The Kernodle Center for Civic Life offers regular opportunities for students to volunteer at the City Gate Dream Center in Burlington.
The City Gate Dream Center has been a popular service opportunity for many Elon students.
The organization is a non-profit that serves a diverse group of children in the Alamance area with child care, tutoring services, and peer mentoring with a mission to “create a sense of belonging within our community so that we can inspire, develop, train, and advocate for children, students, and families in Alamance County.”
Ian Ramirez ’27 serves as the coordinator for the partnership between Elon Volunteers and the Dream Center. His involvement with the Dream Center started after he was inspired to become more involved in the community after coming back from a spring Alternative Break experience in Costa Rica focused on community development. The Dream Center was a program that combined his passion for community development as well as his Mexican heritage.
“I have a blast with the kids and a personal workout with how much the kids run you,” said Ramirez. “It’s the most fun service opportunity I have done in the states and I would encourage everyone to get out into the Alamance community.”
Elon Volunteers provides a van that runs to the Dream Center on Wednesdays from 6-8 p.m., where students have the opportunity to get involved. While at the center, volunteers interact with the children during different activities and help with dinner.
If you are interested in volunteering at the CityGate Dream Center, ElonVolunteers! offers weekly opportunities on Phoenix Serve.