Non-profit partners with others to help local needs

There are a variety of charitable organizations in the valley; these organizations range from the Poverello house to Fresno Rescue Mission. Charitable organizations are often an important part of the local community. The Valley Dream Center is a non-profit organization whose mission is “Rescue those with immediate physical needs. Restore individuals and families to health. Equip and Release people into the workplace.”

This organization provides an outreach to the community by providing various services such as computer classes, parenting classes, sports programs, medical/dental services, and food distributions along with other free services.

The Valley Dream center also provides educational outreaches through its summer enrichment programs, after-school program and GED education program.

In addition to the various services offered by the Valley Dream Center, there are also many ways for high school students to get involved these various programs. Teens can make an impact on the community and those in need. 

Director of Volunteer & Program Development, Arturo Correa shares some of the opportunities available for students.

“Some of the ways the Valley Dream Center impacts local teens is by offering a safe and positive environment for teens to grow their leadership skills, people skills, and overall professionalism through our High-School internship Programs,” Correa said. “The Valley Dream Center prides itself on allowing anyone of any age to volunteer or help out around campus. Some of our large-scale service projects are fueled by teen volunteers from local high schools. Some of those projects include but, are not limited to Campus/Community Clean Ups, Mentoring, Tutoring, Outreach Events, and Event Preparations.”

The Valley Dream center partners with other organizations to bring aid to the community. They also try to work with other organizations if they are more effective at doing things.

Besides its opportunities for volunteer work the organization also works with other organizations to better serve the community. Board member Jorge Pimentel shared some of his experiences from his time in this organization.

“My favorite part is coming together with different organizations and coming as one,” Pimentel said. “We have a motto that we say ‘don’t do something weak where someone else it’s doing it well’ so we’d rather partner with them instead of re-inventing the wheel. My favorite one was serving with the CMDA or Christian Medical Dental Association, we provided free healthcare for our neighborhood from Dental to the Doctor’s to Internists and some therapy.”

Son of Jorge Pimentel and student at Fresno Christian, Mark Pimentel,  ’21, shared his perspective on the importance of the Valley Dream center and how people can help.

“I think the Valley Dream center is a great idea to help people find the Lord and is a great idea,” Pimentel said. “I think it is important because it helps people find the Lord. You can also connect with the VCC youth pastor and help get involved the way they do.”

If you would like to get involved with the Valley Dream center visit their website at valleydreamcenter.org

For more articles read: Join the Discussion: Thanksgiving break or Redemption: Reunion.

Matthew Sue can be reached via twitter @MatthewSue1 and via email: Matthew Sue.