Welcome

Dream Center Peoria is a faith based not-for-profit founded by Riverside Community Church and united with local area churches, not-for-profit organizations, government, businesses and individuals who dream big and share our vision help families living in poverty, starting with kids and youth.


Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Special Guest @ DCP

Yesterday Dream Center Peoria had special guest, Jean Driscoll share with History Makers Youth and other Teen REACH students her life's experiences and the decisions that changed her life forever. Decisions to press on when life's circumstances told her to give up. Jean was born with Spina Bifita (an open spine) and was thus unable to walk and run to school like her classmates. For years she was pulled in a little red wagon to school. In high school she began playing sports and with dedication and hard work she made it to the Olympics where she won a silver medal!
In college she was confronted by a Christian who kept inviting her to church. The gospel was alive to her and her life was truly changed forever. Her fresh perspective on life lead her to give back to organizations such as Joni and friends. She learned how to be a winner in marathons and life as she presses on to know God more each day. She motivated History Makers youth and other Teen REACH kids to get the most out of their life. They left encouraged to press on towards their goals and dream BIG. Our circumstances may not include a wheelchair, but we all have our difficulties and challenges that we must lean into the wisdom of Our Lord and Savior and trust that He is all about our good and His glory.

find more about Jean Driscoll @ her website: www.jeandriscoll.com

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Adopt a History Makers youth

Last Sunday at Riverside, we offered the opportunity to "Adopt a Youth" from our History Makers program. At the end of first service, all the youth were adopted! Praise the Lord! We are thankful for the huge response to bless the kids in our programs this holiday season!

There are additional needs and ways you can help this Christmas season!
History Makers have their Christmas Party December 22!
You can help throw them a superb Christmas party by:
Bake cookies
Make snacks
Donate grocery store/Walmart gift cards
Donate pizza gift cards
Ping Pong Balls & Paddles
Pool Cues (sticks)

Also other consistent needs are:
School Uniforms in all sizes
Socks & Underwear of all sizes
Grocery/Walmart gift cards (to cook meals)
Donate pizza gift cards
Educational Games and Supplies

Donations can be brought to or mailed to the DCP offices. Please call 676.3000 with any questions.
Thank you!!

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

one life at a time

recently someone from Riverside Community Church shared the following story

"The Dream Center is absolutely a God-send for Peoria. Yet I am surprised at how many people still do not know about it, and about the services offered there. I'm no different from anyone else, in that every day I come into contact with people. All types of people...some needing the kind of help which the Dream Center offers, and some not. However, in striking up a conversation with someone I've just met in Peoria, I always ask if that person has a home church. A lot of times they do not, and I then extend an invitation to Riverside, briefly sharing how wonderful my church is. It doesn't really matter if the person already has a home church or not. The invitation is given, and they will remember. Next in conversing with a person, I mention briefly what the Dream Center does, and it's purpose for existing. People are absolutely amazed that it exists and they are impressed by WHY it exists. My point here is simple. We all come into contact each day with new people. If each member from Riverside would just share briefly a little about the Dream Center with whomever they meet, the Dream Center would be blessed by new people entering their doors. Why should we bother? Well, for just one reason really. There are lost souls in Peoria, and we CAN reach them. First though, we must touch their hearts with the love of Christ Jesus."
-Anonymous

Together we can work to see His Kingdom come and see radically changed lives through the DCP programs. Isaiah 26:8 "Yes lord, walking in the way of Your truth we wait eagerly for You, for Your name and renown are the desire of our souls" As we seek the face of God, asking Him to ignite our souls a passionate pursuit of Jesus Christ and a desire to spread the love and fame of Him to everyone we come in contact with. Lets individually impact those we come in contact, telling them about DCP and sharing the love of Christ with them.