By Rebecca Maglischo Photography by Steven Hill
I
take a left onto West 5th Street in Lakeland, a bit unsure of my exact location. The street is well manicured, the buildings a consistent tan without any fanfare or bright signage. I think I am here. I park my car and walk toward what looks like a gymnasium. A wide green field spreads to my left beside a concrete platform filled with picnic tables. As I pull open the doors of the Community Center, I am greeted with a smile.
“Hi! I’m Whittney. Welcome to the Dream Center!” It was a Facebook post that brought me here. While I have a general idea of what to expect, the next hour and a half prove to be the most uplifting and inspiring experience I have had in a very long time. In a world where it is easy to feel increasingly cynical, the Dream Center of Lakeland is spreading light and hope into some of the most challenged neighborhoods of this town.
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