The Dream Center: Empowering the Community Through Education, Wellness, and Entrepreneurship
By Kelly Marvin
As The Dream Center celebrates its second year of serving the community, its calendar is filled with impactful programs aimed at building strong individuals and families. With a foundation built on three core pillars—Life Skills, Health & Wellness, and Entrepreneurship—the Center continues to grow as a vital hub for learning, support, and transformation in Fort Wayne's southeast neighborhoods.
Empowering Lives Through Skills and Support
Under the Life Skills pillar, the Dream Center offers powerful workshops like Credit Repair, the PowerHER Program for women, and community education such as "What to Do If You Are Stopped by the Police". Youth are also engaged through initiatives like the Building Kings Program, where young men gain mentorship and career exposure, and an annual Filling in the Gap event that supports young mothers with essential supplies and resources.
Health at the Heart of the Mission
The Health & Wellness programming is both holistic and hands-on. Popular offerings include Simple Cooking for Balanced Blood Sugar, the Sweet Victory Class, and partnerships with Jonnie Mae Farm for bi-weekly cooking classes. Healthcare outreach continues with Parkview Hospital, the Ronald McDonald Van, and the Knockout Diabetes event that provided on-site biomarker testing. Wellness also gets physical with Pillar Yoga, now offering in-house classes at the Center.
Building Entrepreneurs from the Ground Up
The Dream Center also thrives as a launchpad for aspiring entrepreneurs. The monthly mentoring sessions led by President John Dortch and business support from Indiana SBDC’s Lynne Koepper give small business owners and dreamers alike the tools to succeed. Programs like the Tech Trade Academy and an upcoming Media Room are being built to offer job training and media literacy, while youth sharpen strategic thinking through the C Unit Chess Club.
Stay Connected
To streamline access, all Dream Center programs can now be found and registered for on Eventbrite and through the Center’s official website: www.thedreamcenterfw.com.
The Dream Center will also launch a monthly newsletter beginning this summer, filled with updates, resources, and upcoming event details. Whether you’re looking to transform your health, build a business, or find community connection, the Dream Center is your destination for growth.
Follow The Dream Center on social media and subscribe to the newsletter to stay informed and inspired.