HOW LIFE LONG DREAMS BEGAN
Hearts came together because of a musically gifted teenager who had Down syndrome. Tshlene Henreid was producing a show called “Wish Upon A Star”, a charitable event to benefit under privileged and special needs children. Cathy Warriner heard about this show and contacted Tshlene about her son, Zach. The show was two weeks away and one of the boys had dropped out. Tshlene invited Cathy to bring Zach in for an audition.
It was love at first song for Tshlene and Zach was signed on to perform with a local star and also perform the solo finale. Cathy volunteered to help Tshlene with the last minute details of the show and became her right hand the night of the production. As Cathy watched her son standing on stage singing “You Are Loved” by Josh Groban she realized that Down syndrome vanished and Zach was able to express who he really is through his music. “There has to be other children like Zach who just need the chance to show the world who they really are”, thought Cathy.
Both Tshlene and Cathy came to the realization that they each had similar dreams. Each had dreams to provide opportunities in the creative and performing arts, to children who have never been given that opportunity before. Cathy had dreamed of opening a music school for children with special needs. Tshlene having a dance background and suffering from Rheumatoid Arthritis wanted to help children with medical challenges fulfill their dreams in the performing arts.
Thus the two of them began to dream together, research, learn and work with vigor to fulfill their dreams and create opportunities in the Creative and Performing Arts for the special needs children of Las Vegas. Thus Life Long Dreams was conceived in 2008.
ABOUT LIFE LONG DREAMS
Words that cannot easily be expressed, find a way to come alive through participation in our performing and creative arts program. By integrating the arts with education, Life Long Dreams creates the foundation for students to develop their self-esteem and social skills. Local entertainers play an integral role in our student’s growth too, helping them discover hidden talents and develop their artistic abilities. And, through specialized training in music, dance, drama, art, theater and production, students are given the opportunity to showcase their talents at various functions and public events.