Our History

In the spring of 2012, Frederick Newell sat in a small community center, listening to a young man’s story. The boy spoke about his struggles in school, the anger he felt toward his absentee father, and the weight of trying to navigate life without a stable support system. Frederick recognized the pain in the boy’s voice because he had witnessed similar struggles in so many of his peers growing up. Though Frederick was fortunate to have a strong relationship with his own father, he knew firsthand how critical that presence could be, and what it meant for those who didn’t have it.

Frederick realized that this boy’s story was not an isolated one. It was part of a larger, systemic challenge affecting families and youth across Johnson County. In that moment, he made a decision: he would create something new, a place where youth, families, and communities could find the support they needed to overcome barriers and build brighter futures. What began as a simple idea soon grew into Dream City (formerly known as The Dream Center), an organization built on the belief that meaningful change starts with a community of support.

Frederick also knew that addressing the needs of youth wasn’t enough. As he worked with young people, he saw the ripples of absent fathers, fractured families, and economic barriers affecting entire households. For real change to take root, the whole family needed to be empowered.

The Dream Continues

With that realization, Dream City evolved into a holistic support network, offering programs that uplift families, inspire youth to become leaders, and provide underrepresented entrepreneurs with the tools they need to succeed. Each program was designed to bridge the gaps that keep individuals and communities from thriving, whether it’s the absence of a role model, the weight of financial instability, or the lack of accessible opportunities.

Dream City has become more than an organization—it’s a lifeline for families. Through the Legacy Builders Network, parents find mentorship, fathers grow more present, and families gain support. The NexGen Leadership Collective empowers young people to become leaders and changemakers. And the Impact Builders Hub helps aspiring entrepreneurs turn their dreams into reality, breaking down economic barriers.

At its heart, Dream City remains rooted in Frederick’s original vision: to create a community where every person, regardless of their circumstances, has the chance to rise, thrive, and make an impact.

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