How it All Started
Rodney Bourrage, Sr. founded the first iteration - Operation DREAM - in 2007 to help at-risk Black boys in urban areas of Milwaukee. This mission was inspired by his long career as a teacher, Little League coach, and mentor at Milwaukee Public Schools, Boy Scouts of America, and Jewish Day School respectively.
To his surprise, Operation DREAM gained local and national recognition. It also gained support from esteemed institutions such as the National Basketball Association, Bader, Bradley, Forest County Potawatomi, Soref, Posner, Harley-Davidson, Milwaukee Bucks, Milwaukee Admirals, Baird, and others. Noteworthy figures like Green Bay Packer player Aaron Rodgers also lent their attention to the organization (see video below).
After retiring in Oshkosh, Rodney realized there was great need for community and youth support in his new backyard. Thus, birthed DREAM North.
“I don’t know where I’d. be without Mr. Bourrage. He’s been such a motivational and inspirational person in my life. He helped me stay on track and keep my grades up.”
— Antwan, Operation Dream alum