Creative Dreams Outreach Center Inc

Creative Dreams is knocking it out of the park when it comes to serving their community. They specialize in helping fostering and single parent families. They provide a safe environment for after school tutoring, music, voice, arts, drama and dance classes. They provide amazing hot meals, keep the students engaged with games and athletics, and their service extends beyond their walls. They also rent their building to the community for private parties, church services and community events well below the going rental rates, keep a Dream Closet supplied for the students to visit monthly for clothing, toiletries and shoes, and host community events for free. The staff and volunteers are wonderful with the students. It’s truly the best place to volunteer!

I have observed this organization as a donor, volunteer and now a board member. Year after year, Creative Dreams has been a safe place for its member to express themselves creatively, emotionally and even physically. Students come to get instruction in the arts, but they get so much more. They also receive meals, get homework help, access to computer technology, obtain basic toiletries, clothes and love. Many students appreciate the ability to express themselves without judgment. Alumnae often return to assist and to reconnect with their Creative Dreams family. Participants come from foster, low income and single parent families. For many alumnae, this is their family. As a board member, I have observed great care taken by the board to ensure the best possible outcomes for the students.

I was first introduced to Creative Dreams through my daughter. Her dance company performed for the students , then stayed and visited for the rest of the evening. She told me how much she enjoyed spending time there.
A couple of years later my husband and I moved to Texas and I met Jackie, the director. I volunteered to help organize their dream closet. I fell in love with the kids and the staff. I wholeheartedly believe in the mission of Creative Dreams. Little did I know I’d still be handing out clothes and hygiene products to the students several years later.
Creative Dreams is unique in offering a way to healing and wholeness through the creative and performing arts.

Creative Dreams does such good work. So many lives are effected for the better.

Creative Dreams is one of those programs that is necessary for youth today. It is morally and educationally formative for everyone who passes through. As an adult who constantly fears for the future of our youth, seeing such an impactful program like this gives me hope and the assurance that there are those out there who truly care and are willing to put in the work for our youth. Im so grateful for Creative Dreams and look forward to its continual impact in our communities.

Hey my name is Heleina. Creative dreams is such an amazing place. The staff and students there are so nice and so helpful. I was going through a hard time about almost 2 years ago, and being at Creative Dreams really helped me mentally. The staff there helped me by having days where we would talk about things, and my friends there did too by supporting me and always doing there best to keep me happy. Creative Dreams is a place where the people there can become one whole family and make treasurable friends and moments together.

It is a good program for youthful children and helps them to stay out of trouble at the same time builds Character and help them find an identity for themselves

Wow. If only words could express the experience I got to have here! I started volunteering through my school, and it turned into weekly and then daily. The way that the leaders of this organization truly impact and transform the lives of the Creative Dreams kids through Christ and meaningful artistic expression is something truly amazing. Creative Dreams provides a safe space for every child, no matter what race, ethnicity, or religion. They are all united through art and know that they are loved and can come to Creative Dreams and feel at home. Thank you to Jazz, Ms.Jackie, Ms.Christy, Amando, Madelyn, Yvonne, and Maurice for taking the time out of their day and devoting their lives to God’s work and changing the lives of these kids! And thank you to the Creative Dreams kids for being some of the strongest and kindest people I’ve ever met! Y’all always brighten my day.

My name is vandon I'm 16 years old im in foster care I like to cook, play football and do flips and I love hanging out with kids

I was invited to volunteer at Creative Dreams through a friend. My initial goal was to spend a few hours here once a week. Seven months later and I am here every chance I get. As a student at the University of Houston my free time is limited, but I never regret spending it here. I am always greeted with smiles and the staff here are easy to form lasting, meaningful relationships with. I feel blessed every day that I was granted the opportunity to get to know all the Creative Dreams students on a personal level and share music and Jesus to them. I hope I am able to impact them as much as their stories and personalities have impacted me.

Creative Dreams Outreach Center is a great place to relax or feel at home. You meet a lot of people that are kind and full of joy. This place is going to make you feel like your in heaven.

Creative Dreams Outreach Center is a great place for young kids or teenagers who are in the foster care system or whose parents are of the low-income spectrum.

Ever since I got mad the staff here always talked to me and make me feel better and being at Creative Dreams is like I'm being at home.

During the middle of the summer, my mother had gotten in a car accident. And due to the current events, we had no way to get to and from school. So my mother went to ask a friend for help. She told her about a place called Creative Dreams and told her of a bus route. So my mother found the information about Creative Dreams, and the bus, called Kids Express, then came to informed me and my sister Symone. On September 1st we attended our first day at Creative Dreams. I fell in love with the place right when we met everyone and were aware of the rules. Creative Dreams is a place I positively enjoy.

During this summer my mom was in a terrible car accident. she was okay but absolutely terrified to get behind the wheel again. ever since she refused to drive. My mom was worried about how to get my sister and I to and from school. Luckily she found a way for us to get to school in the morning, but couldn't find a way for us to get back in the afternoon. when she did find a way, she needed somewhere for us to stay until we got picked up. that's where creative Dreams comes in. without Creative Dreams, I have no idea what we would do. my whole family is grateful, and most of all my parents. Thank You.

Creative Dreams is a great place for youth and teens. There is a variety of classes, art, music, dance, and weight lifting. There is even a tutor that comes in once a week that helps the kids with their homework. I've only been coming here for about 5 months and this place has changed me a lot and I love it here. Creative Dreams is a very loving and supporting place and feels like home. When I first came here a felt very welcomed and I was introduced to everyone and made friends quickly. The staff and students are very loving and supportive. I would recommend this program to anyone and everyone.

I really enjoyed the energy all the administrators had with the kids, along with the enthusiasm the kids had. It was a great experience and I would definitely volunteer here again!

I have a great experience being at Creative Dreams. There are not places like this everywhere. It is just this one special place. It is a very unique place and lots of fun!

I love creative dreams SO MUCH! It's a place of opportunity! Not many places in my area are filled with such loving individuals. Everyone is so friendly and accepting. One day there will change your life!

Creative Dreams is the best place I have ever been. I love the staff. I love everything. I love getting along with everybody at Creative Dreams.

It is fun. They have good staff, plenty of volunteers. I like the food. I love the snacks. Shout out to Creative Dreams!

I enjoy supporting the great work done at Creative Dreams Outreach Center Inc! I have total faith in the organization, so, for example, when I donated funds for the new building in memory of my departed loved ones, I know the memorial bricks were made and installed. As an educator with 29 years of experience teaching and supporting K-12 students, I have watched this organization grow in ways that meet the needs of today's youth. As a former foster child, I appreciate that students at risk have a safe place and a caring/talented staff supporting them.

Creative dreams is a great nonprofit organization that’s involved in art dance and music. I was a participant and know volunteer every chance I get. Love how everyone is so nice and friendly. Such a great environment very family oriented. We are all family.

The people who work with the children here really have a heart for this. They care so much about these youth. I hope God continues to bless this organization. They are fulfilling a great need.

This is an amazing place doing extraordinary things for young people. The staff is caring and kind. The new facility will offer so many opportunities to the community. Great place!

Nowhere else have I seen a place that offers so much to our youth. They are developed spiritually, physically, mentally, emotionally and even in their gifts, talents and interests every day. The students get to enjoy and learn music, recording, dance, ats & crafts, sports and more. What blows me away is that the kids get fed a full-course meal. Again, I don't see this anywhere. The kids like coming and it's always a joy to see them participate, make their own creations and evolve as individuals in Christ.

Creative Dreams Outreach Center is a wonderful place for students from low income families to spend time after school. It now has a brand new, beautiful building where the students have plenty of opportunities to thrive in art, music, and dance lessons. The staff and volunteers at creative dreams cultivate a safe and loving environment where they encourage students, and are able to build relationships with them. The center also provides a full dinner for the students every evening. And, every August they receive new backpacks and school supplies for the year. This organization truly blesses every person who walks through their doors!

Creative Dreams Outreach Center is a organization like no other. They are reaching out to all youth and providing them with a safe place and meal every evening. The continuous love they show to the Houston area youth is phenomenal! Keep up the amazing work!

Excellent program for the benefit of the children. They are our future and it's up to us to train them up and keep them on the right paths help them discover who they are and to believe in themselves and this is what this organization embodies!

I can clearly see where Creative Dreams Outreach Center Inc. is a necessary organization. I always tell people that CDOC is not an after-school program it’s a community. CDOC is full of amazing people who work every day to support the youth's vision for the future. This program has been a life-changing experience dozens of young people. I can honestly say that I would not be the person I am if it was not for Jackie and her group of awesome staff people helping our youth every step along the way. I became a supporter of the program a few months ago and I have not one regret. CDOC has been one of the best investments I have ever made in my community and our young peoples' future and my hope is that we can keep making that type of impact in the lives of other deserving students.

Creative Dreams Outreach Center Inc. is on the break of opening a new, innovative building and already shows great promise in continuing to serve the community. The opening of this new building with its creative, talented, skilled team in place is a good sign of all the life-changing things to come for the community's youth.

To experience this group of inspiring individuals is amazing. They inspire me to reach many goals I still have planned in life. Love the gifts that’s being used.

I love the creativity and talent that is put to use for this organization!!

This is an awesome nonprofit organization...help kids achieve and make their dreams come true and alive....with all the things and negative influences around them the need some where to go and help them out

Where do I even BEGIN!!!! Creative Dreams has literally changed my LIFE! It’s not only the place I volunteer; its my second home, the place where I go to be around positive people. The place where I met my future wife. My safe haven. And there’s a million and one things I could say about Creative Dreams. For the past 9 years I’ve seen Creative Dreams go from this little dream to a life changing experience. I would highly recommend anyone looking for a place to call home Creative Dreams. ITS THE PLACE TO BE!

This guys are amazing! So talented and passionate about what they do.

Creative dreams is one of my many homes I’ve known creative dreams since I was 14 as a foster kid I enjoyed coming here and I still do. I love the programs that they have here especially art. I have meet my boyfriend here and my 2 best friends and many other friends here it’s a safe and such a friendly environment too be in. Many people have grown here by interacting with the people here Im now 20 and I volunteer oh and don’t get me stared on the founder of creative dreams she has done so much for us! We all love her ! And we’re so thankful for a place like this that we can come and enjoy our time at .

Creative dreams outreach center has been and will always be a place I call home, and has a huge role in my life of shaping me to the person I am today. Creative dreams started out as such a small place with a small dream executed very well, with miss Jackie and her husband Tim, getting a taste of what it felt like to take care of kids from all different backgrounds and adults with all kinds of backgrounds. They also had to deal with the difficulty of the business side of things and other things that they might have been dealing with at the time but never did they show the struggles, they continued to give their all in the dream and helped me learn how to play and hand full of instruments, different dances, and a lot of forms of art. They helped me find the artist inside of me and through all of this, the whole time they were gently evangelising to me and my heart and helped me find God, which to say the least is the best thing that has ever happened. They have a well balance of freedom but rules and regulation to go along with it. They have loved every kid and whatever else walked through the doors. Unconditnally and whole heartedly, they helped me find my own confidence and my best friends. They gave me my first job and helped me develop and pretty legit work ethic. Now I’m the music director and help take care and love the kids as they loved me and help me through this thing called life. I want to give things kids what this place gave me but now we have more dreamer and more nessecities, which requires more funds and more help and I believe this place is a great place to invest in which is why I am investing the most important and rare thing that we have, my time.

This organization hired me as a staff member, and from the first day I was made aware of the initiative, I witnessed them make a great impact in the life of each individual student enrolled in the program. It is a blessing to be a part of an organization that cares so much about the success and creativity of future generations.

Creative Dreams Outreach Center is a wonderful place for teens to connect with each other and with caring adults. The staff is passionate about working with young people and are dedicated to helping them succeed. There is a genuine feeling of respect and good will at Creative Dreams and it feels like you are surrounded by family.

I've volunteered off and on over the last 10 years. It's a great place for the kids that attend. Help studying, music, dance, food, art, ...

I've grown up attending CDOC and it's just been so wonderful. As anyone else would agree, I have gained so much from being there that now I just want to give back. All I have to give back is my time and so I gladly show up everyday. So many kids go there looking for a place and they find much more. They find a family.

People say this place is like a second home, but I would say its our first home. Everyone here is my family. some times I disagree with them, but at the end of the day we grow a stronger bond. this is the safest place to be they always accept you for who you are

Creative Dreams is a welcoming place where you will always feel at home. The people are like family and you will always feel accepted. Volunteering here has been an experience of a lifetime for the past 6 years. There is so many activities to participate in while here. For someone who is coming for the first time as soon as you walk through those gates you will feel accepted, loved, and welcomed.

Creative Dreams is an opportunity that lets me do things that I thought that I was never going to be able to do. I learned how to dance, draw, paint, and I'm currently learning how to play the guitar and piano. And not to mention the great singing lessons from the singer Savannah Berry. I've been going for five years and now I work here. I don't know how my life would have been and how my connection with God would have turned out if I had never gave Creative Dreams a chance.

From Monday through Thursday I have the opportunity to work with amazing young adults. These kids have changed my life for the better, each day that I come here I learn something new whether it's and instrument, art, or a dance move that I didn't know about before. Coming to Creative Dreams was the best decision I have made in my entire life, I've been coming here since the summer after my 6th grade year. At the time I didn't have any friends, so my mom suggested it. Ever since then my life have changed. Here is where I met my best friends, Julissa, Marcelles and Jazz. I can't stress how amazing this program has been for me! I highly recommend it.

Creative Dreams outreach center is basically my safe place, I grew up here. I started when I was 10 years old and I'm turning 19 next month.That's literally half my life. I love spending time here because I know I can be myself and no one will judge me and that is truly what every teen needs because the problem in our society is kids too worried about what other kids think of them. That was one of my struggles. I know whenever I am un happy I can come here and it'll all change.

I had a privilege to visit Creative Dreams on several occasions over the last 9 years. As a mental health professional with an expertise in foster care and adoption family therapy services, I am always impressed with the level of support clients of Creative Dreams receive on a daily basis. I have witnessed adolescents develop multiple healthy coping mechanisms such as dancing, singing, painting, and various art activities. Creative Dreams provides a safe place and a chance for these young people to experience a sense of belonging, which for many of them has been a significant struggle throughout lifetime and particularly around the critical stage of adolescence. I believe this organization is an active catalyst in the process of restoration of many lives!

Creative Dreams is a place that truly changes the lives of those that enter the doors. I had the joy of volunteering for a number of years teaching dance classes. During this time, I was able to see first-hand how the kids' lives were impacted for the better by simply having someone take the time to see them, to invest in their education, to love them, and to help them see the value of their lives. One of my favorite things was to watch the kids' joy as they learned new things. Beyond the art, dance, and music lessons - the kids at Creative Dreams have the opportunity to learn life skills that will serve them for a lifetime.

Few places offer what Creative Dreams does as part of its core mission. Every day dozens of at-risk kids are fed, take lessons in art, dance or music and get help with school subjects and life skills. It's done at no cost to participants and provided by mostly volunteers. The organization stretches a dollar very far. The only impediment to doing more is to get a better facility, which is on the wish list. I support Creative Dreams because it's a positive place for 11-18 year olds to go instead of doing things that might get them in trouble. It has been around for 10 years and several graduates are in much better places than they would be otherwise. There need to be more places like Creative Dreams and Creative Dreams needs to have a better facility. But it hits the mark in positively impacting the lives of students.

I had a privilege to volunteer at Creative Dreams back in 2007 for about 6 months. A lot of kids went through the doors of Creative Dreams and I have seen kids transformed even during that short period of time. After that I have been coming back on a different occasion such as annual Fundraisers or just to visit and it is always nice to see a drastic transformation in a lot of kids. If we will have places like that in every state, city, county and etc, the world would be in much better place, no doubt!

Changing Lives!!! Creative Dreams is doing an awesome job walking along side of kids and helping them reach their goals. Students come in broken, lost, and hurting and Creative Dreams helps with the healing process. Each and every student that comes through the doors is cared for and loved. They get the help needed to achieve their goals in school and in life. They are making a HUGE difference in the lives of students!!!

Creative dreams is an amazing out reach center that my Girl Scouts and I got the privilege to volunteer at 2012-2013. Jackie and her husband are amazing with these kids.
My Girl Scout enjoyed working with the kids and getting to know them personally
This is an amazing organization .
We got more out of helping the kids then they got from us
Thank you Jackie for the wonderful opportunity to work beside you .
I can only pray the other troops will get the opportunity to experience what we experienced

Up until this year (working overseas), I was the auctioneer at the annual fundraiser for Creative Dreams ministry. In this role, I got to meet the kids and see the work they did in preparing for this event. The one treasure that all the kids hand a hand in was the "quilt"! Each of the kids would do a section of the quilt (usually kless than a foot square) and it represents their heart. I got to see first hand the results of Jackie and Tim working with these kids and it was marvelous to see.
May God Bless the ongoing work of Creative Dreams!

Sincerely,
Ned "The Voice" Merchant, Auctioneer

I have had the privilege of being able to help out at Creative Dreams over the last few years. This Thanksgiving will be the third one that our family and friends have volunteered to provide a Thanksgiving dinner for all the kids and their families(sometimes up to 60 people). Mrs. Jackie is doing wonderful things there for all the kids that attend, and I am amazed every time we visit. I have never seen an environment so full of smiles, cheer, friendship, love, and respect. We always feel appreciated when we volunteer, and are treated with so much respect. It is very apparent the affect that Mrs. Jackie and Creative Dreams have on these kids. She has provided an environment for them, where they can be free to be themselves and feel safe. They are able to do their homework, have dinner, and have fun. They can learn art, music, and dance. If anyone is looking for an opportunity to volunteer, I highly recommend Creative Dreams.

Creative Dreams provides a safe environment for teens to be who they are and to explore who they want to become as they grow older. The center provides an outlet for kids to hone their creative skills in singing, dancing, playing different instruments, and various forms of visual art. They also teach life skills such as cooking and sewing while also helping students with their homework. It's a place where all are welcome regardless of race or background. Kids get face-to-face encouragement and reassurance when they go to Creative Dreams. In a world seemingly filled with headlines full of bullying and school shootings, a place like Creative Dreams is a true blessing and touches young lives in such a positive way. They are loving these kids where they are at and encouraging them to grow into responsible, creative, and well-educated members of society. Sometimes it just takes one person caring about and cheering on the other to turn their whole world around and that is what happens at Creative Dreams.

Creative Dreams is a great place to volunteer. I don't have a lot of talents, but I can talk to kids and get to know them, and show them some love. If you're more of a behind the scenes person, an easy way to volunteer is to sign up for dinner duty - make dinner once a week/month/whenever you can for 40 kids. If you like to talk and want to show some love to the kids, sign up to teach them something. I've only taught one class so far, but the kids were very respectful and a joy to teach. They just need someone to listen to them - to care - to engage them. Jackie's heart for these kids is obvious. She gives them hope for the future, tools for the future, and teaches them about the One who holds the future - Jesus. The kids respect Jackie too, and listen to what she tells them.

I am a Zimbabwean Artist who met Jackie when she came to Zimbabwe on a mission trip to build a Church building in 1992. Since then I have been in relationship with the Stouffer family and have been honoured to be a part of their life with and their love of God through giving of themselves and their talents to better prepare children for tomorrow. Most of the children are those that do not believe that they have any hope of a decent future BUT with the constant encouragement to view their lives through Christ's love, grace and acceptance, the children are given every opportunity to see themselves in light of Princes and Princesses of the Most High God and not as paupers. It is also good for me to encourage the children as a man that is fully reliant on God because Africa is not easy, and this gives the children a different perspective from what they are used to.

As an Artist I get the opportunity to come and assist the children with some of their art projects. and I get to do the project alongside them. Each child that attends Creative Dreams gets to do an art project and we sell these pieces as part of the fund raising efforts of Creative Dreams.

Jackie loves the kids that come to Creative Dreams and does her best to teach them to think about the future, take pride in their work, appreciate the arts plus she feeds them. Most of these kids never dreamed about going to school after high school but now with Jackie's encouragement they see the value of education and hard work. She is also teaching them to help others, besides learning art, music, dance and getting help with school work.

I met Jackie Stoffer & fell in love with her commitment & passion for the kids that she has such a heart for helping to be their best selves! Some of these kids would fall through the cracks of society, but instead at Creative Dreams, they thrive and see their true potential! She & Tim started this on faith and a prayer & have done amazing things with it! Such a deserving nonprofit! :D

Creative Dreams is an amazingly unique organization that goes above and beyond to serve and give and poor themselves into the lives of kids who would otherwise never know a full belly or the talents hidden inside. I can't say enough wonderful things about how they lead by example and are changing lives. Their program should be modeled throughout the US to reach out to youth and change lives through the arts.