iCan Dream Center Expands to Prairie State College

Lia Ramirez from Orland Park feels transformed. Two years ago, she described herself as “very, very shy” and never thought she could speak in public. She was afraid even to ask instructors for help with studies.

Soon after graduating from Sandburg High School, Ramirez attended Moraine Valley Community College for a year. She then took a gap year to join the iCan Dream Center located in Tinley Park. Now, enrolled at Prairie State College, she confidently delivered a moving speech during the center’s classroom opening at the college in Chicago Heights.

Oh, my goodness, I’ve seen such a difference in me from then until now, Ramirez said after the ceremony. I was a little confused and a little lost. I would have never been able to speak in front of people.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the opening of Room 3230 in the campus’s main building, but there was no actual cutting of ribbons. Instead, a ceremonial exchange took place. Prairie State President Michael Anthony handed Evisha Ford, the founder of iCan Dream Center, a key to the campus.

The iCan Dream Center calls itself a nonprofit therapeutic school and community organization. It serves neurodiverse children, young adults, and families in Cook and Will counties. The center offers special education, behavioral health services, workforce development, transition programming, family support, and community partnerships.

The center aims to empower individuals to recognize their strengths, build independence, and create meaningful futures beyond the classroom. It has operated since 2013, establishing a strong network with businesses that support and employ students from the center.

Ford remarked, We’re ecstatic for this work that iCan is doing on this campus and across this region. She said the new partnership with Prairie State reflects a shared vision. Every student deserves the opportunity to experience college life, gain independence, prepare for work, and envision a promising future.

This is not about cutting ribbons, it’s about cutting assumptions, Ford said. The assumption that the neurodiverse should live and work and be educated separately.

Cherie Jones oversees the classroom at Prairie State. She referred to the classroom as iCan Dream Center East. Initially hesitant about being away from the main center, Jones now embraces the new opportunity.

We’re opening up a space that our students can begin to dream what’s really next for them, she said. They now have exposure to other students and programs they have never seen. We’ve created something beautiful and peaceful.

This expansion aims to support students whose potential has outgrown traditional aid. Scott Gonzalez, a 20-year-old student, shared that he enjoys experiencing college life and looks forward to future employment. Shawn Shumate, 19, described the experience as very blessing and compassionate for me.

Ramirez’s speech highlighted how iCan Dream and Prairie State College have impacted her life. She recalled her struggles with shyness and fear of asking for help, now overcoming them through the program.

This program has inspired me to finish my college degree, said Ramirez, a fine arts student. Yeah, sometimes I want to go home and have hot chips and play video games. But I need to work and be productive. I need to be an adult.