O.C. Dream Center, Inc.
OUR STORY
Our Story
From our origins in simple outreach events with a heart to "find a need and meet it, see a hurt and heal it", the OC Dream Center has grown since its founding in 2017 to encompass a comprehensive array of programs. Beyond our own programs, we are currently developing a robust network of local nonprofits and ministries, ensuring that individuals seeking help can find the right resources quickly and that our partner organizations receive efficient referrals.
At the moment, our entire staff is 100% volunteer-based. This unique model ensures that every dollar raised publicly will directly fund programs and services in Orange County, instead of being consumed by operational expenses.
The OC Dream Center is actively fundraising to expand programs, establish a permanent facility and bring paid staff onboard so that the organization can execute its mission full-time.
Our Strategy
Our development strategy employs the ABC (Assess, Build, Cultivate) model. We first assess needs in Orange County, focusing on the identification of existing resources to avoid duplicating efforts. If gaps remain, we build targeted programs to address and fill them.
Finally, we cultivate resources for long-term sustainability, fostering strong partnerships with non-profits to connect individuals with essential support while innovating solutions for underserved areas.
How to Help
We seek to empower every family and individual in Orange County to pursue and achieve their God-given dreams. With rapid growth driven by new partnerships, our services are in higher demand than ever. To meet Orange County's escalating needs, your financial and human capital support is essential.
There are many ways to partner with us to make a difference:
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Donate: Your generosity directly supports our programs and goal of securing a permanent facility with full-time staff. -
Volunteer: Join our team! Your time and skills make a huge difference, whether you volunteer solo or with others. -
Host an Event: Identify a critical need and partner with us to host an event that brings targeted support to our community.
Mission Statement
The mission of Orange County Dream Center (OCDC) is to find and meet the needs of vulnerable populations in Orange County through community outreach, rehabilitation programs, and collaborative partnerships.
Background Statement
Founded in 2017 by Samuel Carter, the OC Dream Center is dedicated to transforming lives and restoring hope across Orange County. Since receiving our non-profit status, we have served as a vital resource hub for individuals and families facing homelessness, hunger, and hardship.
As a proud member of the Dream Center International Network, we combine local heart with a proven global model of relief. By providing essential resources and long-term support, we empower our neighbors to break cycles of poverty and reach their full potential.
Impact Statement
Top Accomplishments 2025:
- Disaster Relief: Distributed over 30 pallets of essential resources directly to families affected by the LA fires.
- Back-to-School Outreach: Partnered with Newport-Mesa School District to provide 3,000 donuts and waters, plus free haircuts for over 100 children to start the year with confidence.
- Christmas Hope Festival: Hosted a resource fair featuring local nonprofits and bounce houses, providing vital community connections and distributing hundreds of toys to families in need.
Goals for 2026:
- Permanent Headquarters: Secure a dedicated facility to serve as a consistent lighthouse and resource hub for Orange County.
- Full-Time Staffing: Transition our dedicated team to full-time paid positions to increase our daily impact and operational capacity.
- Collaborative Referrals: Expand our network of local nonprofit partnerships to ensure we can refer every individual to the specific resources they require.
- Growth of Christmas Hope: Scale our holiday outreach to distribute 500+ toys, bringing joy and essential support to more households than ever before.
Needs Statement
Permanent Facility/Headquarters: Funding for a larger physical site in Orange County to become the centralized location for our current programs and also provide space to develop new programs.
Staff Salaries: Funding from corporate sponsors and private donors to transition volunteer leadership to full-time staff roles. This will ensure operational continuity and expand our ability to manage daily referrals and outreach.
Geographic Areas Served
Orange County, California. Our headquarters are located in Costa Mesa.
Top Three Populations Served
- African Americans
- Latinos
- Seniors/Older Adults
Statement from the CEO/Executive Director
At the OC Dream Center, we believe we have the potential to transform Orange County forever, guided by our unchanging mission: "To find and meet the needs of vulnerable populations in Orange County through community outreach, rehabilitation programs, and collaborative partnerships." Our ultimate goal is to eradicate homelessness here, becoming a prototype for Dream Centers worldwide.
This past year, we've laid crucial groundwork for this vision, bringing joy with toys at Christmas and amplifying our reach through our community partnerships. These collaborations have allowed us to expand our capacity and more effectively serve those in need across the region.
With hearts set on expansion and transformation, we envision a future where we also open rehabilitation housing for women exiting sex trafficking, provide housing for veterans, and launch comprehensive recovery programs. Together, we can realize this expansive vision and truly change lives, making Orange County a beacon of hope for communities everywhere.
With gratitude,
Samuel Carter, CEO and Founder
CONTACT
O.C. Dream Center, Inc.
3303 Harbor Blvd
STE A-104
Costa Mesa, California 92626
Sam Carter
Phone: 714-832-1000