OUR HISTORY

OUR HISTORY

Dream City was born out of lived experience and a deep understanding of community needs. In 2012, founder Frederick Newell listened to a young man share his struggles in school, the anger he carried toward an absent father, and the weight of navigating life without consistent support. It was a story Frederick had heard many times before—and one that reflected a broader reality facing youth and families across the community.
Although Frederick grew up with a present and supportive father, he understood how deeply the absence of that relationship can shape a young person’s life. In that moment, it became clear that this young man’s challenges were not isolated. They were connected to fractured systems, inequitable access to resources, and a lack of spaces rooted in care, dignity, and opportunity. Dream City was created in response to that realization.
What began with a focus on youth quickly grew into a broader vision. As Dream City walked alongside young people, it became evident that sustainable change cannot happen in isolation. Youth thrive when families are supported. Families are strengthened when communities are connected. Communities flourish when economic opportunity is accessible.
At its heart, Dream City is more than a nonprofit organization. It is a community of care and action. We believe transformation happens through trust—and that when compassion is paired with structure and accountability, communities rise together.

A suburban street scene with a two-story house with a garage, a large leafy tree in front, and a lawn. Several trash bins are visible near the sidewalk, and a pickup truck is parked in the driveway of the neighboring house.

A group of young boys sitting at tables in a classroom, engaged in conversation, with supplies and drinks on the tables, and a window in the background.

Group of young boys sitting in a line, talking and holding folders with photos inside, in a classroom or meeting space.

Four women sitting at a table with papers and name tags, smiling, in a large indoor meeting or event space with a staircase in the background.

Group of diverse people with construction helmets gathered around a large orange skytrak construction vehicle in front of a building with glass windows.

Group of people participating in a groundbreaking ceremony, digging into a large pile of dirt in front of a blue building, with an easel displaying a photo of the building and onlookers in the background.

Construction site inside a large warehouse with metal framing, ladders, tools, and workers installing walls.

A group of diverse students and a teacher posing in a classroom, some making hand gestures and smiling, with bookshelves, colorful decorations, and a sign labeled 'Library' in the background.

A group of children and a few adults standing outside Northwest Junior High School building, posing for a photo. Several children are holding footballs and other sports equipment, with a mix of smiling and playful expressions.

Six young women standing together inside a building with large glass windows outdoors, dressed casually, smiling at the camera.

Two young girls playing with building blocks on the floor in front of a large whiteboard.

Group of children and a young man standing near a river on a sunny day, some holding sticks and one with a small tree branch, with a blue sky and clouds in the background.

A group of people in a kitchen, some standing and some sitting, listening to a woman speaking. The kitchen is modern with white cabinets, pendant lights, and open shelves.

Empty commercial space with large glass windows, hardwood flooring, and visible ceiling ducts and lighting, with snow outside.

Empty room with dark walls, a small stage with stairs, and construction materials on the floor.

Empty office room with gray carpet, white walls, ceiling tiles, and a partially open door leading to another room.

A diverse group of people gathered outside a building with a sign that reads 'DREAM CITY' for a ribbon-cutting ceremony. They are smiling, holding a red ribbon, and some are taking photos.