The Dream Center is a faith-based, 501(c)3 non-profit that has been assisting those in need in the Upstate of South Carolina since May 2012.
Our primary focus is to encourage, educate, and empower people in need by offering them a hand up instead of a hand out. A hand-up limits one-way giving to emergencies only and prevents “toxic charity”.
All of the programs have been developed to empower and equip people with the tools to become self-sufficient.
The Dream Center offers hope and empowerment through education by providing free classes to the public.
All of the classes that we offer are taught by volunteers. Class topics include parenting, budgeting, health, Bible Study, and more.
When someone attends a class, they earn $8 Dream Dollars that can be used to purchase items from the General Store at The Dream Center or from any four of our Resale Stores. Dream Dollars can also be redeemed for use of the laundry or shower facilities.
The Santa Shoppe is an exciting Christmas assistance program offered by The Dream Center.
This is a referral-based program that allows qualifying parents in need to earn Christmas gifts for their children, instead of depending on organizations that provide gifts through one-way giving. Families who need assistance are referred to The Dream Center by their child’s school.
Parents are then required to attend free classes to earn a shopping voucher. Parents are also able to receive Santa Shoppe credit for attendance at pre-approved school family literacy nights, parent night, or parenting classes offered by Title One schools.
To complete their shopping experience, a gift-wrapping area is also provided. At the Santa Shoppe, toys are selected, gifts are wrapped, life stories are shared and relationships are made. 100% of parents who have participated in Santa Shoppe said that they do not want to return to one-way giving at Christmas time. Our Santa Shoppe is in need of new toy and gift donations for this year. If you, your organization, church, school, or business would like to donate toys, we would be so grateful.
The Dream Center does not receive any government funding and depends on the resale proceeds to operate. 100% of the store proceeds go directly to support the programs at The Dream Center. We currently have four resale store locations:
Easley (5991 Calhoun Memorial Hwy, Easley, SC 29640)
Greenville (2111 J North Pleasantburg Dr, Greenville, SC 29609)
Pickens (529C Hampton Ave, Pickens, SC 29671)
Seneca (11011 North Radio Station Rd, Seneca, SC 29678).
All of our stores are open Monday-Saturday from 10:00am-6:00pm.
Donations are accepted during business hours.
For a free furniture donation pick up, you can call us at (864) 722-3030
Another program that we offer is Crisis Intervention.
We realize that there are emergency situations that arise that do require immediate attention. Intake specialists are able to meet with individuals who need assistance Monday-Thursday from 9:00am-4:00pm.
The specialist will meet with the individual, hear their story, and determine an action plan that is specific to that person.
We offer food boxes, showers, store vouchers, or a change of clothes in these emergency situations. We are also able to offer housing and employment assistance.
The program we are most known for is the Opportunity Village which is a year-long residential homeless program for women and women with children developed by The Dream Center. Using a “tiny house” model, the village provides 23 tiny houses and 10 transitional houses.
The program requires residents to take measurable action steps to regain their health, specifically in the areas of physical, financial, behavioral, spiritual, and workforce development. Throughout the program, each resident works through their Individualized Success Plan with their Social Worker,
Financial Coach, Care Coach, and the Opportunity Village staff. Upon graduation from the program, residents are working, have reliable transportation, savings, and are offered the opportunity to enter the Bridge Program.
Bridge residents live in the transitional houses for an additional year, while working and maintaining connection with The Dream Center.
Want to get involved?
The Dream Center has over 600 volunteers that help in all aspects of the ministry.
All volunteers must attend a Dream Center orientation prior to serving as a volunteer.
Orientations are offered twice a month to anyone that would like to hear about the vision and ministries of The Dream Center, take a tour, and learn about volunteer opportunities.
You can sign up for orientation on our website at www.dreamcenterpc.org under the “Get Involved” tab.
Dream Big is our annual fundraising event.
This year, Dream Big will be extra special as we celebrate The Dream Center’s 10 year anniversary.
This event will take place on November 15th at The Greenville Convention Center where guests will enjoy dinner, an update from The Dream Center, and a silent auction. Come join us as we celebrate the last 10 years, hear stories of life transformation, and look forward to what is to come.
Sponsorships and tickets are available to purchase on our website under the “Events” tab. If you would like more information about sponsorships or would like to donate an item to the silent auction, please email Sarah Shupert at sshupert@dreamcenterpc.org. We hope to see you there!