Isaac first came to the Dream Center at age 11, just as he was starting sixth grade. Four years later, he has grown into a confident, talented young man who knows his strengths—and isn’t afraid to use them.

When the Dream Center first met Zak, life felt like a dizzying maze. Zak could see the kind of future he wanted, but every step toward it was shaky. Addiction, homelessness, and uncertainty kept him unsteady—until everything changed the moment he learned he was going to be a dad. Determined to give his daughter a different life, Zak chose sobriety and leaned into the support of the Dream Center community. With encouragement, hard work, and—admittedly—a few too many energy drinks, he found stability, created a budget, and built a home for his little girl, Aria.

Steffany and her family first came to the Dream Center when Bulldog Basketball was offered—not long after COVID had left them feeling isolated. With her husband working out of town, Steffany was searching for ways to keep her kids, then 10, 9, and 4, busy, connected, and supported.

When the RISE Cohort opened for new participants, the Epps family enrolled and completed the 16-week program. The course provided guidance in areas such as mental wellness, communication, financial stability, and goal setting.

From his very first year, DCA became an essential part of Michael’s daily routine—and with his autism, routine is incredibly important. Slowly but surely, the family began to see transformation. His social skills blossomed, he learned how to interact with others, and the bright, hopeful spirit inside him began to shine.

This family first discovered Toddler Time at the Dream Center through their Parents as Teachers educator, and for the past year, their daughter has absolutely loved it. She affectionately calls it “the gym,” and somehow always knows when it’s Tuesday—waking up ready to go the moment she opens her eyes.

The Roberts family chose to join the RISE program for several reasons. They recognized the value of programs that strengthen financial stability and improve overall quality of life. Facing significant debt and long-standing spending habits they hoped to change, they entered the program with the goal of learning practical skills to help them move toward a healthier financial future.

Patricia Rogers is a single mother of three who also cares for her elderly mother, carrying a significant amount of responsibility on her own. For a long time, she managed everything by herself, but eventually found she was becoming overwhelmed and had no one to turn to for support. When her family ran low on groceries one week, she sought help in the community and discovered the Dream Center.

The O’Dell family loves volunteering and being involved in the work of the Springfield Dream Center. They are especially drawn to the Dream Center’s core mission of providing both help and hope.

Over the last six years, however, her life transformed dramatically. She became sober, found faith, secured steady employment, maintained her own home and car payments, and raised her credit score from 370 to 733.

Today, as a member of the Development Board, Jason continues to invest his time and passion into supporting the Dream Center’s growth and expanding its impact. His progression from kitchen volunteer to board member reflects his genuine commitment to uplifting the community.

Since joining RISE, Doretta has gained practical knowledge in budgeting, saving, credit, taxes, and essential life skills she had forgotten or never learned.