Making Dreams Come True At The Dream Center

IOWA CITY, Iowa – It’s 2 p.m. and nearing the end of the school day at City High School. Frederick Newell sits at his desk in the Welcome Center, but you can’t see him behind the groups of students who crowd the room.

The students chat amongst themselves, some doing homework with staff members, others listening to music while waiting their turn to talk to Newell.

Newell is the director of the Student Advisory Center at City High School, where he works with students on a number of matters.

“I deal with any issues whatsoever, from attitudes to tardies,” he says. Newell’s responsibility here is to provide the students with guidance in whatever may be troubling them, whether it be home life or difficulties in school.

The 27-year-old has quite a bit of experience working with youth in the community, as he is the also founder of The Dream Center in Iowa City.

The Dream Center, located at 611 Southgate Avenue, provides a safe haven and resource for youth and families in the community to be successful, through pursuing strong relationships and self-confidence.

Their mission statement embodies just that: The Dream Center works to strengthen and empower families, with a particular focus on fathers and youth, through support, advocacy, lifelong education, and community connections.