CHATEL

Chatel has been part of North Point Church for 15 years, and that’s where her family’s Dream Center journey began. When the Dream Center Academy opened and was announced at church, she signed up her first grandson, CJ. He loved it from the start—and now all three of her grandchildren attend.

Amarion, another of Chatel's grandchildren, loved his time at the Dream Center so much that he asked if the family could start attending Dream Center Campus on Sunday mornings. CJ prefers the Springfield campus, so Chatel began alternating Sundays so each child could experience the service they enjoyed most.

As her grandkids got more involved, Chatel looked for even more ways to stay connected. She discovered that the adult classes on Tuesday nights included dinner and childcare, which meant she could take a class while the kids enjoyed their own time at the DC. At first, she joined a crafting and community class mainly so the kids could get their “DC fix.” But she quickly realized how much she was getting out of it, too. The classes were fun, relaxing, and full of kind, encouraging people. What started for her grandkids became something refreshing and meaningful for her as well.

The staff often tease that Chatel is a “trifecta” because she attends programs, volunteers her time, and gives financially. For her, it’s simply a way to give back to a place that has given so much to her family. She volunteers as a way to say thank you, and giving financially is something she considers an honor.

What keeps Chatel coming back is the people. Their kindness and the way they care for others matter deeply to her. And seeing how excited her grandkids are to be at the Dream Center fills her with joy.

One of her favorite memories happened during the portrait session for this story. Her granddaughter, Dior, saw her all dressed up and said, “Granny, you look so cute!” It’s a moment Chatel treasures—one more reminder of how special the Dream Center is to their family.