The Crystal Ridge Dream Center is a faith-based non-profit charitable organization that was
founded by John and Cathy Weitner, Kathy Sloggett, Annaliese Vetere and Gina
Middagh in February 2019, but the story of how this all started doesn’t begin
there. In 1996, during Kathy Sloggett’s time at World Impact Bible Institute, she would
come to Crystal Beach to pray with her dear friend Sue Macfarlane about the
desire on their hearts to open an outreach center. As they walked the streets of
Crystal Beach, the 385 Derby Road church was the place that caught their
attention. The building, which was originally built in 1904, had a small interdenominational
church, called “The Peoples Church,” that operated out of it. The church saw
many congregations over its 94 years until it closed its doors in 1998, but during
its time it saw many outreach events take place including community dinners,
holiday bazars and fundraising events. After completing 2 years of Bible College at World Impact Bible Institute,
Kathy Sloggett moved to Crystal Beach to see that dream fulfilled.
Meanwhile, for many years Cathy Weitner had a heart to share God’s love in real,
tangible ways. She desired to have a place, where people could come, if they had
need of food/clothing or other physical necessities. Her heart was to share the
Gospel of Love with people, so they would know that God truly loves them, and
has a good plan for their lives. Cathy held on to this dream while waiting for God’s timing.
She met Kathy Sloggett and two of her daughters - Annaliese and Gina, and heard
the dream in their hearts for Crystal Beach, for over 20 years! She realized, this was the time to
move forward together with them, as they all had the same desire, to see lives
transformed by the power of God’s love.
John was completely supportive and had been working tirelessly behind the
scenes to help make the vision of the Dream Center a reality. As a successful
entrepreneur, John desires to be a blessing to others, and to make a lasting
impact in his community.
It was in March 2019 that the Dream Center learned that they would operate out
of the very building Kathy Sloggett had believed for, for all
those years.
The Dream Center is located in the heart of Crystal Beach, just a
block away from Queens Circle, which in itself, comes with such a fascinating
history.
The Crystal Ridge Dream Center officially became affiliated with the Dream Center
of Los Angeles in May 2019. Currently, there are over 84 Dream Centers around
the world that focusses on providing outreach programs for individuals and families
that are affected by such issues as homelessness, hunger and the lack of education.
