The Central Kansas Dream Center continues to offer a range of programs, still fulfilling its mission to reach hurting people and restoring families.

“Most of what I’m doing here is feeding people spiritually and physically,” said Michael Cresci, director of the Dream Center. “This is where they come to hear the word of God.”

For men, there is a sober transitional housing program, called the Dream House. Men in this program pay rent, work a regular job, and are self-sufficient. In addition, they study Teen Challenge curriculum for two hours a day. 

”It’s a sober place to stay with accountability, helping them,” Cresci said. “The current program has been in existence since May of this year.”

They prefer the men to have gone through a 30-60 day treatment program before they enter the Dream Center.

Moments of Grace

A new program, Moment of Grace Pregnancy Clinic will offer free ultrasounds to pregnant women and will open soon. They have a nurse and possibly a doctor coming on board to offer assistance.

“That’s been going really well,” Cresci said, who has been at this job as director for four months. Michelle Gwin will be in charge of the clinic.

Soup Kitchen

The soup kitchen is still up and running, receiving donations from such businesses as Casey’s, Pizza Hut, and Starbucks. Cresci ministers to the people and says a prayer for the meal.  

The Dream Center is also a location for commodities offered every other month. Every Sunday night a local church offers a meal and prayer. Chapel Service is also held twice a week at 9 a.m. Monday and Friday,  and it’s open to the public.

They receive donations from the Salvation Army too.

Temporary Housing for Women

In the future, the staff wants to add a temporary shelter for women, “because of need,” Cresci said. “The only place now open to women is the crisis center and that is often full for victims of domestic violence.

They plan to open that program in a couple of months. They will be able to accommodate six women and their children.

“Their only other option is running all of the way to Hutch or all of the way to Salina,” Cresci said.

“The DC blessings are so vital because it sits in the center of rural Kansas, and rural Kansas needs just as much help as Wichita as any other bigger city.” Cresci said. “We are not just helping those in Barton County, we are helping those in surrounding areas that don’t have the ability to travel to a larger place for help.”

New counselor

They will have a counselor, Monica Ravenstein, setting up an office in the DC. She will be bringing her own set of clients.

Volunteers

Cresci said that there is a persistent need for volunteers and resources at the Dream Center. These needs include minor construction work for repairs, a volunteer cook in the Soup Kitchen and a receptionist several hours per week.

“We are always looking for donations, not just money, but donations of time and resources,” Cresci said. They need people who can come in and help out.

Cresci, originally from New York state, has his own story to tell. A few years ago, he went through the CKDC nine-month program. His jobs revolved around the state of Kansas, and he finally decided to make Kansas his permanent residence.

“Before I got sober, I was trying to be my own God to create something I was not,” Cresci said. “It’s a broken way of thinking.”

He has been the director since last spring. More of Cresci’s story, is available at https://www.mikecresciministryforlife.com/.

For more information about the Dream Center call 620-282-4014 or email centralksdc@gmail.com