Students serve at-risk communities at LA’s Dream Center over Winter Break

A team of nine Liberty University students and two staff members spent a week of their Winter Break serving in some of the most at-risk communities in Los Angeles.

Through a partnership with the LA Dream Center, a faith-based charitable organization in the Echo Park neighborhood that serves people recovering from homelessness, addiction, abuse, and other challenges, the Liberty team took part in hosting a “Kidz Jam” after-school Bible lesson and worship service for children in low-income housing neighborhoods and delivered food donations throughout the community, including on Skid Row.

The team lived on site for the week, in the same rooms where residents can stay as part of the center’s one- to three-year residency program to help men and women get back on their feet. They shared meals with residents in the cafeteria.

Senior Dabney Rollins, a social work student, said her favorite part of the trip was “the opportunity to build intentional relationships in very short amounts of time.” She said she went on the trip because of her desire to help those who live in poverty.

“Not every unhoused person is an addict, not every child in the foster care system has neglectful parents, and not everyone on the streets lacks a relationship with Jesus,” she said. “Until we truly get to know someone by asking and listening, then we can see their story and let the Lord lead us to instill hope the best we can.”

The trip was a joint effort with LU Send, LU Serve, and Liberty University’s Department of Social Work. This was the second annual service partnership with Liberty and the Dream Center.

Abigail Sanders, a staff member who co-led the team, said volunteering with the Dream Center’s unique outreach programs to families helped the students see a need in a city and meet that need in a tangible way.

“We have some very talented Liberty students who love God and want to share that love,” she said. “Being able to step outside of their comfort zones and be in a different culture is very important for them. It’s good exposure for students who might come from small towns to see both the challenges and opportunities of ministering in a large area.”

Assistant Professor of Social Work Alexander Lagos, the other group leader, said the experience allowed social work students “to learn about the integration of urban social work practice and ministry as well as to put into practice some of the knowledge and skills needed to work with diverse groups.”

The Dream Center was started in 1995 as an outreach to the City of Angels’ impoverished areas.

“Serving with the Dream Center is an opportunity for students to come alongside a very reputable organization,” Sanders added. “They are likeminded in their faith and make sure that the Gospel is at the center of everything they do, which is unique for such a large nonprofit in a major city.”