Dreams
We listen to what motivates people—their hopes and dreams. People respond, their dreams matter.
Connecting
We creatively connect people to community resources, helping them build a path to reach their dreams.
Training
We help staff deepen their work by effectively supporting the dreams of the people they serve, transforming outcomes and lives.
Support
The heart of Learning Dreams is the support we provide. People need others to stand by them to succeed.
Who We Are
Dr. Jerry Stein
Founder & Director
Dr. Jerry Stein is a Senior Fellow at the School of Social Work at the University of Minnesota. He is on the faculty of the M.Ed. program in Youth Development Leadership in the College of Education and Human Development.
In 1996, Dr. Stein created the Learning Dreams Program. He manages all Learning Dreams operations and staff.
Office: 612-625-2224
Jena Brune
Field Coordinator
Jena began working with Learning Dreams as a Volunteer Neighborhood Educator in 2009.
She is currently the Hennepin County Coordinator and is responsible for Learning Dreams activities, volunteers, and community partnerships in Minneapolis.
Joy Spika
Neighborhood Educator
Joy Spika is a mixed media artist who focuses on youth and art accessibility issues for homeless and at-risk populations in the Twin Cities.
After graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 2009, Joy has been a part of many community art projects and organizations including the Phillips Neighborhood Mural Project, Intermedia Arts, ArtiCulture and Kulture Klub Collaborative.