OC Dream Center, Inc.

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.

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.

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.

Food Insecurity: In 2025, we will integrate the Hands of Mercy OC into our food distribution program, with the new headquarters located in Santa Ana. An estimated 50% of OC children qualify for free or reduced-price school breakfasts and lunches. Additionally, our partnership with the Community Action Partnership of Orange County has positioned us to open a Food Bank. Our new program, Hands of Mercy OC, will expand our outreach to children and families in Orange County who are food-insecure. https://www.handsofmercyoc.org/ Hands of Mercy currently provides over 20,000 high-quality meals a month to Orange County families and at-risk individuals.

Art Instruction and Therapy: We are currently assessing the need for additional Art Instruction and 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.

Emergency Preparedness: Our collaboration with Trellis has lead us to be involved with the local disaster preparedness team.

Orange County. California. Our headquarters are in Costa Mesa.

At the OC Dream Center, we believe we have the potential to transform Orange County forever, guided by our unchanging mission: "Find a need and meet it, See a hurt and heal it." Our ultimate goal is to eradicate homelessness here, becoming a prototype for Dream Centers worldwide.

This past year, we've laid crucial groundwork for this vision, collaborating with Hands of Mercy to distribute 25,000 meals monthly, bringing joy with toys at Christmas, and amplifying our reach through our community partnerships. We are currently relocating to our new warehouse in Santa Ana, which will significantly expand our space and enable us to produce up to 75,000 meals per month.

Other dreams include collaborating with Working Women's Wardrobes and establishing a coffee shop employing youth transitioning from foster care. 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 envision a future where we also open rehabilitation 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 conviction,

Samuel Carter
Executive Director