ABOUT US
OUR MISSION
We are committed to building long-lasting relationships that will transform lives and create new beginnings.
WHY IT MATTERS
Since 2018 the KC Dream Center has impacted thousands of lives. What sets the Dream Center apart from other service-based, nonprofits are the relationships we develop those we help. We are intentional about getting to know people, remembering their names, and finding out how we can help. We help them with their immediate needs, but it is critical to assist them in finding solutions to their long-term needs as well. What we do matters because 22.3% of the population in Kansas City, KS and 17.3% of the population in Kansas City, Missouri live in poverty. This means about 1 out of every 5 residents in the Kansas City area are in need. There are 1,798 homeless individuals in Jackson and Wyandotte counties. There are 112,470 children that don’t know if they will have a meal at home – that’s 18 percent of the children under the age of 18. What we do matters because we assist individuals to allow them to stay in their residence when possible and we are focused on finding solutions to homelessness.
OUR HISTORY
The Kansas City Dream Center, established in 2018, is part of a network of over 84 Dream Centers across the world which first started in Los Angeles in 1994 with a simple mission of finding a need and filling it and transforming lives.
In January 2020 the primary office moved to La Fe Church at 1500 Central Avenue in Kansas City, Kansas. This same building, called Victoria Tabernacle, was pastored by Tommy Barnett's father, H.W. Barnett in the 1950’s. Pastor H.W. Barnett served the community in a variety of ways, but specifically he used part of the building to shelter people experiencing homelessness.
The Kansas City Dream Center follows in the footsteps of the Barnett family by continuing to serve in the same community as H.W. Barnett did in the 1950’s. Our programs include an onsite food pantry and clothing closet, monthly outreaches to the neighborhood and to those experiencing homelessness, and emergency assistance.
OUR FUTURE
By partnering with multiple churches and organizations all over the Kansas City metro area we will reach multiple under resourced neighborhoods. We want to provide short term relief and long term solutions that will transform our city. In the future we want to add outreach programs such as mobile food pantries, foster care intervention, human trafficking rescue, and disaster relief. On the residential side, we will be adding a cold weather shelter as well as transitional housing programs for recovery, discipleship, homeless families, veterans, and youth when they age out of the foster care system. We need your help to make these dreams a reality! Please consider making a donation today.
OUR STAFF
Brian Hughes
Executive Director
Brian’s heart to help others grew over the last 15 years. He started by volunteering at homeless shelters as well as participating in street outreach to those experiencing homelessness.
After 25 years in corporate transportation, Brian changed careers to do what had been on his heart for many years: to help others. He is the executive director and in charge of day to day operations. Brian has been married to his wife, Shelly, for 26 years and they have one son (who was doing outreach to those experiencing homelessness before Brian). A fun fact about Brian is that he loves learning about other cultures, people, languages and is proficient in Spanish and conversational in Arabic.
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Desiree Circello
Outreach and Social Media Director
Desiree focuses on coordinating outreaches and volunteers and managing our social media platforms. She knew she was called to ministry in her teenage years while spending her free time serving in the local church. After going to school and interning at a Bible School in Oklahoma City, OK, she received her Associate’s Degree in Ministerial Leadership. Desiree loves to spend time with friends and family! She is passionate about the next generation and you can find her serving at her church in Kansas City.
Patty Finn
Pantry Coordinator
Patty began volunteering with her husband, John, at the Dream Center in 2018. Patty has a heart for serving others and loves serving the community through Dream Center outreaches. In the spring, Patty retired as an Occupational Therapist and came on staff as the Food and Clothing Pantry Coordinator. As the Coordinator, Patty strives to make the pantry accessible to all and meet the community's needs. When not at the Dream Center, Patty enjoys spending time with her husband, five grown children, and one granddaughter. She is an active member at her church in Olathe, KS