Dream Center Academy Christian School by Dawn Anderson | Courtesy Photos
Unity and partnerships are the driving forces behind Dream Center Academy Christian School, a “One-StopOne-Shop, Home-Away-from-Home Empowerment Zone” in the Chickasaw neighborhood. Dream Center Academy Christian School and New Day Ministries founder Tod Moore and valued partners and sponsors hosted a capital campaign event on July 19, 2022, at MercedesBenz of Louisville. The 2022 “A Night of Inspiration” Gala Fundraising Dinner is Saturday, August 20. Moore says, “Invested partners are coming together to make things happen because they believe in the vision of Dream Center Academy Christian School.” Tod Moore was born the youngest of three boys raised in the former Cotter Homes housing project, now the site of the Park DuValle neighborhood. His parents sold drugs to make ends meet, and his father was in and out of prison for most of Tod’s life. Despite being one of four Western High School seniors named “Most Likely to Succeed” in the 1979 yearbook followed by a stable, well-paying job with UPS, it wasn't enough to keep Tod from “the generational curse” of drug dealing. In May 1993, Tod was sentenced to 25 years to life for his part in an August 1991 gang-related incident resulting in
the deaths of three men. He turned to Christianity on September 28, 1992, and began his ministry behind bars. Tod assisted with prison chapel services, led Bible studies and prayer meetings, and mentored and tutored his fellow inmates. On June 7, 2012, Tod envisioned a “Dream Center” to serve youth in blighted West End neighborhoods, planting the seed for Dream Center Academy Christian School. After serving 26½ years in prison, he was released on January 2, 2018. Tod received an official pardon from then-Governor Matt Bevin on December 7, 2019. Finally, New Day Ministries’ outreach was able to expand with community empowerment and youth engagement. New Day Ministries L.O.V.E. (Love Overcomes Violence and its Effects) WALKS focus on Louisville neighborhoods impacted by poverty, unemployment, youth violence, gang activity, and low academic performance. The L.O.V.E. WALKS provide “opportunities to speak with residents, listen to their issues, assess community needs, identify potential community revitalization projects, and meet the young people affected by these issues.“ Through L.O.V.E. WALKS, CampChange, and the L.I.F.E. (Love Inspiring Future Excellence™) Summer and After-School
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AUGUST 2022 | TOPS Louisville
