Who We Are
Crystal Ridge Dream Center
A faith-based, non-profit charitable organization serving the Crystal Beach community since February 2019.
Our Mission
Awakening Hearts to Dream, Transforming Lives
The Crystal Ridge Dream Center is a faith-based, non-profit charitable organization dedicated to serving the diverse needs of individuals and families throughout the Greater Fort Erie area. Since opening our doors in February 2019, we have been committed to meeting practical needs, building meaningful relationships, and sharing the hope of Jesus Christ through compassionate community outreach.
Through a variety of programs and services, we seek to bring hope, encouragement, and support to those we serve.
Our desire is to serve with compassion and purpose — meeting practical needs, restoring dignity, building meaningful relationships, and helping people discover the hope found in Jesus Christ.
Awakening hearts to dream, while transforming lives of people in our community.
Our Story
Rooted in the Community Since 2019
The Crystal Ridge Dream Center was founded in February 2019 by John and Cathy Weitner, Katherine Sloggett, Annaliese Vetere, and Gina Middagh — each united by a shared vision to meet both the physical and spiritual needs of individuals and families in the community through compassion, outreach, and the love of God.
While the organization officially began in 2019, the heart behind it dates back decades. In 1996, during her time at World Impact Bible Institute, Katherine Sloggett would come to Crystal Beach with her friend Sue Macfarlane to pray over the community. Together, they carried a deep desire to one day open an outreach centre. As they walked the streets, one building in particular stood out — 385 Derby Road. Originally built in 1904 and once home to "The Peoples Church," the building had long been a place of gathering, outreach, and community care.
After completing her studies, Katherine stepped out in faith and moved to Crystal Beach, holding onto the vision that had been placed on her heart. Years later, Cathy Weitner — who also carried a strong desire to serve others in practical and meaningful ways — connected with Katherine and her daughters, Annaliese and Gina. Recognizing the shared calling and alignment of vision, they came together, along with John Weitner, to bring the Dream Center to life.
John played a vital role in helping establish and sustain the organization. Through his leadership, generosity, and commitment to community impact, he helped build a strong foundation that continues to support the Dream Center today. Following his passing on February 10th, 2026, his legacy remains deeply woven into the organization. Because of the foresight, generosity, and stewardship of John and Cathy Weitner, the Dream Center is positioned not only to operate, but to grow and serve effectively for many years to come. We honour John's lasting legacy and are grateful for Cathy's continued involvement and support.
In March 2019, the Dream Center was given the opportunity to operate out of the very building that had been prayed over decades earlier — 385 Derby Road. Located in the heart of Crystal Beach, just steps from Queens Circle, the centre continues the legacy of outreach that the building has carried for over a century.
In May 2019, the Crystal Ridge Dream Center became affiliated with the Dream Center in Los Angeles, joining a global network of over 80 centres dedicated to addressing challenges such as poverty, hunger, homelessness, and lack of access to resources.
Now, over seven years later, the Crystal Ridge Dream Center continues to grow in both impact and reach — remaining committed to its mission of awakening hearts to dream while transforming the lives of people in our community. With a dedicated team, committed volunteers, and a solid foundation built on faith, generosity, and community partnership, the organization will continue to serve, support, and uplift individuals and families for generations to come.
What Guides Us
Our Core Values
Compassion
We respond with empathy and love to the needs of every person, meeting them where they are and offering hope without judgment.
Dignity
We believe every person has intrinsic worth. We serve others with respect, honouring their unique stories and potential.
Faith
We are rooted in faith and guided by God's love in everything we do. Our work reflects the belief that transformation is always possible.
Integrity
We operate with honesty, transparency, and accountability — stewarding resources wisely and doing what's right, even when it's hard.
Excellence
We strive for excellence in all areas — from programming and outreach to administration and partnerships — because our community deserves our best.
Community
We foster a culture of inclusion and belonging where everyone feels safe, seen, and supported. Together, we are stronger.
Empowerment
We equip individuals with the tools, confidence, and encouragement they need to overcome barriers and dream again.
What We Believe
Our Statement of Faith
- 1
We believe the Bible, in its entirety, to be the inspired Word of God and the infallible rule of faith and conduct. It is the written Word, inspired by the Holy Spirit and without error.
- 2
We believe in the virgin birth and true deity of our Lord Jesus Christ. He lived a sinless life, died on the cross to atone for the sins of mankind, and that His shed blood is the only sufficient expiation for the sins of all men. We believe in His bodily resurrection and in His soon-coming personal return to the earth in power and glory. (Eph 4:10; Phil 3:21)
- 3
We believe that men are justified by faith and are accounted righteous before God only through the merit of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and that all who are so justified are born anew and receive eternal life, but that those who have not been born again shall not see the Kingdom of God. (Col 1:27; John 3:5)
- 4
We believe there is one true and living God who has manifested Himself as the Father, as the Son and as the Holy Spirit. (1 Tim. 3:16; Mat. 28:19). He is all powerful, all knowing, and omnipresent. God is unchanging, infinitely perfect, holy, righteous, just and merciful. He is eternal, He is Spirit and He is love.
- 5
We believe that all true believers are one body in Christ and every one member's one of another. We are the universal church, the living spiritual body of which Jesus Christ is the head.
- 6
We believe that every person is created in the image of God and possesses inherent dignity and worth. As followers of Jesus Christ, we are called to love our neighbours, care for those in need, and demonstrate God's compassion through both word and action. We believe our faith should be lived out by serving others with humility, generosity, and hope.
- 7
We believe that all believers are commissioned by Jesus to go into all the world to share the gospel and His unfailing love.
- 8
We believe in water baptism and in the baptism of the Holy Spirit. We believe the ministry of the Holy Spirit is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ. The baptism of the Holy Spirit empowers and equips believers for service.
- 9
We believe in divine healing through faith in the name of Jesus Christ and that healing is provided through His redemptive work. We believe God continues to heal, answer prayer, perform miracles, and work powerfully in the lives of His people today. We encourage believers to pray boldly and trust God's promises while resting in His wisdom, sovereignty, and perfect will. While we faithfully pray for healing, we also recognize that God's purposes are not always fully understood, and we are committed to walking alongside those facing illness, suffering, or loss with compassion, hope, practical support, and prayer.
Meet the Team
The People Behind the Mission
Our dedicated staff and volunteers are passionate about serving the Crystal Beach community with compassion, dignity, and hope.
John & Cathy Weitner
Co-Founders
John and Cathy played an instrumental role in helping establish the Crystal Ridge Dream Center, believing deeply in its vision and investing in its mission from the very beginning. Their generosity, encouragement, and commitment have helped create a strong foundation for the Dream Center and its continued work in the community. We honour John's lasting legacy and are grateful for Cathy's continued involvement and support of the organization.
Katherine Sloggett
Executive Director & Co-Founder
Katherine provides leadership and direction for the Crystal Ridge Dream Center, working closely with staff, volunteers, community partners, and the Board of Directors. She also oversees the Community Kitchen Program and coordinates much of the meal and grocery shopping for programs throughout the Dream Center, helping ensure programs have the food and supplies they need. Her heart is to create a welcoming place where people feel supported, valued, and connected.
Gina Middagh
Operations Manager, HR & Co-Founder
Gina oversees the day-to-day operations and administration of the Crystal Ridge Dream Center, including human resources, financial administration, payroll, policies, scheduling, organizational systems, and operational planning. She works closely with staff, the Executive Director, and the Board of Directors to keep the organization running effectively while supporting the programs, services, and outreach of the Dream Center.
Annaliese Vetere
Moms Supporting Moms, Volunteer Coordinator & Co-Founder
Annaliese coordinates the volunteers who give their time and talents throughout the Dream Center while also leading Moms Supporting Moms. She helps create meaningful opportunities for people to serve, builds relationships with volunteers and participants, and provides practical encouragement and support to women and families in the community.
Destiny Sawatzky
Youth Impact Director
Destiny provides leadership and oversight for Youth Impact, helping create a safe, welcoming, and faith-filled environment where children and youth can build relationships, grow in confidence, and learn more about God. She oversees weekly programming, curriculum, activities, volunteers, and special events, and also leads Girls Group and Pursuit Nights — creating additional opportunities for youth to connect, grow in their faith, and build meaningful relationships.
Deborah Kovacs & Marrika Sanders
Youth Impact Facilitators
Deborah and Marrika work together to help bring Youth Impact programming to life each week. They support children and youth through engaging activities, relationship-building, mentorship, and faith-based programming while helping maintain a safe, organized, and welcoming environment where every young person is encouraged to feel valued and included.
Karen & Rick Krawczyk
Friday Night Worship & Fellowship and Tuesday Night Prayer Leaders
Karen and Rick have a heart for worship, prayer, encouragement, and bringing people together in faith. Through Friday Night Worship & Fellowship and Tuesday Night Prayer, they help create welcoming spaces where people can connect, pray together, grow in their faith, and experience meaningful community at the Dream Center.
Coming November 1st
Community Outreach Coordinator
We are excited to welcome a new Community Outreach Coordinator to our team on November 1st. This role will help us deepen our connections across the Greater Fort Erie area and expand the reach of our programs.
Where We Serve
Serving the Greater Fort Erie Area
We are located at 385 Derby Road in Crystal Beach, Ontario — a building originally constructed in 1904 and once home to "The Peoples Church." We serve individuals and families throughout the Greater Fort Erie area, including Fort Erie, Crystal Beach, Ridgeway, Stevensville, and surrounding communities.
Whether someone walks through our doors for a meal, connects with us through outreach, attends a program, or reaches out for support, our desire is the same: to help them feel welcomed and to connect them with the support they need.
385 Derby Road, Crystal Beach, ON
Come As You Are
Whether you are looking for support, want to get involved, or simply want to learn more about what we do — we would love to hear from you.