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Based in Gwinnett County, GA, Dream Chasers 21, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a focus on improving the quality of life and well-being for children and youth experiencing economic hardship and offering the support needed.

A Dream Chaser is a believer with the courage to follow their heart and the faith to succeed in their pursuits. Dream Chasers understand it takes action to achieve their dreams and action requires consistency. The dreamer must always remember as he chases his dreams to never stop chasing God.

Our nonprofit is dedicated to empowering young children to pursue and achieve their dreams. We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to explore their passions, develop their talents, and reach their full potential. Through our programs and support, we provide a nurturing and inclusive environment where children can discover their interests, gain valuable skills, and build the confidence to overcome obstacles. Our mission is to inspire young minds, foster creativity, and provide the resources and guidance necessary to help them turn their dreams into reality. Together, we can shape a future where every child is equipped with the tools and opportunities to thrive and succeed.

Our organization is also committed to serving and supporting seniors and veterans in need. We recognize the immense contributions these individuals have made to our society and believe that they deserve the utmost respect and care. Our mission is to enhance the quality of life for seniors and veterans by providing them with essential resources, compassionate assistance, and a strong support network. Through our programs and services, we strive to promote independence, dignity, and well-being for these deserving individuals. We are dedicated to honoring their sacrifices and ensuring that they lead fulfilling lives in their golden years. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in their lives and show our gratitude for their service and wisdom.

Mission Statement

To equip young children with the values and visions to pursue their dreams. We strive to change the mindsets of young children to believe in themselves and what they can accomplish. Our goal is to inspire young children to break through barriers, take control of their own futures, and seize opportunities for good.

Vision Statement

To inspire, empower, and promote a new generation of entrepreneurs by providing the skills, knowledge, and resources needed for business and individual development.

Katie Kares logo

In October, 2023, we developed a program called “Katie Kares.”

Our mission is to provide unwavering support to individuals battling cancer, as well as to offer a nurturing community for children who have lost a parent due to cancer. Through compassion, education, and empowerment, we strive to positively impact their lives, inspire hope, and cultivate strength during their journey. Our commitment is to foster a world where no one faces cancer alone, and where children affected by its devastating impact find solace and encouragement.

History

Dream Chasers 21, Inc. was founded under the name Calvin Stennis CDC Inc. in 2011 by Randy Brown and Lorri Stennis Brown.

Lorri’s family roots run deep in Mississippi. Calvin Stennis, Lorri’s father, was self-employed and always gave generously to people and strangers in need. Lorri’s mother, Katie Stennis, accepted Christ at an early age of 13 and never found herself lacking in life. Katie attributed this to doing the right thing and putting God first, and she was also a firm believer in helping others and did so on a regular basis. It is evident that Lorri grew up in a family with hearts of compassion towards others. 

After Calvin’s death in 2007, Lorri was inspired to begin the organization Calvin Stennis CDC Inc. in honor of her father in his name. Due to the love that Calvin and Katie shared with children helping them reach their goals in life, Lorri changed the organization name to Dream Chasers 21, Inc. in 2021.

In her 91 years of life, Katie was very active in the organization with providing food for families in need with a strong desire to reach the younger generation to go after their dreams. Lorri was also inspired by her maternal grandmother, Velma Hill, in treating everyone the way she wanted to be treated.

After Calvin’s death in 2007, Lorri was inspired to begin the organization Calvin Stennis CDC Inc. in honor of her father in his name. Due to the love that Calvin and Katie shared with children helping them reach their goals in life, Lorri changed the organization name to Dream Chasers 21, Inc. in 2021.

In her 91 years of life, Katie was very active in the organization with providing food for families in need with a strong desire to reach the younger generation to go after their dreams. Lorri was also inspired by her maternal grandmother, Velma Hill, in treating everyone the way she wanted to be treated.

After Calvin’s death in 2007, Lorri was inspired to begin the organization Calvin Stennis CDC Inc. in honor of her father in his name. Due to the love that Calvin and Katie shared with children helping them reach their goals in life, Lorri changed the organization name to Dream Chasers 21, Inc. in 2021.

Katie Stennis

In her 91 years of life, Katie was very active in the organization with providing food for families in need with a strong desire to reach the younger generation to go after their dreams. Lorri was also inspired by her maternal grandmother, Velma Hill, in treating everyone the way she wanted to be treated.

Another influential person in Lorri’s life was her cousin, Louis E.R. Stennis, Jr.

Louis, born in Chicago, IL, was a devout churchman, retired postal worker, and honorable veteran. He served most of his tour of duty in the early 50’s in Korea as a personnel clerk, earning the Korean Service Medal with 3 bronze stars. After an Honorable Discharge, Louis obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and then returned to Chicago where he began a 30-year career with the United States Postal Service.

Louis had a heart for service, and he volunteered as Director of the Parolee House which eased the transition of women from incarceration to freedom and to become productive members of society. He was a near lifelong member of the Franklin African Methodist Episcopal Church in Niles, where he served many years on the Steward Board and the Missionary Society. He also was an active member of the Niles Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

Louis was a consistent donor of Dream Chasers 21, and he passed away in 2024.

Another influential person in Lorri’s life was her cousin, Louis E.R. Stennis, Jr.

Louis, born in Chicago, IL, was a devout churchman, retired postal worker, and honorable veteran. He served most of his tour of duty in the early 50’s in Korea as a personnel clerk, earning the Korean Service Medal with 3 bronze stars. After an Honorable Discharge, Louis obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and then returned to Chicago where he began a 30-year career with the United States Postal Service.

Louis had a heart for service, and he volunteered as Director of the Parolee House which eased the transition of women from incarceration to freedom and to become productive members of society. He was a near lifelong member of the Franklin African Methodist Episcopal Church in Niles, where he served many years on the Steward Board and the Missionary Society. He also was an active member of the Niles Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

Louis was a consistent donor of Dream Chasers 21, and he passed away in 2024.

Another influential person in Lorri’s life was her cousin, Louis E.R. Stennis, Jr.

Louis, born in Chicago, IL, was a devout churchman, retired postal worker, and honorable veteran. He served most of his tour of duty in the early 50’s in Korea as a personnel clerk, earning the Korean Service Medal with 3 bronze stars. After an Honorable Discharge, Louis obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and then returned to Chicago where he began a 30-year career with the United States Postal Service.

Louis E.R. Stennis, Jr.

Louis had a heart for service, and he volunteered as Director of the Parolee House which eased the transition of women from incarceration to freedom and to become productive members of society. He was a near lifelong member of the Franklin African Methodist Episcopal Church in Niles, where he served many years on the Steward Board and the Missionary Society. He also was an active member of the Niles Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

Louis was a consistent donor of Dream Chasers 21, and he passed away in 2024.

Meet the Founders

Lorri Stennis Brown

Lorri Stennis Brown was born in Meridian, MS to Calvin and Katie Stennis. She grew up in a family with hearts of compassion towards others. From school age, Lorri had a heart to make sure children in school had what they needed to succeed. Throughout Lorri’s lifetime, she has led in various organizations with a focus on helping youth. Her passion for families in need comes from her early learning of God’s love for His people. Lorri is the mother to one son, Jarvis Stennis.

Randy Brown, Sr

Randy Brown, Sr was born in Birmingham, AL. He is a retired, disabled veteran whose love of God has always inspired him to lead in areas of giving and helping others. You can find Randy always lending a helping hand with food distributions weekly to families in need and overseeing furniture donation pickups. Randy is the father of five children, Randy Jr., Tanya, Khalfoni, Ranald, and Jamere Brown.

In the Community

Lorri Brown was named one of the Super Amazing neighbors named to the Nextdoor 100 in 2022. The Nextdoor 100 is a list of super amazing, supportive, surprising, creative, compassionate, never-not-there-when-you-need them neighbors across the country!

While working full time, Lorri (and her husband Randy) spend 110% of their spare time helping others. Focused on veterans in need, they have rallied resources with goods, services, clothing, shelter, legal, medical, and housing for folks in need. Watch the Nextdoor video below.

Awards

1592 Weatherbrook Circle, Lawrenceville, GA 30043
[email protected] | (404) 808-4215

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