The Clipboard
YOU have a clipboard with your name on it... And it has an assignment (dreams) for you to fulfill during your time on earth!
Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future". What? The One who carefully planned the universe has a plan for me? Yes.
Whoa, this might seem like a bit too much for you, but knowing the plan God has for you, or your assignment isn't as complicated and mysterious as some people make it out to be. It's simple and obvious. It's something you enjoy, and you're really good at, and comes somewhat easy to you. It's something that you were pre-wired for and uniquely gifted to do. It could be caring for young children, driving an 18-wheeler, painting, or discovering a medical breakthrough. All are important and unique. Like you.
At the Dream Center, our mission is to remind people that God's plans for them are good, that they have a hope and future. That they have a clipboard with their name on it, and an assignment only they can fulfill. Why? When God created each of us, He had others in mind. Our gifts and talents were given to us so that we can be a blessing to the people in our path, near and far. People need us, and we need others...I need a mechanic when my car breaks down!
Victoria (above) is a Human Resources major at Rowan University, and currently serving at the Dream Center as our Volunteer Coordinator. Like most of us, she is exploring the wonderful possibilities of where her interests may lead her: what's on her clipboard! We are blessed to be a part of her journey, and she is an absolute blessing to us in so many ways. How about you? What's on your clipboard?
Eighth Annual Dodge Hunger Dodgeball Tournament
Over 150 players in our Middle School, High School, Adult, and Pro Divisions battled it out on the dodgeball court in the fight against hunger earlier this month. 25 teams came from Long Island to Virginia, and over 40 volunteers united for one purpose, to help us put food on the table for local families. Together, with local businesses, friends and other donors we raised over $14,000 to help fund our weekly food distribution program that serves over 100 families. Our In-Kind donors include: Uptown Bakeries that donated 300 cookies, and Wawa that donated 244 pints of juice, and Domino's that donated 52 pizzas for our free lunch. Signarama that donated yard signs and Bellia Print & Design that donated sponsor banners. Also, Graham Communications and A Lovelee Production that donated photography and videography services. RiverWinds donated the use of the venue! It was an outstanding success in so many ways. Check out our Facebook photo album here for an awesome overview of the tournament.
More Food, More Families
Ed, one of our volunteer drivers was at a fundraiser for another organization and met someone associated with Touch New Jersey, an outreach in Camden that provides food for low income families. Soon after, we visited their site and have since become partners, picking up frozen meat and dairy products every week to pass along to our agencies. They also connected us to three Acme stores that they simply did not have the time or resources to reach, to pick up meat and dairy items every week. More food means more families that we are able to help!
Calls are also coming in from schools, organizations, and businesses to register their food or clothing drive for Thanksgiving, Christmas and beyond. Anything from turkeys to socks to cereal, people are rallying the troops to gather the goods and pass them along to the people we serve. Hundreds and hundreds of pounds of much needed resources will pass through our hands over the next few months during this heightened season of giving.
Energy Rocks!
Big shout out to our Dodge Hunger Dodgeball major sponsors for their amazing financial support, which just so happened to be three local energy companies: West Deptford Energy (right), NuStar Energy, and Paulsboro Refining Company (far right). Paulsboro Refining Company took their partnership to a whole new level by registering four teams in the Adult Division!
News
Children’s Clothing Drive - Big thanks to the Deptford Mall for hosting a Children's Clothing Drive for the families we serve at the Dream Center. Thank you Lori for partnering with us in making a difference in the local community.
Expecting Early - Crystal Ramirez, a Social Worker for the Woodbury Public Schools, makes a quick trip the Dream Center for a mom is who is expecting one month early! She says, "You guys always come to the rescue, you're my 911" #BreakingTheCycleofPoverty
