Local Organization Receives Top Award from U.S. Marshals Service in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott is pleased to announce that Katie Eichenauer, Executive Director of Believe In Dreams, has been awarded the Citizen of the Year award as part of the U.S. Marshals Service 41st Director’s Honorary Awards.  The award was presented earlier today by US Marshals Service Director Ronald Davis at the Robert F. Kennedy Main Justice Building in Washington D.C. 

Believe In Dreams was founded in 2014 and has fulfilled over 250 individualized Dreams in that time.  Believe In Dreams works to fulfill the dreams of economically-disadvantaged youth who have survived non-medical adversity by providing access to enriching opportunities, connection to community, and hope for the future.  Believe In Dreams fulfills dreams of cultural events such as the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Natural History Museum, local zoos and aquariums, and the Cleveland Science Center, as well as sporting events, concerts, amusements parks and recreational activities.  Believe In Dreams also supports the youth to meet professionals that inspire them, such as professional athletes, college athletes, musicians, and career shadowing.      

In October 2021, Believe In Dreams and the U.S. Marshals Service partnered after the USMS in Northern Ohio established a permanent Missing Child Unit.  Believe In Dreams and Ms. Eichenauer work directly with the Deputies in Northern Ohio to help identify youth in the community, many of whom are brought to the attention of law enforcement by way of child recoveries.  

U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott stated, “Katie and her team work diligently day in and day to out to positively affect the community in which we all serve.  Believe In Dreams and their mission directly influences the positive notion that community support and simply believing in someone can have an astounding impact on someone's life.”