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Community Corner

Theater, Dance Enrichment Program Empowering Local Children

Shakila Stewart launched Shakila's Dream Shop to inspire young people to set goals, overcome obstacles and develop the emotional skills they need to make good decisions.

In MSNBC Dateline's popular show My Kid Would Never Do That, hidden cameras capture children as they make critical choices.

Parents are usually surprised by the bad choices their children make as revealing scenarios unfold. As the show progresses, those who tune in learn raising awareness is often not a strong enough deterrent when peer pressure and questionable adult behavior are involved.

Eventually experts weigh in on the importance of building healthy self-esteem as the most effective means to equip and empower children to make better decisions in the future.

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In line with this school of thought, Shakila Stewart launched Shakila’s Dream Shop in June of 2010 to inspire young people to set goals, overcome obstacles and develop the emotional skills they need to make good decisions.

Shakila’s Dream Shop, a theater and dance enrichment program located in the building, draws upon acting techniques and stage performances to promote positive thoughts and actions, build confidence and develop each child’s unique talent.

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Since 2010, Stewart has worked with about 700 students through her entrepreneurial venture, as well as alternately hosting local workshops at venues such as , , also known as H2O, and the H.E.A.R.T. (Helping, Enriching, Advising, Reaching and Teaching) Organization in.

“I’m adopted and even though I was loved, when I looked in the mirror I saw someone that wasn’t good enough and didn’t have what I takes,” Stewart said. “When I learned I shared the same birthday as Oprah that inspired me. I started to write, act and direct. I told myself I was going to be something.”

To fulfill that goal, Stewart a lifelong Bolingbrook resident, channeled her energy in a positive direction. After graduating from in 2002 she continued her education at Northern Illinois University, conferring a bachelor’s degree in theater studies.

Professionally, Stewart has acted in a short film, been featured in a national print ad and worked as a run-way model and liturgical dancer before she settled into the Chicago theater circuit gaining stage time in a variety of roles.

Along the way, Stewart remained vigilant to her passion of leading young people on a journey of self-discovery. A motivational speaker, she created “The SCREAM PROJECT” in 2008 to encourage teens to speak out about their issues instead of being silent.

“My message is that everyone should have a dream, a goal, or vision for their life. If not, it's easy to fall into the trap of allowing environment, society, or circumstances to determine your life’s outcome,” Stewart said.

Stewart’s goal is straightforward: inspiring children and teens to develop self-esteem, gain self-awareness and build the confidence that will aid them in connecting with “who they truly are,” which by extension will help them in the realization of their dreams and aspirations.

“Shakila’s has a gift of bringing out the best in kids,” said Tamela Griffin, mother of Ada 13, and Jazariah 8. “Her program definitely made a positive impact on my girls. The confidence building really worked for Ada. She came into the program real shy and it brought a lot out of her.”

Antwonette Jones also raves about Shakila’s Dream Shop.

“My daughter Amaya was in the summer program and I recommended it to my
nephew and he was in the winter program," Jones said. "I liked how professional she was with the children. She knows how to make the experience fun and exciting."

Registration is currently being held for the upcoming program. For more information, an informational meeting will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday,  June 12, at New Song Church (off Route 53 and East Briarcliff), or call (815) 388-4047.

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