Urban Dreams - Iowa

Urban Dreams - Iowa Since 1985, The Dream Team has been providing Iowa with a wide range of human service programs.

Since 1985, Urban Dreams has been providing Des Moines' inner city with a wide range of human service programs in a comfortable and non-threatening environment. Just as the problems that plague the inner city continue to evolve, Urban Dreams continue to change to meet them. Urban Dreams offers programs that are in tune with the unique issues affecting Polk County's economically depressed areas. Pr

ograms including information and referral and ex-offender support have been just two of the services that Urban Dreams offers at no cost. Founded in 1985 by Wayne Ford, Urban Dreams has become a community staple. Ford's dream was to build a program that would provide an array of human services to those who needed them most but were unable to find them through traditional channels. The philosophy behind Urban Dreams is to offer services that meet the ever-growing and constantly changing needs of our community. Urban Dreams' non-traditional model of providing human support programs has become a model for human service/community agencies helping other communities throughout Iowa and the country. Urban Dreams has served as an urban social services training ground for counselors and social workers, some of whom have gone on to start their own organizations. Urban Dreams works closely with area churches, Polk County government, area colleges and universities, and numerous other organizations and businesses mutually committed to the betterment of the community. Along with the funding and support of contributing individuals and corporations, these organizations see their participation as an investment in the future of Des Moines and the state of Iowa. "This Institution is an equal opportunity provider"

https://www.fns.usda.gov/civil-rights/usda-nondiscrimination-statement-other-fns-programs

We love our long standing partnership with Broadlawns Medical Center!!!
05/21/2026

We love our long standing partnership with Broadlawns Medical Center!!!

As we enjoy watching the PGA TOUR PGA Championship, do you know Urban Dreams - Iowa has a state-of-the-art indoor golf s...
05/17/2026

As we enjoy watching the PGA TOUR PGA Championship, do you know Urban Dreams - Iowa has a state-of-the-art indoor golf simulator?

It’s open to the public by reservation for a fee, and Des Moines Public Schools golf teams can use it free of charge.

But the real inspiration behind the simulator started with a Harding Middle School student who was an amazing young golfer who simply needed more access to indoor golf. We took that vision to Prairie Meadows Casino, Racetrack & Hotel through a grant request, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Today, we’re proud to share that this same student is now a senior at North High School, has received a full ride to play golf at Wayne State University, and has been named the The Des Moines Register Female Student Athlete of the Week.

That’s what Urban Dreams is all about: creating access, opening doors, and helping young people reach their full potential to achieve their dreams!

Seleah Vivanh-Vong turned in a dominant performance for the Des Moines East girls golf team during the Dragon Invitational on May 4 at the Jester Park Golf Course in Granger.

Vivanh-Vong was the meet's individual medalist by an impressive three strokes. She shot a 2-over par round of 74 over 18 holes.

https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/sports/high-school/2026/05/15/des-moines-register-athlete-of-the-week-winners-saleah-vivanh-vong-jackson-miller/90036157007/

We had another amazing .dreams.iowa SYEP day at the .
05/16/2026

We had another amazing .dreams.iowa SYEP day at the .

More jobs…
05/13/2026

More jobs…

While the school year is coming to a close, summer jobs and facilities are just getting started. Story link in the comments.

Our friends and supporters are hiring!!!
05/12/2026

Our friends and supporters are hiring!!!

We kicked off our Summer Youth Employment Program early Saturday night through an exciting new partnership with the DSM ...
05/11/2026

We kicked off our Summer Youth Employment Program early Saturday night through an exciting new partnership with the DSM !

This year, eight of our young people started ahead of schedule to help fulfill this partnership and will be working Menace home games throughout the season. These opportunities give our youth real work experience, responsibility, and a chance to represent Urban Dreams in the community.

Stay tuned for the official start of our Summer Youth Employment Program in June!



Urban Dreams’ SYEP is focused on paid work experience, mentorship, career readiness, and wraparound support for youth ages 14–19. 

Happy Birthday to Neshaun, our Student & Youth Program Coordinator! 🎉From supporting students in our Des Moines Public S...
05/01/2026

Happy Birthday to Neshaun, our Student & Youth Program Coordinator! 🎉

From supporting students in our Des Moines Public Schools Deferred Expulsion Program to leading our Youth Employment Program, Neshaun makes a positive impact on youth year-round. We’re thankful for his dedication and all he does for Urban Dreams.

Help us wish him a great birthday! 🎂

Address

1615 2nd Avenue
Des Moines, IA
50314

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+15152884742

Website

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