It is with profound gratitude and great excitement that we welcome you to the launch of Dream Center Magazine, a new platform created to highlight the life-changing work happening every day at the Los Angeles Dream Center.
For more than three decades, we have served in the heart of our city with a mission to restore lives, rebuild communities, and offer hope to those in need. This magazine represents a new way to share the powerful stories that come out of that mission, stories of transformation, healing, and resilience that we have had the privilege of witnessing because of your continued support.
We are especially honored to feature Mr. Tony Robbins on the cover of this first issue. Recently, his extraordinary generosity and commitment to service has helped us expand our reach and deepen our impact in ways we could not have imagined. Tony’s partnership has demonstrated what is possible when passion is matched with purpose, and we are deeply grateful for his support.
Dream Center Magazine is not just a publication. It is an invitation. We invite sponsors, donors, and compassionate leaders to join us in bringing these stories to a wider audience. By supporting and contributing to future issues, you help raise awareness of the challenges our communities face and the real, lasting solutions that the Dream Center provides. Together, we can bring hope to more lives and create even greater change.
Thank you for believing in the mission of the Dream Center. Thank you for standing with us as we dream bigger, reach further, and serve with greater love.
With heartfelt appreciation,
Matthew & Caroline Barnett Founders, Los Angeles Dream Center
Live In Overflow
It is with great honor that I welcome you to the very first issue of Dream Center Magazine. This publication was born out of a vision to highlight the heart of generosity, transformation, and hope that radiates from the Los Angeles Dream Center and those who faithfully support its mission.
There could be no better way to launch our inaugural issue than by celebrating a man whose life’s work exemplifies generosity on a global scale. Our cover honors Tony Robbins, whose recent donation to support LA fire victims in 2025 reminds us that true leadership is not measured by words but by action. His commitment to standing with families in their time of greatest need reflects the very spirit of compassion that this magazine seeks to showcase.
At the center of it all stand Pastors Matthew and Caroline Barnett, whose dedication continues to inspire this city and beyond. Their unwavering leadership has built the Dream Center into more than just a place—it is a beacon of hope where broken lives are restored, families are reunited, and future generations are empowered to rise above circumstance. Their example reminds us that generosity is not an event but a way of life.
As we embark on this new chapter through Dream Center Magazine, our goal is to tell the stories that matter—the stories of resilience, faith, and radical giving. We will honor those who rise to the occasion, celebrate the partnerships that make miracles possible, and shine a light on the countless acts of service that change lives every day.
To our readers, partners, and supporters, thank you for joining us on this journey. Together, we will continue to amplify a message of hope and healing that the world desperately needs. May this first issue inspire you to live in overflow, love deeply, and believe that even the smallest act of kindness can spark extraordinary change.
CREATIVE CONTRIBUTORS: MICHELLE LEON, KATELYN TERRY, JACOB BENDER, JUSTIN HIGH
SPECIAL THANKS
MATTHEW BARNETT, TONY ROBBINS, RYAN SEACREST, CHANDLER MOORE, EDEN ALPERT, JASON KENNEDY, JOELLE JARVIS, ANGELLE GRACE WACKER
Time To Dream Bigger
Welcome to the very first issue of Dream Center Magazine—a publication created to share stories of hope, transformation, and the incredible impact we’ve achieved together. This magazine is more than just pages and photos; it’s a reflection of the heart of our mission: to find a need and fill it, to find a hurt and heal it.
For 31 years, the Dream Center, led by Pastors Matthew and Caroline Barnett, has been a beacon of hope for Los Angeles, serving millions of meals, providing housing for individuals and families in crisis, and offering programs that restore dignity and opportunity.
One of the most profound moments of 2025 came in the wake of the LA Wildfires, a devastating event that left thousands of families displaced and without essentials. In response, the Dream Center became a hub of relief and restoration. Over 115,000 people were served, over 2,000,000 lbs of product distributed, total Amount of Financial Assistance Distributed $1,365,000, and total amount of Volunteers: over 10,000. The outpouring of love and generosity during that time reminded us of the incredible power of community in the face of tragedy.
We are also thrilled to celebrate new collaborations that allow us to extend our reach and deepen our impact. A heartfelt thank-you to Tony Robbins Foundation, who donated 1 million dollars to help the families affected by the Eaton fire, Global Empowerment Mission, as well as Bethenny Frankel’s B Strong Foundation, also joined us in this mission. Their passion and resources have helped us provide more relief and restoration to families than ever before. To all of our sponsors and supporters—thank you for standing with us and making these dreams reality.
As we look ahead, we are filled with anticipation. The year to come holds incredible opportunities to serve more families, expand our programs, and continue to be a lifeline of hope for our city. With your partnership, we know the best is yet to come.
From all of us at the Dream Center, thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we are writing the next chapter of hope for Los Angeles.
With gratitude,
Sally Colón Editor-in-Chief & Senior Philanthropy Officer, Los Angeles Dream Center
A POWERFUL RESOURCE FROM PASTOR MATTHEW BARNET
Rooted In Faith & Vision: DR. VINCE BERESFORD’S ARRIVAL
AS THE CEO OF THE LOS ANGELES DREAM CENTER
For Dr. Vince Beresford, leadership begins with identity. He describes himself first as a Christ follower, husband, father, and pastor, roles that ground his life and inform the way he leads. These priorities frame his approach to serving others with humility, compassion, and integrity, and now guide him as the CEO of the Los Angeles Dream Center.
Vince’s story is as remarkable as the mission he champions. Born in a shelter and beginning life in foster care, he carries a personal understanding of the struggles many at the Dream Center face daily. His lived experience has given him an empathy that goes far beyond professional training. It fuels a conviction that hope, healing, and restoration are always possible.
Over the last 25 years, Vince has established himself as a trusted leader in nonprofit, faith, and philanthropic circles. His career has spanned complex areas of homelessness, addiction recovery, human trafficking response, mental health advocacy, and large-scale fundraising. As part of The Salvation Army’s statewide expansion plan, He helped lead The Salvation Army’s statewide expansion, doubling shelter capacity from 9,000 to 18,000 beds while providing project management across 60 sites across the three divisions in California. During Vince’s tenure, the Southern California Division created more than 1,200 new shelter beds, and he helped rewrite the Master Plan for the Bell Shelter, transforming it into a trauma-informed recovery campus—one of the largest of its kind in the nation.
Beyond housing, Vince helped build the In-N-Out Burger Slave 2 Nothing Foundation from the ground up. Recruited by the company president, he directed over $10 million in grant funding to addiction recovery and anti-trafficking organizations. His leadership extended into personal site visits, board roles with survivor-led initiatives, and partnerships with law enforcement to train officers in trafficking awareness and compassionate response.
Mental health has also been a consistent thread throughout his work. Vince has led suicide prevention programs for schools, integrated trauma-informed care into shelters, and trained staff and officers statewide in crisis de-escalation and recovery support. His own childhood, marked by trauma and loss, gives him unique insight into the emotional needs of those navigating crisis.
As a fundraiser and strategist, Vince has raised millions to fuel life-changing programs. From securing capital grants to producing high-profile donor events, he has been a bridge between philanthropy and frontline impact. At InN-Out, he even helped launch a national awareness campaign that placed hotline numbers for addiction and trafficking support on every burger bag and delivery truck—a creative way to connect urgent resources with millions of people.
Now at the Dream Center, Vince approaches leadership not as replacing the past but strengthening its foundation for the future. His focus is on alignment—staff, volunteers, and partners moving together in shared mission. He is equally committed to equipping the next generation of leaders, ensuring that those who come after him will be ready to carry the Dream Center’s work into new seasons.
Rooted in faith, sharpened by personal trials, and tested in leadership across the nation, Dr. Vince Beresford sees his role as stewarding a movement. His vision is simple yet profound: expand the reach of the Dream Center without ever losing its heart.
— By Dani Reeves
BUILDING A LEGACY OF HOPE THROUGH THE LA DREAM CENTER
— By Timothy Hancock
Pastors Matthew and Caroline Barnett’s shared vision has transformed the lives of countless individuals, making them two of the most impactful leaders in community outreach and ministry in Los Angeles. As the driving force behind The LA Dream Center they have worked tirelessly for more than two decades to offer hope, healing, and restoration to the city’s most underserved populations.
Matthew’s ministry journey was shaped by his father, Pastor Tommy Barnett, whose guidance instilled the core values of faith, service, and leadership. Pastor Tommy’s example of compassionate outreach became the foundation of Matthew’s own ministry, emphasizing that the church’s work goes beyond the pulpit and into the heart of the community.
In 1994, Matthew founded The LA Dream Center, driven by a bold vision to transform an abandoned hospital into a sanctuary for the broken. Caroline’s journey here began as a volunteer at The Dream LA Center in 1996, drawn to its mission of serving the homeless and brokenhearted. It was during those early days of serving God through this mission that Caroline met Matthew. Over the years, her shared joy for outreach grew alongside his, and they married in 1999.
The Dream Center has grown from its humble beginnings into one of the largest faith-based service organizations in the nation. Today, it provides shelter, medical care, food, addiction recovery programs, job training, and emotional and spiritual support to thousands of people each year.
For Matthew and Caroline, the mission has always been about more than just meeting physical needs, it’s about restoring purpose and healing through faith.
It’s not just about Caroline and Matthew Barnett’s incredible work at the Dream Center—this is truly a family affair. Their son, Caden Barnett, plays a vital role behind the scenes, helping to run the state-of-the-art Dream Center Studio, where creativity and purpose come together to inspire lives. Meanwhile, their daughter, Mia Barnett, is making waves in the world of sports. A renowned athlete with an unstoppable drive, Mia recently achieved a major milestone by qualifying for the 2025 Track and Field World Championships in Tokyo, and will compete in the 1500 meter race.
Matthew’s leadership is defined by his unwavering belief in the power of redemption. He has dedicated his ministry to showing people that their past does not define their future, and that transformation is possible through faith and service. Caroline, with her compassion and vision, has been instrumental in helping expand the Dream Center’s reach, offering support and guidance to those who need it most. Together, they have built a model of faith-driven transformation that has inspired similar efforts across the country.
Beyond their work at The Dream Center, both Matthew and Caroline are sought-after speakers and authors. Matthew’s books, including “The Cause Within You” and “The Church That Never Sleeps” offers readers insight into how service and purpose can lead to a fulfilling life. Caroline’s book “Willing To Walk On Water” inspires readers to step out boldly to make a difference.
As they look to the future, both Matthew and Caroline are focused on expanding The LA Dream Center’s impact. They hope to see their model of transformation spread to more cities, empowering churches and organizations to address the root causes of homelessness, addiction, and poverty. Matthew’s vision for the next decade is to cultivate a new generation of leaders who are passionate about service. For Caroline, it’s about ensuring that the Dream Center remains a lasting legacy of hope, restoration, and faith, continuing to change lives for years to come.
Through their collective work, Matthew and Caroline Barnett have created more than just a ministry; they’ve built a sanctuary of hope, a place where lives are restored, and individuals find purpose through service to others. Their vision and commitment continue to inspire thousands of people, proving that the power of faith and compassion can transform lives and communities.
THE UNSTOPPABLE GENEROSITY OF TONY ROBBINS
TONY ROBBINS
FROM MOTIVATIONAL ICON TO PHILANTHROPIC POWERHOUSE
Tony Robbins has long stood as a towering figure in personal development, business strategy, and peak performance. Across more than four decades, he has coached world leaders, Fortune 500 CEOs, Olympic athletes, and millions of people determined to break through personal and professional barriers. Through best-selling books like “Awaken the Giant Within” and worldwide seminars such as “Unleash the Power Within”, Robbins has built an empire blending motivational mastery with practical strategy.
Today, his influence extends far beyond the stage. He is both a business mogul, with investments in more than 100 companies generating over $7 billion annually, and a philanthropist dedicated to lasting social change.
In 2025, Robbins deepened his commitment to giving back with a $1 million gift to the Dream Center Los Angeles, a nonprofit devoted to restoring hope and transforming lives in underserved communities. The donation was part of nearly $5 million in contributions, which also included $1 million to the BeyGOOD Foundation, support to the Airbnb Foundation, and the launch of a new dispatch service for the Los Angeles Fire Department designed to deliver direct aid to families in crisis.
The Dream Center alone provides essential services such as food distribution, housing, job training, and addiction recovery, reaching more than 500,000 people each month. Robbins’s gift will expand these efforts, fueling programs that uplift families and individuals confronting homelessness, poverty, and substance abuse.
Robbins’s philanthropy does not stop there. He has been a driving force in the fight to end hunger, having already provided more than one billion meals through Feeding America and committing to a second billion in the United States. In 2022, alongside former Governor David Beasley at the Forbes Philanthropy Summit, he launched the 100 Billion Meals Challenge to combat hunger both nationally and globally. His vision is bold but deeply practical: to create solutions that address immediate needs while building sustainable systems of support.
With these generous milestones, Tony Robbins reaffirms that true success is measured not only by personal achievement but by how many lives are lifted in the process.
— By Timothy Hancock
Dream Honoree
RISING FROM THE Ashes
A CLOSER LOOK AT THE FIRES THAT TORE THROUGH THE PACIFIC PALISADES IN JANUARY 2025.
— By Dani Reeves
In the aftermath of the devastating 2025 wildfires that swept through the Palisades and surrounding areas, the LA Dream Center was among the very first to respond. As families were forced to flee their homes with little to no warning, the Dream Center quickly mobilized to meet urgent needs. The organization opened its doors as an evacuation hub, offering shelter, hot meals, and essential supplies to those displaced by the disaster. With a long history of serving people in moments of crisis, the team redirected its daily resources and operations toward wildfire relief, showing once again their ability to rise to the occasion with speed and compassion.
The Dream Center staff and volunteers worked around the clock, transforming their campus into a place of refuge. Rooms were prepared for families who had nowhere to go, food was cooked and served to hundreds of evacuees, and trucks full of donations were organized and distributed.
Beyond the physical help, the team provided comfort and encouragement, reassuring families who had just lost everything or were uncertain about the fate of their homes. Their response stood out as one of the earliest organized efforts to support fire victims, at a time when many were still waiting for government assistance.
The Dream Center’s impact extended far beyond temporary relief. Their quick action reminded the city of the power of community-driven compassion and the importance of being ready to “find a need and fill it.” While wildfires left destruction in their path, the Dream Center’s presence in those first critical days brought hope, stability, and a lifeline to thousands. Their immediate response in the Palisades reaffirmed their role as not only a place of faith and service but also as a trusted leader in disaster relief for Los Angeles.
RYAN SEACREST JOINS PASTOR MATTHEW BARNETT IN RELIEF EFFORTS.
DREAM CENTER STUDIO PRESENTS
CHAN DLER MO ORE
Dream Center Studio Presents
MOORE
A VOICE OF WORSHIP, A HEART OF GENEROSITY
— By Timothy Hancock
In the evolving world of Christian music, few names carry the resonance and authenticity of Chandler Moore. Born in Charleston, South Carolina, and raised in a home rooted deeply in ministry, Moore grew up immersed in faith and song. Those early days became the foundation for a journey that would take him from local congregations to global worship stages, while keeping his purpose intact, to draw people closer to God.
Moore’s calling became clear when, as a young music director, he experienced what he describes as a personal encounter with God that transformed his life. That moment inspired him to fuse artistic creativity with spiritual devotion, a combination that would soon define his sound. His rise to prominence came as a key member of ‘Maverick City Music’, the trailblazing worship collective known for tearing down boundaries between gospel, contemporary worship, and cultural expression. With songs like ‘Man of Your Word’ and ‘Jireh’, Moore became not just a singer but a storyteller, offering believers anthems of faith, hope, and perseverance.
Yet, it is not only the music itself that defines Chandler Moore, it is what his music inspires. His songs carry an undeniable generosity, one that is felt in his willingness to mentor, to give, and to serve. That generosity has led him to one of Los Angeles’ most iconic faith communities: Angelus Temple. In 2025, Moore stepped into the historic sanctuary founded by Aimee Semple McPherson to lead worship. For Moore, it wasn’t about adding another stage to his résumé. It was about answering a higher call, guiding a diverse congregation into moments of heartfelt worship
and renewal. His presence there has already left a lasting mark, bringing fresh energy to a church with a century-long legacy.
Moore’s heart for service doesn’t stop at the pulpit. Just down the street from Angelus Temple is the Los Angeles Dream Center, a beacon of hope for the city’s most vulnerable. Moore has aligned himself with the Dream Center’s mission, helping to develop a brand-new music studio on its campus. More than a recording space, the studio represents an opportunity for young worship leaders, aspiring artists, and community members who might not otherwise have access to professional creative resources. For Moore, it’s an act of planting seeds, cultivating an environment where talent and faith can grow side by side.
What makes Chandler Moore’s journey so compelling is how seamlessly his artistry flows into his generosity. He doesn’t see music as a career alone, but as a channel for connection. Whether standing before thousands at a Maverick City tour stop, leading an intimate service at Angelus Temple, or investing in a local recording studio, Moore demonstrates that worship is more than a song; it’s a devotion.
As he continues to build his discography and invest in communities, Chandler Moore is carving out a legacy that blends creativity, faith, and generosity. His story is one of answered calling, and for those who hear his voice, whether on a global stage or in a small Los Angeles chapel, it is clear that Moore’s gift is not just to perform, but to inspire.
EDEN ALPERT PHILANTHROPY IN ACTION AT THE DREAM CENTER
— By Dani Reeves
Eden Alpert has long been known as a dynamic force in philanthropy, with a life dedicated to service, compassion, and community impact. Today, she is bringing that same dedication to the Dream Center in Los Angeles, where her leadership and generosity are helping transform lives during some of the city’s most challenging times.
Alpert’s philanthropic roots run deep. She serves on multiple boards, including the Herb Alpert Foundation, alongside her father and sister, and a family foundation she helped establish after her mother’s passing in 2020. That foundation, guided by her heart rather than a rigid mission statement, extends grants to organizations making meaningful differences in the community.
“For me, it’s about listening, visiting, and seeing where we can create real change,” she explains.
Her journey with the Dream Center began years ago, introduced through her network of fellow changemakers. But her involvement deepened dramatically following the devastating California fires. Called upon to advise where emergency funds could make the greatest impact, Alpert immediately recognized the Dream Center’s unique ability to pivot and respond.
“They shifted from their day-to-day work—housing families, helping mothers, supporting children, and redirected their energy to feed, clothe, and shelter those in crisis. They do it all with such love and light,” she shares.
That ability to adapt and expand in times of need deeply resonated with her. Earlier this year, Alpert made a $25,000 contribution to the Dream Center, followed by a $100,000 gift, an investment she emphasizes is not about recognition but about service. “It’s never about the magazine article,” she says.
“It’s about doing the work, bringing new people in, and supporting organizations that people may not even realize exist right in their own backyard.”
Alpert’s influence goes far beyond financial support. She is a connector by nature, constantly linking organizations, individuals, and opportunities to maximize impact. From organizing clothing drives to volunteering hands-on in kitchens at other nonprofits, she leads by example, demonstrating that philanthropy is as much about time and presence as it is about resources.
For Alpert, giving back is not just a duty but a way of life. “I don’t want to leave this planet with one regret,” she reflects. “And I have no regrets, because giving back keeps me grounded and fulfilled.”
Her commitment to the Dream Center stands as a testament to that philosophy. Through her generosity and leadership, Eden Alpert is not just supporting a resource center; she is helping sustain a movement of love, resilience, and hope for Los Angeles.
every believer has a Story
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By age five, I had already moved through five different schools. My parents divorced early, and I ended up living with my mom, sister, and brother in a rough area in San Bernardino. Moving so much, I never really had friends, and the ones I did have hurt or influenced me in the wrong way.
By six, I was exposed to X-rated magazines. I started smoking weed at 12, meth at 13. Neglected by my mother, I walked to school alone with matted hair, smelling of urine. I always knew something was wrong, but I didn’t realize how much it was damaging me. In 9th grade, high on drugs, I began cutting myself in depression. At 16, I watched my grandma die in the hospital, suffocating on a tube while a doctor stood there.
By 18, I began using LSD until a bad trip broke me. In high school, I met my first physically abusive boyfriend, the second after my brother died by suicide. I was used mainly for sex. My depression grew deeper and I tried to take my life twice, overdosing once on fentanyl.
Feeling hopeless, I called my dad, and he encouraged me to come to the Dream Center.
I had an on-and-off relationship with God, but coming to the Dream Center changed that.
“I am ready for what God has planned, even if I do not understand it. I have learned to trust God and to trust His promise for me. I am learning how much God loves me. I am learning to be patient, slow to anger, quick to care, and to be honest about my feelings.”
A flame has been relit in my heart. I wake up thanking God daily. I serve others, take classes that give me hope, and have leaders and sisters who truly care. I no longer carry rage or wonder where I belong. I can sit and draw, read, write music, and live without intrusive thoughts.
Community service has become worship. I have found space to reflect and apply what I’ve learned. My mother is sober. My father no longer drinks. Life is turning around.
I plan to stay at the Dream Center until I graduate my third year. I am going to write and sing songs for worship and get my real estate license by 2030. I want to establish a healthy relationship and make amends with my mother. I’m learning to trust God’s plan, be patient, slow to anger, and honest about my feelings.
When you work towards a better you, it’s not going to be easy, but it will be worth it. You will not be alone, so never feel afraid that your feelings are pointless!
The Testimony Of
PEARL PACHECO
FAMILY FLOOR
Before I came to the Dream Center I was living day to day, trying to keep my child safe and fed while bouncing between places I called “home” and sleeping in my car. I felt like I was drowning. Around the holidays, my brother encouraged me to apply to the Dream Center’s Family Program. After speaking with the intake department, I genuinely felt heard. That conversation gave me hope for my child and for me.
Life before the Dream Center was a rollercoaster. I’m the second oldest of 11 kids. I was sexually abused at five years old and went into foster care at age 7. After a year I was adopted by my maternal grandparents. At 14 l was sexually harassed by a close family member and then again by a stranger at 18 and 21. My father passed when I was 4, and my mother was only around when it benefited her.
I was in a relationship with my child’s father from age 18. It was never healthy. He was verbally abusive, and after our son was born, became physically violent and threatened to
kill me. My depression escalated, and I was exhausted. I began hurting myself and taking muscle relaxers just to sleep. Losing my grandmother two years ago made things worse. With no childcare I lost my job and ended up living in my car for a few months. I had my son but no job and no home.
“The Dream Center gave me something I had not had in a long time: safety. Just having a stable, peaceful environment allowed me to breathe, rest, and begin to process everything I have been through.”
I have learned how to slow down and truly face what is going on inside of me instead of running, numbing, or pretending like every-
thing is okay. The Dream Center helped me face my struggles head-on, through Bible study, structure, and being in a safe environment. My first goal is to find stable employment or pursue a long-term career. My family relationships have always been strong, and I hope it continues to be this way. I will forgive where needed, set boundaries, and stay healthy towards others while showing up with love and truth.
I’m learning to build a relationship with God; not religion, but real connection. I want to keep growing spiritually and emotionally. I hope to find stable work and continue strong family relationships—with forgiveness, boundaries, and love.
If you’re considering this program, go for it. It’s not just a place to sleep. They offer real support, structure, and community. It can truly be life-changing.
EDWARD PAGÁN
VETERAN
I grew up in East Harlem, also known as Spanish Harlem. My childhood was rough. I was abused twice by male adults, once at 6 and once at eight. I never told my dad because I thought he would be mad at me. That same year, I lost my mom, and by 12, I lost my dad too. I looked after my five brothers while my grandma took my sister to Puerto Rico to raise her.
“At seventeen, I joined the Army, and started boxing. It changed my life.”
I boxed in the inter-service championships, and had over 60 fights. I did well and won a bunch of prizes. My last duty station was Fort Ord, California, and when I got out, I stayed to keep competing as an amateur fighter.
In 1978, I married and we were together 14 years and had five kids. Now I have 5 grandkids and 2 great-grandkids. I see my kids every couple of months, which means a lot to me.
I started training amateur fighters in 1975 and later became the regional coach for USA Boxing in Las Vegas, where I stayed 16 years. In 2013, I opened my own gym, In This Corner Boxing Gym, and I ran it for about 8 years.
Then in 2020, my house burned down in the fires up north, and I lost everything. My home, valuables, memorabilia, photos, everything. Shortly after, COVID happened and I had to close my gym. I was heartbroken, depressed, and ended up living in my car for about a year. I was just surviving.
My brother helped me connect to the Dream Center. Sure enough, they let me in, and I’ve been here 4 years now. At 65, I was set in my ways, but this place gave me hope again. I found a home, friends, and a community. Even when I faced serious medical issues this last year, God blessed me with recovery.
My faith has changed too. I grew up Catholic, but church terrified me as a kid. Now I see church differently, it’s about people helping each other. I’ve learned to love openly, something I struggled with most of my life.
The Dream Center gave me family and purpose. I want to open a boxing gym here and train kids and adults, teaching not just boxing but life lessons like respect, resilience, and how to face life’s fights.
Now I’m excited again. What’s ahead of me feels even greater than what’s behind me, and I’m truly grateful.
The Testimony Of MIKAELA BURKHARDT FOSTER YOUTH
Life was always uncertain for me. I was raised by adoptive parents until I was 13, but because of behavioral issues and an abusive home, I was placed in the foster system.
From then on, I went through different group homes and psychiatric wards until I was 16. Around that time, I finally started to get my life together, seeing therapists who helped me deal with my inner turmoil. I experienced abuse and bullying. At 21, I emancipated and got my own apartment, but financial instability left me constantly wondering how I’d pay rent. Eventually, I had a corrupt landlord who took advantage of me and my ignorance of my rights. I was on the verge of homelessness and often thought about going back to my mother in New Orleans.
That’s when I heard about the Dream Center.
“Now, I have a free roof over my head, three meals a day, and an entire team dedicated to helping those in the Foster Youth Program. I have the ability to continue my education at Los Angeles City College without worrying about where I’ll sleep at night.”
I’ve learned to manage my money, communicate better, look for jobs, and most of all, understand myself, my struggles, strengths, and weaknesses. I have been able to pursue my dreams without worrying, “Where will I sleep tonight?”
The Foster Youth Program has also taught me patience and forgiveness. Without patience, you’re bound to mess up, whether in relationships, school, or work. Forgiveness has been harder for me, but it’s helping me let go of hatred and negative feelings. It doesn’t excuse what others have done, but it allows me to move on and become a better person.
My future plans are to graduate college, find a stable job, and build financial security. If anyone was considering joining this program, I’d tell them it’s a chance to rebuild, heal, and get back on their feet. The people here are helpful, compassionate, and they understand that people struggle. As long as you’re willing to learn, this program can greatly benefit your life.
The Testimony Of
RICARDO TORRES
FAMILY FLOOR
I grew up in an amazing family, but we were caught in the culture and circumstances around us. I don’t remember a time when drugs weren’t in our home. After an accident my sister was sent to a group home, and I was forced to stop boxing. It was the one thing that could’ve taken me out of a destructive life and brought our family together.
I call myself the Dream Center’s prodigal son. I’ve come to the program more than once.
The first time was during COVID. The second we lived in a tent during a freeze warning. The third, a hurricane hit while we were living in our car. I got tired of leaning on my own understanding. My love for my daughters finally made me surrender and put my life in God’s hands.
I always tell people that me and my daughters don’t live an ordinary life because we have God. I’m thankful for the dark times because we only saw light.
“Looking back, the situations were always extreme but God was showing me that no matter what storm is going on around us, as long as I kept my eyes on Him, we would be perfectly fine.”
Since entering the Dream Center, I don’t have to worry about food or where we’ll sleep.
Living in the car with two little girls, I stayed up at night to keep them safe, running the heater on cold nights while making sure we didn’t run out of gas. Now I can finally rest. The community here is another blessing. We are safe from harm and constantly fed the Word of God, refreshing my heart and mind.
Now I talk to God about every choice and let Him guide me. I know now that I’m already the father, son, and brother I’m meant to be. My plans are to go to Bible college and serve the homeless, addicts, and families in need. I look forward to building consistency in our lives so I can be the best father I can be. My two daughters are the most amazing kids on the planet, and I want to give them the best childhood a kid could ever have.
The Dream Center gives space for God to work, provides resources without judgment, and redirects you toward what’s possible. I’ve learned to surrender and trust the process.
There are no shortcuts with God. If I could tell you anything, it’s that there’s a crossroad at some point. The only way is to surrender completely to God.
DC KITCHEN TEAM
BEHIND THE SCENES, FEEDING THOUSANDS
In the heart of Los Angeles, the Dream Center stands as a beacon of hope for individuals and families in need. At the center of that mission is a team that rarely steps into the spotlight but whose fingerprints are found everywhere on campus: the Kitchen and Food Bank Team. They are the quiet force that keeps the Dream Center nourished, organized, and equipped to serve the city.
Before the sun rises, this team is already hard at work. They move with purpose, loading and unloading trucks, driving forklifts, shifting pallets stacked high with donated goods, and collecting food across the city. In the kitchen, meals are prepared with the same blend of efficiency and care, ensuring that every plate delivered is more than just food—it is a gesture of dignity and compassion. Their motto is simple but profound: find a need and fill it with consistency, strength, and heart. Day after day, that principle guides every action, from early morning prep to the final sweep of the kitchen floor at night.
The scale of their work is staggering. In the past year alone, the Food Bank has distributed 8,726,435 pounds of food to Dream Center programs and to 25 partner organizations. The Carey Kitchen has served 283,198 meals directly to individuals and families in need, creating not only full stomachs but moments of comfort and connection. Mobile Food Banks have taken that reach even further, distributing 2,411,050 pounds of food to 238,870 individuals across 22 sites, with more than 900 visits logged.
When disaster strikes, the team’s commitment only intensifies. Through the Disaster Relief Car Line and Walk-Up Outdoor Pantry, they have distributed over 2,000,000 pounds of products to families facing emergencies. Whether fire, flood, or sudden crisis, the Dream Center’s kitchen and food bank operate like a lifeline, meeting immediate needs with remarkable speed and compassion.
Their work is rarely glamorous and often goes unnoticed by the crowds who benefit from it. Yet those who serve alongside them know the truth: without the kitchen and food bank team, the Dream Center simply could not function.
They are the ones who make sure volunteers and staff are ready to serve, residents are cared for, and guests who arrive at the campus know that someone thought of them, prepared for them, and provided for them.
It is said that generosity is not measured only in the grand gestures but also in the quiet, consistent acts of service. The Dream Center Kitchen and Food Bank Team embody this truth every day. Their labor fuels the broader mission of the Dream Center—transforming lives through love, compassion, and practical support.
The impact of their work can be counted in pounds of food and meals served, but its true measure is found in the lives changed. Every truck unloaded, every meal plated, and every pallet moved carries with it the promise that no one in need is forgotten. And for the Dream Center, that is the greatest success of all.
— By Sally Colón
Champions Of Generosity
THE LIBERATORES FUEL FAITH IN BUSINESS
For Phil and Dana Liberatore, the call to ministry has never been confined to a pulpit. At Angelus Temple in Los Angeles, they have become trusted mentors to business leaders who believe their companies can carry more than profits—they can carry purpose. The Liberatores are convinced that when faith and commerce intersect, entire communities can be transformed.
Their vision is rooted in a simple but powerful belief: God works through ordinary people who dare to live with extraordinary trust. Some of those people run companies, others teach classrooms, raise families, or step into uncharted territory with nothing but conviction.
What unites them is not their profession but their posture—open-handed, willing, and courageous enough to say yes when God asks them to move.
The Liberatores have seen firsthand how that yes can change the world. They walk alongside entrepreneurs who view their success as fuel for missions, families who reorder their priorities around eternal impact, and young leaders who step boldly into places where faith is not easily welcomed. They honor grandparents whose prayers hold weight in heaven and students whose courage to share truth inspires their peers. Every story is different, yet every story carries the same refrain: Jesus is worthy, and His message must be known.
Phil and Dana remind us that real heroism rarely looks glamorous. It looks like obedience in the ordinary and faithfulness in the unseen. It looks like giving when no one is watching, praying when answers feel far away, or building a business that invests as much in kingdom impact as in quarterly growth.
Their legacy is not measured in accolades but in the ripple effects of lives surrendered. The Liberatores are proof that faith in the marketplace is not just possible—it is powerful. They show that when people choose boldness over comfort, mission over ease, and trust over fear, history is written in new and unexpected ways.
— By Dani Reeves
BEST SELLLER!
A LIFE CHANGING BOOK FROM PASTOR TOMMY BARNET
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