and Therapy......................................................................................................................... 7
Babies Need Boxes............................................................................................................................................................. 7
Public Allies........................................................................................................................................................................... 7
Tech DREAMS ....................................................................................................................................................................... 8
22nd Street Walk................................................................................................................................................................. 8
Public Safety Committee.................................................................................................................................................... 8
HONORS AND AWARDS..........................................................................................................................9
Wayne Ford......................................................................................................................................................................... 9
Izaah JB Knox ...................................................................................................................................................................... 9
SUMMARY..............................................................................................................................................10
Board of Directors.............................................................................................................................................................10
Succession Plan...................................................................................................................................................................10
Accounting and Bookkeeping .........................................................................................................................................10
Fundraising Goals .............................................................................................................................................................11
New Location......................................................................................................................................................................11
Mission Statement..............................................................................................................................................................11

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URBAN DREAMS 2016 YEAREND REVIEW – EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In 2016 Urban Dreams served over 4000 people in the Des Moines Urban Core and statewide. This exceeded UD’s goal of serving
3000 people in 2016 and is double the amount of people Urban Dreams was able to serve in 2015. The goal for 2017 is to serve
over 4000 people.
Many of the programs are tried and true and include substance abuse services, mental health treatment, and holiday events. However,
Urban Dreams has engaged in new innovative events to expand its reach and move into the future. This includes working with the Des
Moines Police Department toward increased public safety in the metro, a youth technology-training program for local high-school
students, as well as becoming a partner with Americorps for its Public Allies program.
The future of Urban Dreams is bright. It has entered into a succession plan for a new Executive Director, implemented a 3-year
fundraising plan, added board members, moved into a new building, and has begun initiatives to strengthen programs and increase
collaborations.
THE 2017 URBAN DREAMS COMMUNITY EVENTS
Month Event
January MLK Jr. Day event
February Urban Dreams Valentine’s Day Daughter Dance
March Urban Dreams Easter Egg Hunt
April Dream Chasers 2-mile walk and 8k road run exploring the Northside
May Spring outdoor movie and carnival
June Community health fair
July 24-hour Community Appreciation Buffett
August #UrbanDreamsMatters 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament and BBQ
September BBQ for Dreams
October Urban Dreams and 6th Avenue Corridor Trunk-or-Treat and BBQ
November Urban Dreams, Creative Visions, and Polk County Turkey Giveaway
December Glad Tidings Market

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URBAN DREAMS: 2016 YEAR IN REVIEW
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT EVENTS
In 2016, Urban Dreams (UD) continued its efforts to reengage the community it serves by creating new and reestablishing free or low-
cost, positive, and family-orientated events. Urban Dreams hosted community events every month of 2016, catering to over 2000
people.
UD partnered with local non-profits and businesses to achieve its community engagement goals. A series of special thanks are owed to
the frequent collaborators who made these events possible.
UD originally intended to offer 12 events in 2016, one event per month, but UD was able to exceed its goals. There was a variety of
events meant to engage the diverse demographics in the UD community. Events included a presidential primary forum, a Valentine’s
Day dance, an Easter egg hunt, an 8k run, a health fair, a community buffet/open house, a winter vehicle check-up in collaboration with
the Des Moines Police Department, a “Get out the Vote” event, a community barbecue, and a market for community members to buy
low price Christmas toys.
All events included food, fun, and swag for the attendees and other participants. In 2017, UD plans to serve over 3000 community
members with our events. Below is a detailed list of the 2016 events and the planned events for 2017.
THE IOWA BROWN AND BLACK PRESIDENTIAL FORUM
Monday, January 11, 2016 – The Urban Dreams Iowa Brown and Black Presidential Forum,
presented by Fusion Cable Network, was a huge success. All three candidates vying to
represent the Democratic Party took the stage in front of a sold out Olmsted Center. Whether
you had the opportunity to watch it at Drake University or at home, Secretary Clinton,
Governor O’Malley, and Senator Sanders answered questions that not only emphasized the
needs of minority communities but the needs of all Americans. A complete video of the event is
available at brownandblackforum.org or via this YouTube link: Iowa Brown and Black Forum
full length.
UD would like to recognize the events gracious sponsors and partners (in no particular order) because, without them, we cannot be
“Here to Help.” Thank you:
 Broadlawns Medical Center  MidAmerican Energy
 Drake University  Iowa Public Television
 The United States Conference of Mayors  Knapp Properties
 Wells Fargo  Cashmere Agency
 Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease  Every Child Matters
 Community CPA  Iowa House Democrats
 Simpson College  AFSCME Iowa Council 61
 DMACC
UD hopes the Iowa Brown and Black Presidential Forum was just the start of an ongoing conversation about equality in our community.

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VALENTINES DAY DAUGHTER DANCE
Friday, February 26, 2016 – The second event in the series was the Urban Dreams Valentine’s Day Daughter Dance. UD partnered with
the John R. Grubb YMCA to give girls in the community a fun-filled night to remember. Each child received candy, flowers, and enjoyed
a night of dancing. The 75 plus community members ate hot dogs, chips, and juice. Girls of all ages were invited to come with their
father, mother, uncles, aunts or whomever the special adult in their life happens to be. It was our second annual dance and we look
forward to another great event in 2017 with even more girls in attendance.
TRUNK-OR-TREAT
Saturday, October 22, 2016 – 2016 was the second annual Trunk-or-Treat in collaboration with Sixth
Avenue Corridor. Over 200 “trunk-or-treaters” received candy from the 20 decorated cars (including one
Des Moines Police car) on 6th Avenue in the St. Vincent parking lot. Moreover, UD served over 300
dinners to the kids and the adults who attended. This event proved to be a safe, fun, and fulfilling
Halloween activity with families and friends. All the kids had a great time and volunteers almost ran out of
candy.
24-HOUR COMMUNITY APPRECIATION BUFFET
Thursday, July 28, 2016 – Friday, July 29, 2016 – Urban Dreams opened its doors to
public safety officers, firefighters, police, and EMT’s for a 24-hour buffet, which served to
strengthen the relationship between the community and the people who work to make it a
safer place. Over 600 community members and public servants had a positive
experience together, which promoted appreciation, safety, and compassion toward one
another. UD believes this is essential to community prosperity. The event was a hit, with
prominent public servants such as Mayor Cownie and Chief Wingert in attendance. UD
prepared food on location with the help of volunteers and the event served as a good way
for UD to showcase its new building.
COMMUNITY HEALTH FAIR
Saturday, June 25, 2016 – UD collaborated with Planned Parenthood, Polk County Health, Amerihealth
Caritas, Amerigroup, Wellmark, Des Moines University, Broadlawns, CFUM, Impact, CareMore, Mercy
Medical Center, and Hy-Vee to host a health fair for community members. Partners provided blood
pressure, HIV, cholesterol/blood sugar, podiatry, and dental screenings to over 150 residents. The
event featured a healthy food preparation demonstration, free food, entertainment, and prizes, and
attendees were provided with health and nutrition information.

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BBQ FOR DREAMS
Saturday, October 29, 2016 – As a part of our fundraising efforts, UD had a one-day
pop-up restaurant in the Sportsman’s Warehouse parking lot in Ankeny. With some help
form the “Grill Masters” at Cookies BBQ of Wall Lake and Smokey D’s BBQ of Des
Moines, UD sold BBQ sandwiches out of the Cookie’s Ribwagon from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. All
$4000 raised from the BBQ went to UD to support programming. Special thanks to TNT
Landscaping for helping to organize this wonderful event.
DREAMCHASERS 8K RUN/2-MILE WALK
Saturday, April 23, 2016 – UD collaborated with Fleet Feet and the River Bend Neighborhood
Association for a low cost run/walk through the historic River Bend neighborhood and along the
Des Moines River. Over 100 participants picked up their race packets from Fleet Feet during the
week prior to the event and UD arranged for a percentage of proceeds from the store that week
to be donated to programming.
The race started and finished at the corner of 6th and Forest Avenues, where Urban Dreams is
located. Walkers took a shortened route through the Riverbend neighborhood and along the Des
Moines River, while runners followed the trail through Prospect Park. Across the street, in the
Salvation Army parking lot, there was an after-party featuring food from Smokey D’s and a
performance by the Isiserettes. All proceeds from the events went towards supporting UD services
and Community events.
GLAD TIDINGS MARKET
Urban Dreams partnered with Two Rivers Church and the Des Moines Police
Department to open the Glad Tidings Market to the public. The market featured
brand new toys for sale at 80% off retail price, a wrapping station, and holiday
treats. The Market was open three different days. Over 400 gifts were sold to
families in need a little extra help to make the holidays special.

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PROGRAMS
In 2016, Urban Dreams continued to fortify its two licensed programs: mental health and substance abuse. Both programs have proven
to be extremely beneficial to the community and the sustainability of Urban Dreams. UD has also implemented new programs and has
begun to streamline community-based initiatives and staff to increase their effectiveness.
OUTPATIENT SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT AND SERVICES
Urban Dreams is a state-licensed substance abuse treatment center providing outpatient substance abuse treatment, assessments, group,
and individual counseling, a diversion program, state-approved OWI classes, and aftercare for adults and juveniles.
In 2016, Urban Dreams helped over 750 individuals with substance abuse-related issues. Our 2017 goal is to reach 900 people
served in the substance abuse program. To complete this goal, UD will continue to promote its services, and expanding its reach. OWI
Weekend classes are currently held in:
 Des Moines
 Charles City
 Council Bluffs
 Sioux City
Urban Dreams plans to open classes in two additional cities in 2017. UD has begun services at Central Iowa Shelter and Services (CISS)
providing groups and assessments.
MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING AND THERAPY
Urban Dreams’ full-time LISW specializes in serving previously incarcerated adults and homeless individuals. UD referrals come from the
community and various agencies. In 2017, UD is expecting major growth from its mental health program. UD is currently engaged in
conversations with Broadlawns and other mental health service providers to explore opportunities for collaboration and expansion.
BABIES NEED BOXES
In the spring of 2015, there were three infant deaths over the span of 4 days in Des Moines. These deaths were attributed to unsafe
sleeping conditions.
In response to this, Urban Dreams has partnered with ‘Babies Need Boxes’ in order to educate the community on safe sleeping practices
and safe infant care.
‘Babies Need Boxes’ mission is to provide a safe and supported start in life for every child regardless of socioeconomic status. By
allowing them to base their operations out of Urban Dreams’ new building, UD has provided the community with education, resources,
supplies, and safety.
PUBLIC ALLIES
Urban Dreams is the new Public Allies operating partner for Iowa. With the addition
of this program, UD has the opportunity to help individuals earn an outstanding
opportunity to work.
Public Allies Iowa is a 10-month long AmeriCorps program dedicated to building
stronger communities, supporting nonprofits, and helping to train the next generation
of leaders.
“Allies” will be matched up with non-profits to work and gain real job experience.

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TECH DREAMS
Urban Dreams and Tech Journey are collaborating to offer "Tech Dreams”
technology classes in Urban Dreams' new computer lab.
Each week, students from Harding, Hyatt, East, and North attend classes to learn
how to code. Upon successful participation and completion of the program, students
would be invited to join the Tech Journey camp in 2017.
22ND STREET WALK
Monday, August 22, 2016 – Wayne Ford and a team of Urban Dreams volunteers went door to door on 22nd street, labeled the most
dangerous street in Des Moines, to reach out to residents of the community. Urban Dreams partnered with local churches, non-profits,
and Broadlawns Medical Center for this two-part walk.
Volunteers walked the street on August 15 to pass out a packet of resources for residents. The following week was more intimate. UD
volunteers spoke with residents for a few minutes and some residents invited the walkers into their home.
Residents were asked what issues they are dealing with, what concerns them about their community, what they would like to see a
change in their community and if they saw any resources in their packets that interested them.
Many of the people who were spoken to had similar complaints/concerns. Concerns included cars driving too fast, streetlights being out
and poor police response. Residents expressed appreciation to volunteers for reaching out.
Urban Dreams plan to conduct more walks in the future in different neighborhoods.
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE
Since Wayne Ford’s social service career started in 1974, he has always recognized the importance of Public Safety. Urban Dreams
has become one of the pillars in Des Moines as well as the state of Iowa, concerning how communities in the state deal with public
safety.
Wayne Ford started the Public Safety Committee in 2013 when community officials reached out to him regarding the changing
demographics downtown and the challenges these changes created.
In 2016, Urban Dreams Public Safety Committee, unique for its ability to bring together police officials and gang members to discuss
the issues they see in the community, continued its effort to facilitate a strong relationship between residents and police officers.
Some of the members involved in the collaboration include university administrators, transit authority officials, corporate leaders, police
officers, city officials, and various community leaders.

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HONORS AND AWARDS
Urban Dreams has been recognized for much of the great work that its has done in 2016
WAYNE FORD
In 2016, the Des Moines Branch of the NAACP awarded an “Individual Community Service Recognition Award” Urban Dreams
Executive Director Wayne Ford.
“Your willingness to serve is one of your strengths. We applaud you for your unwavering commitment for voting equality via the
nationally televised Brown and Black Forum, which you also co-created with Mary Campos. As a strong ambassador and leader for
many other groups including those for women and children’s issues, the young black male, and an educational advocacy for all citizens,
you helped our understanding of the need for social justice. Your knowledge, experience, and patience combined with your
compassionate manner have guided you to a highly successful life of community public service,” Arnold A. Woods, Jr., President of the
Des Moines Branch NAACP.
IZAAH JB KNOX
The Business Record honored Associate Executive Director of Urban Dreams, Izaah Knox, in
March, as one of Des Moines 40 under 40.
Izaah was also honored as one of the Des Moines Register’s “People to Watch.”

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SUMMARY
Over the past year, Urban Dreams has done much to serve the community that it has been dedicated to for over 30 years. As the
tagline has reinforced, UD is and has been “Here to Help.” However, none of this would be possible if UD did not have gracious
philanthropic individuals, organizations, and other funding entities, both on the state level and nationally, who cared deeply about the
community, Urban Dreams, and its founder, Wayne Ford.
Urban Dreams strengthened its board of directors in 2016 in addition to continuing the partnership with Wellmark Blue Cross Blue
Shield.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
 Marlene Doby, President
 Dennis Zachary. M.D., Vice President
 Dorothy Campbell, Secretary
 Michael Lipsman, Treasurer
 James S. Marcovis
 Martha Lebrón-Dykeman, J.D.
 Jesse Lindsey
 Paul Stageberg, Ph.D.
 Heather Jones
 Derrick Beechum
SUCCESSION PLAN
Twenty-seventeen will mark the beginning of the third year of a three-
year succession plan, funded by Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, for
Izaah JB Knox to succeed Wayne Ford as the Executive Director of
Urban Dreams. The first year, Izaah worked four days a week at
Wellmark creating and implementing a revolutionary internship that
attracts, trains, and retains young, diverse North High School students
to work at Wellmark. The program exceeded expectations and will
continue in 2017 and beyond.
In 2016, Izaah spent two days a week at Urban Dreams, where he
had primary responsibility for creating new programing, strengthening
and expanding mental health and substance abuse programs, and
fundraising while working with Wayne Ford to pass the baton. At Wellmark, Izaah managed the second year of the internship,
expanded his leadership roles at Wellmark, and continued a mentor/mentee relationship with Wellmark CEO, John Forsyth.
For the final year of the three-year succession plan, Izaah will spend the majority of his time at Urban Dreams. When Wayne Ford
retires on November 1, 2017, Izaah will take over as Executive Director full-time. Mr. Ford will no longer serve as Executive Director of
Urban Dreams but will continue to serve the organization he founded 30 years ago, utilizing his skills to benefit the organization in
various capacities.
ACCOUNTING AND BOOKKEEPING
Urban Dreams has outsourced it accounting and booking to the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines.

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FUNDRAISING GOALS
In order to Keep the Dream Alive and well in to the future, the staff and board of directors created a fundraising committee, including
corporations and community leaders, to create a fundraising plan. This is a 3-year fundraising plan (2017-2020) to honor the legacy
of Wayne Ford and strengthen the foundation during the succession.
NEW LOCATION
Urban Dreams was founded on June 5, 1985 at 601 Forest Avenue. A few years later, Urban
Dreams moved next door to 1410 6th Avenue. After 15 years, we are honored to come back into
the building that started it all. The building, located at 601 Forest Avenue, is newly renovated and
provides Urban Dreams with space and professional environment UD needs for its programs to
thrive.
UD is happy that Broadlawns Medical Center is leasing space in this new building in order to
bring some of their unique programs into the Urban Dreams community.
MISSION STATEMENT
Urban Dreams is a human service agency dedicated to serving the people, the community, groups, non-profits, for profits, and
government agencies in the areas of mental health, substance abuse, education, and public safety as those pertain to underserved and
underrepresented populations in urban communities.