The Dream Center of Pickens County

In 2023, we served 501 people through our crisis intervention program where people come in with an emergency situation. This could include homelessness (that was 61% of them), food insecurity, domestic violence, drug addiction, etc. We are able to provide emergency food, showers, and offer other resources for various needs. In 2023, we served 32 women and children in our year long residential program called The opportunity village. We also offered 869 free classes to The public and awarded $17,784 in Dream dollars to those that attended classes. They were able to spend their Dream dollars in a variety of ways but $10,850.13 in Dream dollars was redeemed in our resale stores so people could earn The items they need instead of receiving a hand out. 92 parents participated in our santa shoppe assistance program where they take classes to earn a shopping voucher (instead of Dream dollars). They are able to be empowered to shop for their own children for christmas in our santa shoppe. The Dream Center hosted The first annual suicide prevention training free to The public where we trained over 200 people with practical steps to recognize and prevent suicide. In 2023, 15, 497 volunteer hours were logged and 53 community service groups served with us. The organization operates four thrift stores in four cities to help in funding The operations in addition to The fundraising and contributions they receive.