For children to build healthy, supportive relationships with caring adult role models, which in turn can positively influence the life path they choose. To ensure a better future for the children.
Our mentoring program is a safe place where children can learn, grow and have fun. Where children can reach their full potential as caring, responsible, productive people. We offer life changing and life-enriching programs.
Our purpose is driven in part by the overwhelming need to aid children in at risk homes, based on North Carolina’s demographics of poor children.
For the year 2013, the federal poverty threshold is $23,624 for a family of four with two children. Children living in families with incomes below the federal poverty threshold are referred to as poor. But research suggests that, on average, families need an income of about twice the federal poverty threshold to meet their basic needs. The United States measures poverty by an outdated standard developed in the 1960s.
In North Carolina, there are 1,181,050 families with 2,223,915 children.
- Poor Children: 25% (552,069) of children live in poor families (National: 22%)
- In North Carolina, families by age are 29% (208,178) of children, under age 6 live in poor families
- 23% (343,891) of children, age 6 or older live in poor families.
As a mentor you are giving back to a child who has an enormous need. Help a child, encourage and coach a child. The children will be transformed and so will you. Become a Dreamer and help children realize their dreams can come true!
Reference: National Center for Children in Poverty (nccp.org) North Carolina Demographic profiles
North Carolina Demographics of Poor Children. http://www.nccp.org/profiles/NC_profile_7.html
What We Do
The children we serve live in fragile circumstances, such as extreme poverty, or risk of abuse or neglect. We also assist with foster kids and prepare them for the next stage of life as they transition out of the foster care system. Many children are below their grade level in school or demonstrate behavioral problems. We evaluate the child’s academic status and design a plan to improve the child’s education and quality of life.
At PDC, each child spends an hour or more each day one-on-one with a mentor who helps with homework, works with the child through academic trouble spots and at the same time, develops a meaningful friendship with the child. This individual attention and instruction not only helps children to excel in school and build self-confidence, but demonstrates to the child that they matter and are valued. Our leadership program teaches kids they can make a difference. We teach the characteristics of good leaders and the positive impact it can have on them, their community and the world.
Students also take part in lessons, playtime, sports, arts and crafts and dance activities.
An important aspect of PDC is the coalition built among PDC staff, committed volunteer mentors, the families and teachers of the students, all working together to produce positive, measurable results for children. A regular schedule of conferences with both teachers and families helps to gauge each child’s ongoing progress and needs.
At the recommendation of schools, social services and local churches, the Pineville Dream Center accepts children into the program that need help.
PDC is also committed to the wellbeing of the entire family, and therefore provides parenting classes and other assistance for the families of the students enrolled.
They learn, are motivated, challenged, dream, and have fun!
Your time, talent and treasure will transform the life of a child forever.
Become a Dreamer and inspire a generation!
