By Nicole Daughhetee
Courier Staff

EASLEY — The Dream Center continues to make strides towards helping families in Pickens County overcome the problems of generational poverty and homelessness so they can become self-sufficient.

On Friday, Dec. 14, Dream Center organizers Jim and Chris Wilson, along with Steven Lambright of the United Way and other local agency representatives met to discuss future program ideas and initiatives, but also to receive and give thanks for the donation of a 12-foot box truck from Davey Hiott and family and Hiott Printing in Pickens.

“The Dream Center is making a difference in Pickens County and it is our privilege to assist them in their efforts,” said Hiott. “The need in Pickens County is increasing daily, and groups such as the Dream Center are reaching out to help meet these needs.”

A faith-based, non-profit organization created to serve as a hub for a network of support and resources that offer assistance to those living in poverty with emphasis on helping them achieve lives of self-sufficiency, the Dream Center, in collaboration with United Way of Pickens County, Family Promise and other agencies, is committed to helping individuals and families in Pickens County.
An Easley businessman, Jim Wilson said that the Dream Center’s vision to make the biggest impact on needs through collaboration with other organizations is illustrated by the five different logos on the truck.

“In addition to the truck being used by The Dream Center, it will be used twice a week by Family Promise of Pickens County to transport beds and the belongings of homeless families from church to church,” said Wilson. “The truck will also be used by the SHINE soup kitchen and Five Point Church food bank for the pick-up of food donations.”

According to Wilson, the box truck will also be available to MARY’S House officials as they move furniture and belongings for women in transition from the domestic violence shelter.

Serving as the central hub in a “wheel” of resources, The Dream Center is focused on hunger relief, mentoring, financial counseling, education and job placement for people in need throughout Pickens County.

Homelessness and hunger might not be obvious to the naked eye, Wilson says, but these are very real issues many families deal with daily in our community.
As a faith-based non-profit organization, the Dream Center is incredibly thankful for the donations and financial support it receives from generous donors within the community including local businesses like Hiott Printing, a variety of churches and individuals.

To learn more about The Dream Center and view a list of current needs, or to make a donation online, visit their website at www.dreamcenterpc.org.