Somewhere next to the inspirational poster of the kitten hanging from a limb (“Hang in there!”) is the poster encouraging you to dream big.

But Mitch Matthews, founder of the Big Dream Gathering, wants to do more than inspire. He wants to spur dreamers to action.

Matthews will bring the Big Dream Gathering to the University of Northern Iowa campus next week, giving Cedar Valley residents the chance to get started living their wildest ambitions.

“It’s been amazing to see what happens when people have a safe environment to think about their big dreams and then possibly get some help with them,” Matthews said.

During the event, those attending will be given a sheet of paper to write down their dream. A person can post as many dreams as they wish. Dream sheets are assigned a number, and names are not written on the sheets. The anonymity allows people to freely express their life goals and ambitions.

Mitch also will share his story on the creation of the Big Dream Gathering as well as stories of those impacted by his work. Watch the video of Mitch telling the story.

(Continue reading in the Cedar Valley Courier)

When: Tuesday. Registration begins at 5:30 p.m., and the event runs from 6 to 9 p.m.
Where: Maucker Union Ballroom, University of Northern Iowa campus
The event is free and open to the public

A nonprofit in Chicago is improving the job outlook for people with Asperger’s and high-functioning autism. The company trains people in data entry and computer program testing — skills that come naturally to many with the disorder.

Brenda Weitzberg started the business because she felt frustrated with the lack of job resources for her 30-year-old son.

(Continue reading, or listen to the story, at NPR.org)