Kim’s Story
The Dream Center is an absolute blessing to my family and the community! My family had a very rough 2019, we spent the whole summer in a family shelter due to some tribulations. While we were in the shelter we started to get on our feet, my husband started working again, and before you know it we we're finally able to move into our new place in October of 2019. Although we were very happy to be in our new home we still needed so much. Being a family of 6 at the time and 8 months pregnant with baby number 5 we needed furniture and the new baby still needed many things! I reached out to several agencies with no luck till I got connected via Facebook to the Dream Center. God sent us Natalie, Tracy and all there staff and volunteers to the rescue. It brought so much joy to them to want to help our family. They heard our story and treated us like family from day one. They reached out to several different people on their end and found my family a brand-new king bedroom set with a mattress included and a brand new recliner and also tons of other baby supplies that we needed. They communicated back and forth and made sure that we received what we needed. They continue to help my family and even check in just to make sure we are ok. Their customer service is outstanding! This organization is extremely friendly, trustworthy and is an excellent example of what God's love truly is. Five stars all across the board! The Robinson's are so grateful and blessed to be part of the Dream Center family! - Kimberly Robinson
Making an Impact During Covid
In the midst of devastation and loss, the Dream Center is experiencing a surge of compassion, good will and increase that warms the heart. The amount of food, volunteer hours and families that are being served is on the rise. We couldn't do what we do without the support of faithful and generous people and businesses in our local community. Thank you!
What people are saying about the South Jersey Dream Center
I just wanted to send an email to all who assisted me in my upcoming arrival of my daughter. Me and my fiancé were enormously affected by the coronavirus implements and lost our jobs and truly feared that we were going to have to give her up for adoption because of our financial difficulties. With that sad I truly believe God stepped in and presented me with situations as beautiful as yesterday was. We had no items for our daughter but desperately wanted to be able to keep her and raise her but now everything changed and we literally have all we need AND MORE because of the donations yesterday. I am truly grateful for your kind donations and its people like you that make the world a more beautiful and harmonious pace to live. From the strolled to the 2 bassinets, the bathtub, the brand new car seat, diaper bags, diapers, wipes and tremendous amounts of clothes, I just want to say THANK YOU. I’m truly speechless otherwise. With love and gratitude - J.J.
"Dear South Jersey Dream Center. Please accept this diaper donation from the Gloucester County Bar Association Women in Law Committee. Gloucester County is so lucky to have an organization like yours that is so generous to others during their time of need. We hope some families can use the diapers especially during COVID. It is a small gesture but we want to help in some way. May you continue to bring light and lift families when they need help from our community".
- Susan McKenna - Gloucester County Bar Association, Women in Law Committee
National Park Elementary School Food Distribution - Spring,2020
I have 4 kids so you guys have been so kind and generous!
I can't get over how amazing you all have been these past few months.
So grateful for everyone!!
These past few months have been challenging but having you guys every month is so nice!
Things have gotten better for us, but you all really helped a lot, I always could use more food in the house. I have pretty much all boys in my house except me.
I just can't get over all of this food we have gotten, so thankful!
I just want to thank you again for your generosity and support in helping me aid some of Woodbury’s underprivileged families during these trying times. Your organization has truly been a blessing to our Woodbury families and families elsewhere. With your help, I was able to help three awesome families with food, toiletries, and cleaning supplies. They were on the verge of tears and overjoyed by the help. The Woodbury School District and families we serve are very appreciative of your assistance during these tough times. Thanks again for being the silver lining on cloudy days for so many families and for making the world a better place for us all. Sadeara White, MSW, School Social Worker/BEST Program Counselor, Woodbury City Public Schools
My husband’s hours got cut down because of the virus going around and you helped so much with the food it took some of the stress that we had - A.M.
I feel like less of a burden to my relatives, and I feel better about myself through the message of hope. I'm more thankful and inspired to take steps forward. - A.P.
I enjoy the company of others in a positive, non-judgmental atmosphere, and I met new people. - R.S.
I'm not so depressed and worried about where our next meal was going to come from. - M. W.
Brandon would sit in my office and cry about having no food and money, no matter how hard he tried to provide for his family. His baby would cry all night because they had no food. Then one day the Dream Center came with food, and specifically asked if there was anyone with an infant, because they happened to have formula that week, which was out of the ordinary. I can't describe his joy, he was euphoric, he held tight to the formula as he talked to me. Even after he moved on from the program, because he found part time work with the city, he still came back on Wednesdays for three more weeks to pick up food.
Wisdom Zio, Program Manager
Mid-Atlantic States Career and Education Center, Woodbury, NJ
Money that I normally spent on groceries and clothing could be used to pay for electric, gas, rent and other monthly living expenses. - F.T
The SHOP, Rowan University’s student pantry, would like to thank you immensely for the donation of the refrigerator/freezer. So many times students have asked for fresh or frozen items and we had no way of keeping them refrigerated. This donation will greatly help in the expansion of needed items available to students. Your gift makes a real difference in the lives of hungry students, and gets them closer to their ultimate goal of earning an undergraduate degree in a timely fashion and realizing their dreams.
Terri - The SHOP Manager, Rowan University
The very first time I entered the Dream Center, I felt the love and joy fromall, and I wasturnedon to Faith Fellowship, which changed my life forever.
T.W. – West Deptford, NJ
I love arriving each morning and seeing the guests waiting in line, before any volunteers or workers are even there! It gives me purpose. It’s also a huge reminder that people actually need what we have.
M.D., Mt. Laurel, NJ
The first time I’ve volunteered in National Park and I walked into the building and I felt the sense of family, love, and compassion. I knew this was something that could help the people in the neighborhood not only with giving them food for their cabinets but showing them unconditional love. M.W. - Vineland, NJ
When I first heard about South Jersey Dream Center, I said to myself, "Wow, how wonderful are the sponsors to be able to help families put food on their shelves. And to be able to hear the word of God and to offer them support programs they can benefit from. Especially towards ends of month, it is very hard for many family including a myself. The most amazing feeling I felt at that moment was when I hear a voice within me whispering, "How can I give back to our community that helps us during our hard times?" So I asked if I could volunteer!! By the blessings of God, I loved that Natalie said, "Yes, of course you can". I felt honored and also proud to be able to give back. She trained me with the patience of an angel. This is truly a Dream center that provides help in many more ways then one. They truly put their hearts and soul into helping many families and serving their community. They work very hard to make sure everyone's needs are met to the best they can. They pray for us and we receive the word of God graciously. I admire and respect everything they do. As long as they need me and I am able to be a volunteer I will be there. Thank you Dream Center for all you do to make this happen and for your prayers. I truly feel the love and truly appreciate it.
B.G., Paulsboro, NJ
I was talking with one of the guests and saw cotton in her ear and I asked if she wanted me to pray for her. She said yes. As I prayed, she said she felt the ball of liquid go from her ear down her throat and could taste it as she swallowed. After she took the cotton out of her ear, she was pain-free and healed in Jesus' name.
H.L., West Deptford
What makes your food distribution different? Well I would say that Pastor Joe and Natalie, along with staff and volunteers. You all put a lot off LOVE in to what you do best, and help the community and good people of this state southern New Jersey. And for that I am very grateful for you guys. Keep up the great work and believe it or not you are making a difference in this community GOD BLESS YOU.
- Love, JIM R
That day in National Park was one of my best days as a born again Christian! I brought my daughter to learn how to serve not only people in church. We get caught up in church! I would love to help out again real soon. I would love to teach both my kids this important foundation of the Good Samaritan in action! Be blessed with much increase! In Jesus name.
- Maria
It was my first time there. I liked the way they set up everything. Most places give you what they want you to have. Some months I run short on food so this really helps you out. I like the way things are handled. I enjoy the speakers and the sermons, and felt embarrassed that some people are coming with attitude. I am very appreciative
- J.D.M., Lindenwold, NJ
Very Friendly, love everybody. Makes you feel comfortable. Pastor makes it worth going. Everyone is helpful.
- C.M., National Park, NJ
It’s been a blessing to me. I don’t get much [money] from month to month. Sometimes it lasts two months. It definitely has been a plus for me. I enjoy hearing the word. They are doing exactly what the word says by helping the needy.
- L. Smith
Thank you for all you’ve done for myself and my family. We appreciate the food. The food is helpful. Me and my family are very grateful.
- A. Knight
thank u for the beautiful scriptures at the food bank this week n thank u pastor joe for taking me back to my childhood days when i went to church n sang yes Jesus loves me, this is 1 of my favorite childhood church songs n brings also memories of my mom n dad n sister n our church singing this song n thank u n Natalie for helping us with food worship n kindness my cousin also enjoy all too .god bless u all n have a great night . ps n thank u for the visiting pastor for his words n all the volunteers n there prayers
- D.K.
The price tag on the meat we ate tonight that we received from the Food Pantry was more than I make on my job in one day, thank you! I feel so appreciated when I volunteer at the Food Pantry. When I get there, I can't wait to get this party started!
- J.J., Mantua
just want to thank you for helping us make it threw the month as my food stamps got cut again and without the help from you and the volunteers it would be so hard to survive thank you all again for the food and the kindness .God bless you all.
- Deborah
i am very thankfull to the dream center not only for the help with food but for the words of god they give us it has helped me through so many hard times n i have met so many great people thank u so much pastor n wife natalie u r the greatest n kindest people i know n thank u for all ur help amen
- D, Blackwood
I just want to say thank you South Jersey Dream Center for all you do for my family and I. You're truly a blessing from God.
- Stella, Runnemede
I TRULY PRAISE GOD FOR YOUR HELP BECAUSE SOMETIME I COME UP SHORT AT THE END THE MONTH
- JV, Runnemede
We need you more now than ever
- Laura
I don't know what we would have done without you this month
- Chris
Debbie's Story
"Since December I have been one of the Americans out of work, my world as I knew has changed. I have been trying to be patient and hold on like many people looking for work, and hoping the government would come to some kind of agreement on unemployment extension. As time passed, I found myself becoming more depressed and over taken by self-pity.
I reached out to a , sponsored by Faith Fellowship Ministries of Southern New Jersey. When I arrived I was overwhelmed with false-pride, self pity, and shame. But the kindness of the ministries and the people soon made me feel welcome, so that all these crazy emotions soon were replaced by hope and gratitude. How amazing this was, a food pantry with workshops available every month.
That month the work shop was Get Ready, Get Set, Get Hired! The workshop had just what I had been missing in my interviewing skills. Years ago the employers seemed to care more about your experience during the interviewing process, but today I find there are a lot of misleading questions. I have been on three interviews since my workshop. I have not been made any offers on employment, but I can tell you that when I entered those interviews, I was much more positive and confident, and felt as if the interview went a lot better on my part.
The next month I went back to that same food bank and asked to volunteer. Immediately I was assigned to welcome the people back and extend the gift that was so freely given to me. But once again I received another gift that month. The workshop was on relationships, respect, and love within the family. My God is so full of miracles in my life if I stay willing and open to receive his blessing. Thank you to everyone who helped to be a light in my life."
Debbie - Glendora, NJ
