O.C. Dream Center, Inc.
OUR STORY
Founded in 2017 by Samuel Carter, the O.C. Dream Center (OCDC) was established to address the systemic gaps in Orange County’s social safety net. Inspired by the proven restoration models of the LA Dream Center, OCDC spent three years in strategic planning and community assessment. This preparation met its catalyst in 2020; while many services retracted during the pandemic, OCDC mobilized. By launching "Adopt-a-Block" initiatives and drive-through essential distributions, we demonstrated an agile, boots-on-the-ground response that has since become our hallmark.
OCDC operates on the principle that systemic change requires collective action. We function as a strategic partner to established regional agencies, maximizing donor dollars by layering our specialized services onto existing infrastructure.
Strategic Partnerships & Programmatic Pillars:
- Behavioral Health & Youth Intervention: In partnership with Waymakers, we provide therapeutic art and music programs for at-risk youth, addressing the emotional and developmental needs of the next generation.
- Food Security: We collaborate with local food banks to manage high-volume food distribution, targeting "food deserts" across the county.
- Dignity & Outreach: Through Revival Hair Outreach, we provide mobile hygiene and hair-care services to the unhoused, restoring dignity as a first step toward rehabilitation.
- Vulnerable Population Support: Our weekly Senior Outreach provides consistent emotional and spiritual support to residents in memory care facilities, ensuring no member of our community is forgotten.
To ensure maximum community impact, OCDC currently maintains a 100% volunteer-led staffing model. This lean operational structure allows us to direct 100% of public donations straight into program costs. We have demonstrated a high return on mission, achieving significant community milestones with minimal overhead.
While our immediate relief programs are thriving, OCDC is at a strategic inflection point. We are seeking visionary partners to help us transition from a volunteer movement to a permanent, staffed institution.
This evolution is the prerequisite for our long-term goals:
- Establishing Human Trafficking Refuge Homes for survivors.
- Implementing comprehensive Homeless Rehabilitation programs designed to break the cycle of poverty and exploitation.
- Moving from periodic mobile outreach to a permanent resource hub.
We have proven our faithfulness in the small things; we are now ready to scale. We invite you to invest in a future where every resident of Orange County has a path to a flourished life.
Mission Statement
The mission of Orange County Dream Center (OCDC) is to restore the dreams of hurting people in Orange County by meeting basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter.
Background Statement
Established in 2017, our core mission is to support our local community and Orange County as a whole. We focus on building relationships and trust with families and individuals who have faced hardship and lost hope.
By providing essential resources like food, clothing, and school supplies, we aim to guide them towards stability. Our ultimate goal is to equip them with the necessary tools through job training, helping them to reintegrate their dreams into their reality.
In 2025, we actively participated with the LA Dream Center to bring assistance to the LA Fire Victims.
As part of the Dream Center Network, we will be establishing programs appropriate to meet the needs here in Orange County.
Impact Statement
Across the globe, Dream Centers are making a tangible difference in communities. They offer a wide array of programs, from feeding initiatives and shelter services to individual coaching, youth programs, medical assistance, and educational seminars. These vital resources are designed to help individuals and families transition out of homelessness and become contributing members of society.
In the United States, you'll find an average of 25 Dream Centers in states like Florida, Texas, Ohio, Hawaii, and New York. Their reach extends internationally, with centers in Brazil, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Here in Orange County, where "The California Dream" has been challenged for many, the O.C. Dream Center is eager to partner with both public and private organizations to help dreams come alive for local residents.
Our development strategy is built upon the effective ABC Model: Assess, Build, and Cultivate. This structured approach ensures we create meaningful and lasting impact in Orange County.
Assess
First, we meticulously assess the needs within Orange County. Our priority is to identify existing resources and programs, which allows us to avoid duplicating efforts and ensures our work complements the valuable initiatives already in place.
Build
Once we've identified any remaining gaps, we then build targeted programs specifically designed to address and fill those needs. This focused approach ensures our solutions are precise and effective.
Cultivate
Finally, we cultivate resources for long-term sustainability. This involves fostering strong partnerships with non-profit organizations, connecting individuals with essential support systems, and continuously innovating solutions for underserved areas. Our goal is to empower every family and individual in Orange County to pursue and achieve their God-given dreams.
Needs Statement
Food Insecurity: An estimated 30% of children in Orange County qualify for free or reduced-price school breakfasts and lunches. Our partnership with the Community Action Partnership of Orange County has positioned us to open a Food Bank to meet this need. The target area will be Costa Mesa.
Art Instruction and Therapy: We are currently assessing the need for additional Art and Music Therapy for at-risk teens through our partnership with Waymakers. https://waymakersoc.org/about-waymakers
Adopt-a-Block: We are currently assessing the need for the Adopt-a-Block program through outreach events at local parks. As we identify underserved neighborhoods, we will provide free food and games at a local park to meet the neighbors and assess their needs.
Disaster Relief: Our collaboration with Trellis has allowed us to be involved with the local disaster preparedness team.
Geographic Areas Served
Orange County, California. Our headquarters are located in Costa Mesa.
Top Three Populations Served
- All Populations
- Homeless Individuals
- Seniors/Older Adults
Statement from the CEO/Executive Director
At the O.C. Dream Center, we believe we have the potential to transform Orange County forever, guided by our mission: To restore the dreams of hurting people in Orange County by meeting basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter. Our vision is a transformed Orange County free from homelessness and human trafficking, anchored by sustainable systems of refuge and restoration.
This past year, we've laid crucial groundwork for this vision, bringing joy with toys at Christmas, and amplifying our reach through our community collaborations. We have recently acquired our new warehouse in Santa Ana, which has significantly expanded our space and enabled us to produce up to 75,000 meals per month.
To fuel this vital growth and ensure that 100% of your donation dollars go directly to programs, our staff is currently comprised of all volunteers. With hearts set on expansion and transformation, we are planning for a future where we open refuge housing for women exiting sex trafficking, provide housing for veterans, and launch comprehensive recovery programs.
Together, we can realize this expansive vision and truly change lives, making Orange County a beacon of hope for communities everywhere.
With gratitude and determination,
Becca Cunningham
Executive Director
CONTACT
O.C. Dream Center, Inc.
3303 Harbor Blvd
STE A-104
Costa Mesa, California 92626
Sam Carter
Phone: 714-832-1000