DREAM Center
fire; a reminder
of what could
have been big loss

The recent fire at the DREAM Center in Whiteville that caused smoke damage and destroyed an HVAC unit could have been much worse.

Because the fire occurred during business hours and the fire department discovered the source quickly, the building on Martin Luther King Avenue did not burn to the ground.

As a result, the center has largely been able to continue its many programs without much interruption.

But Director Evelyn Troy is right – the fire scare should give residents pause to remember the number of programs that operate under the DREAM Center’s roof.

Had there been a full-blown fire and extensive damage, the large number of both children and adults who enjoy daily everything from computer classes to after-school programs would have suddenly been left wanting and without. There were 55 children and staff members participating at an after-school program the afternoon of the fire.

When people point out the huge need to provide alternatives to life on the street, the DREAM Center stands out as an organization that provides a haven for education, safe and fun activities, mentoring and hope.

If there’s a way to turn lemons into lemonade, Troy will find it. While the fire did damage the building, it should help the community realize how important the mission of the DREAM Center is, and how a vision for the future to make it even more effective shouldn’t be lost in aftermath.