Great Bend’s Central Kansas Dream Center, located in the former Roosevelt School at 2100 Broadway Ave., is all about “reaching hurting people, restoring families (and) realizing dreams.” Director Kimberly Becker recently spoke at a Noon Kiwanis meeting and described the ministries at the site, along with plans for growth.
“Doors are opening up in amazing ways,” Becker said.
The building used to house a church, but Becker said future plans will include more room for people in a state of homelessness. The directors didn’t want the public to associate the Dream Center with a single church or denomination.
“We want the community to see it as theirs,” Becker said. They want all of the churches involved, as well as individuals.
There is a six-month Christian based residential program that helps men and women to overcome life-controlling issues. It uses the Teen Challenge curriculum, which Becker said has a higher success rate that secular programs. Enrollment is free and participants are taught to confront and overcome their issues.
Hungry Heart Soup Kitchen is open from 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday through Friday to feed anyone in need of a hot meal. They also help with food baskets and have an assistance program for those who have been given an eviction notice or shut-off notice of their utilities. Walk-ins may seek assistance from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday. Bring documentation and valid ID.
The Life Giving Center houses up to 16 women and children who are in a state of homelessness.
Kingdom Kloset is located across the hall from the Soup Kitchen and is a free store for clothing and household items. It is open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Currently, the board is working on opening day programs for homeless people, where they will be able to apply for jobs, shower, do laundry and receive mail. Becker said having a mailing address is important for anyone filling out a job application.
Also in the works is ARAD — Agape Revelation Alcohol & Drug Christian outpatient treatment program.
The current building project is $1.5 million to complete the main floor and renovate the second floor, including a sprinkler system for fire safety.
They take all kinds of donations, including furniture and cash, but Becker said they are currently overloaded on clothing. For more information call 620-282-4014 or sent email to centralksdc@gmail.com.