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Hi Parkway People --
This past Sunday, I spoke about a change in our plans so that we can help a longtime ministry partner: Creative Dreams Outreach Center.
I understand that the Parkway family has always exceeded challenges when the need of the community arises. As such, I am asking that the Parkway family again step up and help us deliver $30,000 to Creative Dreams. We want to raise $30,000 so that Creative Dreams can access $60,000. Parkway will commit $10,000 from Benevolence Fund. One donor has committed $10,000. We're asking you to help us raise the last $10,000.
Creative Dreams has been a presence in Fort Bend County for over twenty years, helping, teaching, and advocating for vulnerable students and families. From afterschool care, help with schoolwork, teaching life skills, and just being a place to go for teens that have nowhere else to go — Creative Dreams is on the front lines doing work that matters in our community.
Creative Dreams is in a place where they are applying for grants for better long-term, sustainable funding, but is in a place of needing to raise funding to keep operating through that process. They have sent a letter asking for help to their ministry partners — you can see that letter below sent by two Parkway people: Barbara Marlin and Brian Mullen, who serve on Creative Dreams' Board of Directors. Please read it and consider if you're able to help.
This request for help comes as Parkway just began trying to raise $50,000 for the next phase of work on the Gardens project. As much as I want to get the gardens just perfect as quickly as possible, helping Creative Dreams so clearly lines up with our mission and the good, community building work that God calls us to in all seasons. So we are going to push pause — put our gardens dreams on hold for a little longer so that we can help Creative Dreams. Parkway is not going anywhere and we have time to resume work on the garden soon — but for now let's all pull in the same direction to help Creative Dreams keep the doors open, keep being a safe haven for students and families in need, and do the work of demonstrating grace and inspiring hope.
Please see the letter below, which includes links for donating to their work.
Justin
Dear Parkway family,
We are writing not only as representatives of Creative Dreams Outreach Center, but as people who have seen firsthand the life-changing impact this organization has on young people who need it most. Creative Dreams Outreach Center uses life skills and artistic programming to equip youth who need encouragement to find their God-given purpose.
For nearly two decades, Creative Dreams has been more than an after-school program or summer camp. It has been a safe haven for students and teens facing difficult circumstances, where they are seen, supported, and equipped to build brighter futures.
Today, we write with both urgency and hope. Rising operating costs have put us at risk of closing our doors. Without immediate support, the programs and relationships so many youth rely on could disappear.
For our youth, losing this program means losing stability, mentorship, and opportunity.
At Creative Dreams, we serve “Dreamers”— young people who need a place to feel safe, valued, and inspired. Every day, we provide:
- Faith-based encouragement that builds character, purpose, and hope
- A safe, structured place during critical after-school hours
- Nutritious meals for youth who might otherwise go without
- Academic support and mentoring
- Creative arts and life-skills programs
- Guidance toward education and career pathways
More than services, we offer hope.
Here are just a few of the lives that have changed within these walls just this year:
- One Dreamer was forced to leave school during his senior year. With guidance, encouragement, and accountability from our staff, he returned, caught up on his coursework, and proudly earned his diploma.
- Another young man came to us, uncertain about his future. Through mentorship and hands-on support, we helped him discover his passion, choose a vocational path, and move toward a meaningful career.
- Each day, we welcome youth who simply need a safe place to be; whether they come from foster group homes, single-family homes, are on the autism spectrum, are experiencing homelessness, or are otherwise at risk. Here, they are fed, supported, and reminded that they matter.
These stories are not exceptions; they are the heartbeat of Creative Dreams.
Now, we need your help to keep these stories going.
Your gift, no matter the size, will help sustain our programs, provide meals, keep our doors open, and continue investing in vulnerable youth in our community.
We are not simply asking to survive; we are asking for the chance to keep changing lives.
If Creative Dreams Outreach Center closes, the loss will be felt across our community, by the youth who rely on us, the families who trust us, and the future that depends on them.
Please consider making a gift today to help keep our doors open.
Together, we can ensure every Dreamer who walks through our doors continues to have a place to grow, heal, and dream.
Additionally, Thanks to the generosity of our board, every donation will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $30,000. That means your gift today has twice the impact in helping us reach this urgent goal.
With gratitude and hope,
Barbara Marlin
On Behalf of the Board of Directors
Creative Dreams Outreach Center
Brian Mullen
On Behalf of the Board of Directors
Creative Dreams Outreach Center
KEEP THE DREAM ALIVE HERE
Become a Monthly Donor Here
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