Dream Centers of Michigan, a 501(c)3 charitable organization dedicated to serving the Pontiac community, is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. Since its founding in 2014, Dream Centers has been committed to engaging people in need with the love of God, helping them flourish, reach their potential, and move toward self-sustainability.
In the past decade, Dream Centers of Michigan has invested more than $7.5 million to serve Pontiac residents, demonstrating the organization’s deep commitment to community transformation. To date, Dream Centers has reached over 35,000 people, providing essential services, support, and hope to the Pontiac community.
“Our mission has always been to partner with the people of Pontiac, empowering them to achieve their goals and improve their quality of life,” said Antoine Jackson, Executive Director of Dream Centers of Michigan. “As we celebrate this milestone, we reflect on the lives that have been changed and the countless hours of dedication from our volunteers and supporters that have made our work possible.”
Over the past decade, Jackson said the organization has concentrated on the following areas:
- Life Skills Training: Over 5,500 hours of life skills training have been provided to Pontiac residents, equipping them with the knowledge and tools necessary for personal and professional growth.
- Volunteer Commitment: Since 2014, volunteers have contributed over 12,000 hours of service, a commitment valued at more than $400,000. Their dedication has been the backbone of our success, enabling us to expand our reach and impact.
- Supportive Independent Living Program: In the seven years since launching our Supportive Independent Living Program, we have served 33 young men, many of whom have graduated from high school and college with four-year degrees or completed certification courses. Nearly 40% of these young men are from the Pontiac community.
- Affordable Housing: Dream Centers currently provides affordable housing to three families in Pontiac, with plans to explore further development in this critical area.
9th Annual Night of Dreams
Dream Centers of Michigan recently hosted its Night of Dreams at M1 Concourse, a celebration of ten years of life transformation across Pontiac. The event featured an exclusive dinner and exhilarating fast-track rides, as well as inspiring stories of individuals who have been impacted by the organization’s efforts. The Night of Dreams is a testament to the power of community and the generosity of those who have supported Dream Centers over the years.
The group will finish out its charitable giving this year by giving out Thanksgiving boxes to residents in November and hosting “A Christmas to Remember” from Dec. 16-20, where they will collect donations and gifts to disburse to Pontiac-area families in need to bring Christmas cheer to local families.