LEAGUE OF DREAMS INC
Every Child Should Have A Chance To Play!
Programs and results
What we aim to solve
Many times children with disabilities are overlooked not only in social settings, but also in physical activities. These athletes are typically not given a chance to participate in team sports because of their disability, but at the League of Dreams athletes are seen for their ability, not their disability! Athletes are given a chance to be a part of a team, to socialize with other kids just like them and to be treated like any other kid. Games and rules are modified to fit each group of athletes and allows them to play ball just like everyone else!
Our programs
What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?
Basketball
Basketball is our fall sports program and runs 9 weeks including a season kick off and Opening Ceremonies. Athletes go through a tryout for placement purposes and then are placed on teams based on age and ability level. Athletes that need additional help are assigned and angel volunteer (athlete assistant) whom helps the athlete participate whether pushing the athlete in the wheel chair, holding the athletes hand or by be a personal cheer leader for encouragement and support.
Athletes and volunteers receive a uniform.
Athletes also receive pictures and a trophy at the end of the season
Bowling
Bowling is our summer sports program and runs 6 weeks. Athletes are placed on teams based on age and ability level. Athletes that need additional help are assigned and angel volunteer (athlete assistant) whom helps the athlete participate whether pushing the athlete in the wheel chair, holding the athletes hand or by be a personal cheer leader for encouragement and support.
Athletes and volunteers receive a uniform.
Athletes also receive pictures and a medal at the end of the season.
Baseball
Baseball is our spring sports program and runs 9 weeks including a season kick off and Opening Ceremonies. Athletes go through a tryout for placement purposes and then are placed on teams based on age and ability level. Athletes that need additional help are assigned and angel volunteer (athlete assistant) whom helps the athlete participate whether pushing the athlete in the wheel chair, holding the athletes hand or by be a personal cheer leader for encouragement and support.
Athletes and volunteers receive a uniform.
Athletes also receive pictures and a trophy at the end of the season.
ADAPTIdance in Partnership with Kern Dance Alliance
ADAPTIdance is the only dance program for athletes with physical and developmental disabilities in Kern County. This program teaches athletes techniques to participate and perform dance for all ability levels. This is a 6 week program with a live performance at the local theater with other dance companies. Out of ADAPTIdance we have created a performing group that first performed at the League of Dreams 2020 Gala.
Fencing in Partnership with Kern Athletic Fencing Foundation
The fencing program was started in 2020 in partnership with Kern Athletic Fencing Foundation. The fundamentals of fencing are taught by an instructor and athletes have volunteers (angels) to help them with instruction. The program is 5 weeks and offered twice a year. Athletes also receive a year long US Fencing membership.
Virtual Karate
The virtual karate program started in 2020 when in-person programming was cancelled due to COVID-19. We wanted to continue to serve our athletes with things they could do at home and found 1World Martial Arts based in Texas. We offer 2 sessions of virtual karate each year that can be done anywhere athletes have a computer and WiFi. Athletes development and expand their martial arts skills with this 10-week program. Athletes receive a Gi and their belt, and are able to test to move up in levels.
Gymnastics
Our gymnastics program is in partnership with American Kids Sports Center. This 8 week program allows athletes to explore the world of gymnastics and learn/expand their skills to move up in levels of knowledge. Athletes are placed in classes based on age and ability level.
Cheerleading
Our cheerleading program was added in 2022 and has given over 35 athletes the chance to be on a team, wear a uniform and perform in different spaces. We would with a local coach who also coaches a collegiate team. We have collegiate cheerleaders as volunteers for the program as well.
Fitness in partnership with A3 Sports Performance
Another 2022 addition, fitness is a 12- week program that promotes healthy living and fitness. In the first year, over 40 athletes completed the program, gained confidence and urged for another round. This program shows that fitness can be fun, and is lead by the amazing and talented team at A3 Sports Performance.
Yoga
Our yoga program was added in 2020 and has given over 35 athletes the chance to participate, learn, grow and stretch. We work with a local instructor who also serves many other groups.
Where we work
Awards
All American City Tradition, Civic/ Non- profit 2008
Beautiful Bakersfield
3rd Annual Baseball Kick off 2009
California Legislature Assembly
Recognition of the 7th Annual Baseball Opening Day 2013
California State Legislature
Recognition of 2017 Baseball Season 2017
CA State Assembly
Photos
Videos
Our results
How does this organization measure their results? It's a hard question but an important one.
Number of clients served
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Population(s) Served
Young adults, People with disabilities, Adolescents, Children, Preteens
Type of Metric
Output - describing our activities and reach
Direction of Success
Holding steady
Context Notes
These numbers reflect the number of registrations received (combined for all programs). Note: COVID-19 has had an effect on participation for 2020 and 2021.
Number of volunteers
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Population(s) Served
Adults, Adolescents
Type of Metric
Output - describing our activities and reach
Direction of Success
Holding steady
Context Notes
These are combined numbers from all programs and events for each year. Note: COVID-19 has impacted our programs and participants.
Average grant amount
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Population(s) Served
People with disabilities
Type of Metric
Output - describing our activities and reach
Direction of Success
Holding steady
amount of donation dollars
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Population(s) Served
Children and youth, People with disabilities
Type of Metric
Input - describing resources we use
Direction of Success
Increasing
Context Notes
Cash donations
Our Sustainable Development Goals
Learn more about Sustainable Development Goals.
Goals & Strategy
Reports and documents
Download strategic planLearn about the organization's key goals, strategies, capabilities, and progress.
Charting impact
Four powerful questions that require reflection about what really matters - results.
What is the organization aiming to accomplish?
1. Recruit more team coaches who understand the population we serve, are familiar with League of Dreams and who are reliable
2. Continue to diversify our funding outreach to companies that other nonprofits may not be reaching / companies that focus on sports / special needs
3. Look at events to ensure they are unique (do not compete with other nonprofit events) and give us the biggest bang for our time
4. Strengthen the partnerships with local Parks & Recreation Departments to see what they can do for League of Dreams
5. Restructure our Divisions to possibly create more teams and recruit athletes to fill those teams
6. Research and possibly add additional programs / services for our athletes and the possibility of adding League of Dreams in other cities
What are the organization's key strategies for making this happen?
Recruit more team coaches who understand the population we serve, are familiar with LOD and who are reliable
Create an ad-hoc committee of parents / coaches to help develop strategies for this priority
Approach Special Education programs to see if we can get coaches
Ask current coaches to consider coaching more teams and/or help recruit other coaches from the community
Continue to diversify our funding outreach to companies that other nonprofits may not be reaching / companies that focus on sports / special needs
Create a LOD Fundraising Committee to help raise non-event funds
Develop a priority target list of individuals / companies / grants that have a connection to LOD’s mission / parents
Increase sponsorships for existing events – the more sponsors we generate for events the less we have to worry about attendance at those events
More help with Give Big Kern in May
Research a professional fundraiser down the road to see cost benefit of doing this
Look at events to ensure they are unique (do not compete with other nonprofit events) and give us the biggest bang for our time
Board agreed that we should enhance our current events as they are successful
Autism on the Run is a challenge in terms of raising enough sponsorships, staff time it takes, etc.
Prince & Princess Ball / Dance that would include our athletes
Adult Easter Egg Hunt fundraiser?
Strengthen the partnerships with local Parks & Recreation Departments to see what they can do for LOD
Restructure our Divisions to possibly create more teams and recruit athletes to fill those teams
Create an ad-hoc committee to research this and make recommendations to the board for consideration
Research and possibly add additional programs / services for our athletes
Expand the ages that we serve to accommodate our older athletes (e.g. up to age 25)
See if we want to add another sport (e.g. Fencing)
What are the organization's capabilities for doing this?
The League of Dreams board of directors are diverse and have many contacts throughout the community. Utilizing these contacts will help develop and expand the League of Dreams programs into the areas in which we want to grow.
What have they accomplished so far and what's next?
The League of Dreams Board and staff have been hard at work even with the effects of COVID 19.
We formed several subcommittees to work on necessary items that included alternative programming (some which will continue), future precautions and safety measures. In 2021, the nominating committee filled the 3 vacancies on the board.
The League added 4 new programs (fencing, karate, yoga, gymnastics) and 1 program transitioned to virtual for the time being. The van that was purchased with the help of a community grant is being used to transport equipment and necessary items to and from events and programs. It is a moving marketing structure that can be seen at events and around town.
We are continuing to build programs by strengthening our fundraisers and relationships with partners. In 2021, we significantly increased funding by adding new events and strengthening continuing events.
Financials
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Operations
The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.
Connect with nonprofit leaders
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- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
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Connect with nonprofit leaders
SubscribeBuild relationships with key people who manage and lead nonprofit organizations with GuideStar Pro. Try a low commitment monthly plan today.
- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights? Learn More about GuideStar Pro.
LEAGUE OF DREAMS INC
Board of directorsas of 04/09/2024
Mr Carlos Betancourt
Castle & Cooke
Term: 2023 - 2024
Jenee Sakamoto
TERRIO KIDS
Jim Luff
Aurora Payment Systems
Tara Tobin
Willams Adams CPAs
Carlos Betancourt
Castle & Cooke
Steve Sanders
Kern County Superintendent of Schools
Darlene Denison
Darlene Denison, State Farm
Susan Lara
Parent
Greg Frank
Skarphol Frank & Associates
Sarah Kania
Physical Therapist, Adventist Health
Joshlynn Sumrall
Castle & Cooke
Jessica Mathews
STUDIO 4Forty
Board leadership practices
GuideStar worked with BoardSource, the national leader in nonprofit board leadership and governance, to create this section.
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Board orientation and education
Does the board conduct a formal orientation for new board members and require all board members to sign a written agreement regarding their roles, responsibilities, and expectations? Yes -
CEO oversight
Has the board conducted a formal, written assessment of the chief executive within the past year ? Yes -
Ethics and transparency
Have the board and senior staff reviewed the conflict-of-interest policy and completed and signed disclosure statements in the past year? Yes -
Board composition
Does the board ensure an inclusive board member recruitment process that results in diversity of thought and leadership? Yes -
Board performance
Has the board conducted a formal, written self-assessment of its performance within the past three years? Yes
Organizational demographics
Who works and leads organizations that serve our diverse communities? Candid partnered with CHANGE Philanthropy on this demographic section.
Leadership
The organization's leader identifies as:
Race & ethnicity
Gender identity
Transgender Identity
Sexual orientation
No data
Disability
No data
Equity strategies
Last updated: 05/08/2020GuideStar partnered with Equity in the Center - an organization that works to shift mindsets, practices, and systems to increase racial equity - to create this section. Learn more
- We disaggregate data to adjust programming goals to keep pace with changing needs of the communities we support.
- We employ non-traditional ways of gathering feedback on programs and trainings, which may include interviews, roundtables, and external reviews with/by community stakeholders.
- We disaggregate data by demographics, including race, in every policy and program measured.
- We have long-term strategic plans and measurable goals for creating a culture such that one’s race identity has no influence on how they fare within the organization.
- We have community representation at the board level, either on the board itself or through a community advisory board.
- We help senior leadership understand how to be inclusive leaders with learning approaches that emphasize reflection, iteration, and adaptability.
- We engage everyone, from the board to staff levels of the organization, in race equity work and ensure that individuals understand their roles in creating culture such that one’s race identity has no influence on how they fare within the organization.