Extend the Dream Foundation

The Extend The Dream Foundation (EDF) was founded as a non-profit organization in Iowa in 1997. In 1999, EDF redefined its target to serve persons with disabilities and the aging. EDF's mission is to provide employment opportunities and social support for persons with disability and public education about the economic and social needs of those with disabilities.

EDF is reflected in Uptown Bill's projects. The small mall is the home to four microo-businesses managed and operated by persons with disabilities. The businesses are: Uptown Bill's Ice Cream and Coffee Bar, Bill's Book Mart, The Mad Hatter's Music and Meeting Room, and Mr. Ed's Computer Graphics.

Volunteers can help with many aspects of the mall and will meet many of the people who frequent the mall, which helps to understand the business.

Uptown Bill's was started as a spinoff of Wild Bill's, located in the University of Iowa School of Social Work. They got their start because of Bill Sackter, a mentally-challenged man, who ended up earning his place in history.

Bill had been forced to spend nearly a half century as an "inmate" in an institution, ended up as one of the most-well loved and respected members of the community in Iowa City, where he spent the last eight years of his life. Two award winning movies were made about his life: "Bill" (1981) and "Bill on His Own" (1983). EDF, now with a local film production company, has finished the major 90 minute documentary on the life of Bill Sackter, "A Friend Indeed: The Bill Sackter Story."

To learn more about Bill's story visit www.uptownbills.org.