The CityGate Dream Center’s Executive Director Lisa

Edwards has a large heart for her community. She runs the

organization with the help of staff and other volunteers to

help the community of East Burlington. With hundreds of

kids in attendance every week, it truly is a feat of strength to

keep things running smoothly but it can be extremely

rewarding for her.

“Seeing growth in individuals, seeing people find a safe,

comfortable and encouraging environment at the Dream

Center” says Edwards, is the most rewarding aspect of her job.

The center has around 900 kids in attendance every week. Originally, the Dream Center

was bringing in new kids through word of mouth from others who loved the center and wanted to

share the experience with their friends. She wants the Dream Center to be a place where families,

kids, and students can participate in events, activities, and classes.

“We desire that everyone who comes to the Dream Center would realize they can achieve

a dream bigger than what they can see around them” says Edwards.

The community is the reason why the organization is open and why Edwards spends so

much time improving the facility and putting her hard work and dedication into making sure that

it thrives.

She states about her favorite event “ RES - it’s our weekly high school event. Many of

our students have been with us since second or third grade. Seeing their growth and leadership

develop is very rewarding and fun.”

 Edwards is passionate about her work and is always looking for more volunteers to help

the community and to interact with the people of Burlington. She knows that the area she works

in is vastly different from Elon’s campus and encourages students to volunteer.

“Our community is made up of many incredible, warm, gifted people. If you volunteer

with us you will feel like you have gained so much from interacting with them.” states Edwards.

She is truly a woman who looks out for and cares for her community and wants to share

this experience with others in whatever way she can. The community of East Burlington has a 20

percent poverty level and one in four kids suffer from food insecurity. This is a driving reason on

why the Dream Center and why food is present at events as a way to help those in need. Lisa

Edwards is a passionate and hard working woman who continues to help the Dream Center and

community thrive.