A New Chapter: The Dream Center is Coming to Olive Branch
The DeSoto County Dream Center has been serving families for more than 15 years, and since 2020 from our Horn Lake location, meeting practical needs, building relationships, and restoring hope across the county. Now, we are thrilled to announce an exciting new chapter: the expansion of our services with a second Dream Center location in Olive Branch.
This new location represents more than growth. It represents answered prayers, incredible generosity, and a renewed opportunity to bring help and hope closer to the people who need it most.
A Story of Perfect Timing
Our Chairman and founder had a vision for a Dream Center location on the east side of the county so that together, we could expand our reach and more effectively serve neighbors on the other side of the county. After presenting this vision to the congregation, Pastor Patrick Conrad, recently shared the remarkable story of how this expansion began:
“Near the end of last year, our Board Treasurer got a phone call from a generous ministry partner asking, ‘Where are we in the Dream Center on the east side of town in Olive Branch?’
Our Treasurer explained, ‘Well…we’re not really anywhere yet. Expanding is the vision. We’ve talked to the city and they want it, teachers want it but we don’t have the money or a building yet.’
The voice on the other end of the phone said, ‘We want to fund it, we want to do something about that.’”
On that very same day, something equally unexpected happened.
“Our [Compel Church’s] CFO, Perry, received a letter in the mail from a realtor in Memphis about a building available in Olive Branch that they thought we should see,” Pastor Patrick shared. “He had never received a letter like that before and it arrived the very day we got that phone call. We are just so excited about what God is doing.”
A New Home for Hope
By God’s grace and through the generosity of an anonymous donor, the DeSoto County Dream Center has purchased the former Hope Chapel Church building, an 8,000-square-foot facility that will soon become the home of DeSoto County Dream Center, Olive Branch.
This new location will expand vital services already offered at our Horn Lake campus while introducing additional opportunities to serve families in the eastern part of the county.
Plans for the Olive Branch Dream Center include:
Educational enrichment programming for 40 students beginning this fall
An emergency needs closet providing food, clothing, and essential items for families facing a crisis
Opening more DREAM Closets inside Olive Branch schools
Expanding our DREAM Backpack programs inside Olive Branch schools
Continuing our Adopt-A-Block parties each month in Olive Branch
Executive Director Jenna Kern shared why this expansion matters so deeply:
“The Dream Center is the local mission of the church in action, bringing help and hope right into the neighborhoods where people live. The Dream Center in Horn Lake has served families across the county for years, but we’ve learned that when someone is in crisis, even getting across the county can be a real challenge.
Transportation, work schedules, and family responsibilities can make it hard to reach the help that’s available, especially when a family is already struggling to afford basic things like food or gas.
A Dream Center in Olive Branch means families will have support right in their own backyard. We’ll start with food assistance and educational support, but more than anything, we want this to be a place where neighbors know they’re not alone, where they can find practical help, encouragement, and people who truly care.”
Join the Mission
Expanding these vital community resources is only possible because of the ongoing generosity of donors and the faithful commitment of volunteers who serve alongside us in all areas of our commitment to service.
As construction begins to transform this new building into a place of dignity, hope, and opportunity, we are inviting others to join us on this journey.
Opening the Dream Center in Olive Branch is so much more than opening a building, it’s an expansion of our investment in the next generation.
You can be part of this story by:
Praying for our Olive Branch community and that staff would have wisdom as we plan and prepare for expansion
Giving generously to support:
Dream Center Olive Branch construction costs - $379,700
Supplies (stocking shelves & classroom materials)
Ongoing operations (utilities, staffing etc.)
Classroom furniture, equipment & shelving - $122,810
$10,000 classroom sponsorship (five classrooms in total) - helps outfit one classroom with innovative furniture and resources used to foster a dynamic and inclusive educational experience that accommodates a variety of learning styles. Read more about our cutting edge classrooms
$500 per month helps host an Adopt-A-Block gathering in an underserved neighborhood in Olive Branch
$250 provides food and supplies for an Adopt-A-Block party
$15 helps fill a DREAM Backpack and feed a student facing food insecurity over the weekend
$50 to help keep a DREAM Closet stocked for one day
Host a food or hoodie drive to provide food and new clothing, helping stock the shelves and fill DREAM Closets in Olive Branch
$75 per month supports one family of four coming to the Emergency Needs Closet for food
Volunteering your time and talents
Invest in the next generation by becoming a Champion: Our Elementary Program serves Title 1 students in grades 3–5 and their families by providing educational support through engaging, game-based learning and biblical values that build confidence and life skills. Volunteers, called Champions, connect with students through tutoring and activities on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, with flexible opportunities to serve. Together, we believe every child deserves a champion. We need Champions at both our Horn Lake and new Olive Branch location!
Love and serve our neighbors through monthly Adopt-A-Block outreach: Adopt-A-Block is a monthly outreach that hosts block parties in underserved neighborhoods across Olive Branch, Hernando and Southaven, focused on building long-term relationships through consistent presence and service. Volunteers help meet immediate needs like food, clothing, and community cleanup while getting to know our neighbors through games and activities, and shared meals at each block party. There are many ways to serve, from preparing supplies to connecting directly with neighbors.
Partnering with us in new and creative ways
Together, we believe God is building something extraordinary in DeSoto County.
Stay tuned here for updates as this new chapter unfolds- and visit our website to learn how you can be part of helping families dream again.
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