A Letter from Executive Director, Jenna Kern
July 2025
Dear Friends,
At the Dream Center, we believe transformation begins with compassion and Jesus gave us the perfect example to follow.
In Matthew 25:35-40, He says:
“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’”
That scripture is more than a reminder - it’s our mission. And it’s why everything we do centers around four powerful pillars: education, food, clothing, and healthcare.
These aren’t just boxes we check. They are deeply interconnected needs that shape a person’s ability to move forward.
Because let’s be honest, when you’re hungry, sick, without clean clothes, or watching your child struggle in school, everything else fades into the background. You can’t focus at work. You can’t absorb good advice. You’re not thinking about your future - you’re just trying to survive today. That’s what we call crisis mode, and it’s a reality for many of the families we serve.
That’s why at the Dream Center, we lead with presence. We take the time to truly listen. We sit with people in their pain, hear their stories, and build relationships rooted in trust. We meet immediate needs first - not just to provide relief, but to restore dignity and stability.
Only when the fog of survival begins to clear can we begin to pour in the life-changing power of education, mentorship, and long-term support. That’s where hope takes root. That’s where cycles begin to break.
Here’s how each of our four pillars plays a role in that process:
Education opens doors to opportunity. It may be practicing math facts through fun games, reading intervention, or parenting support, learning builds confidence and opens doors.
Food fuels bodies and minds. A child with a full belly can focus in school. A parent can make it through the workday without distraction.
Healthcare brings stability. It keeps families from falling apart due to untreated illness, pain, or mental health struggles.
Clothing and essentials bring dignity. Clean clothes, shoes that fit, school supplies and basic hygiene products help people walk through doors they never thought they could—job interviews, classrooms, church.
These four needs are called social determinants of health, and research shows they directly impact a person’s long-term success. Addressing them isn’t just charity, it’s strategy. We hope you see this strategy reflected in the stories of life change and acts of service in this newsletter.
When you support the Dream Center, you’re doing more than donating or volunteering. You’re helping us meet people in their moment of crisis, walk with them through healing, and equip them for a new future.
And best of all, you’re helping us do it in the name of Jesus. Thank you for showing up, listening deeply, loving well and together building something that truly lasts.
Blessings,
Jenna Kern
JENNA KERN | Executive Director
Office: 662.510.5900
www.desotodreamcenter.org