Expert Contributor | By Kim Wright, West Orange Dream Center
Transformation. Change. Growth.
These words describe a process that happens over time. At West Orange Dream Center (WODC), our mission is to transform lives in our community through the love of the gospel with a desire to foster generational impact. Bringing joy and hope to our community and instilling biblical principles is something we’ve been committed to since our founding in 2019.
WODC is in the heart of the newly designated Historic East Winter Garden Neighborhood. Almost half of the families living here earn less than the national poverty level. The heart of our mission is connected to our location, as we seek to build trust, transform lives, and live the gospel in this historic community.
Youth walk to WODC for after-school and Sunday activities. The mobile medical clinic at WODC allows seniors in the neighborhood to be seen by their primary care doctor without having to take a bus. WODC brings in volunteers to provide activities for all ages, from young children in AWANA to the young at heart in our seniors program. Each of our programs and partners brings a commitment to relationships and empowering individuals to break cycles of poverty and build brighter futures for themselves and their families.
Material support is only part of the picture: we believe every person needs genuine connection and affirmation of their worth. As Brian Fikkert and Kelly Kapic write in their book, Becoming Whole, “God’s goal for [the materially poor] is much bigger than simply eliminating their material poverty. Rather, His desire for poor people—and for all human beings—is that they are restored to full human flourishing.”
Our annual fundraising dinner, Dream Big, takes place November 2nd. Dream Big is a FUNdraiser, with live music, delicious food, a guest speaker, and an auction. We always look forward to this pivotal event, as it not only raises vital funds, but also gathers supporters who share in our vision.
The mission of West Orange Dream Center creates a ripple effect that extends beyond the present moment. We envision generational change, recognizing that personal transformation takes time, the support of community, and the love of God. We all need the transformative love of the gospel, and we are blessed to walk hand in hand with the people who call this community home.
Empowered by the gospel, we can make an impact, one relationship at a time.
West Orange Dream Center | wodreamcenter.org
