TAMPA, Fla. — For more than 10 years, the Dream Center of Tampa has offered a range of programs aimed at keeping young people in Ybor City on the right path. Its executive director said news of Sunday's deadly shooting hit close to home.

What You Need To Know

  •  The Dream Center of Tampa offers a number of programs for young people in Ybor City

  •  Right now, about 60 young people are enrolled in programs that include athletics, tutoring and mentoring

  •  The center is just blocks from this week's deadly shooting that took the lives of a 14- and 20-year-old

  • Executive Director Pastor Dwane Cardenas said the center's goal is to help keep young people on the right path in life

"We were sad," the Rev. Dwane Cardenas said. "It just emphasizes more the value of why we're here and to continue to not lose hope in creating a space to change the culture, to change the atmosphere of the community. And that's our heart — change one child, one at a time, and hopefully we continue to change the community that would end up benefiting the city."

Cardenas said 60 young people in grades K-12 are currently enrolled in the center's programs, which include tutoring, athletics, mentoring and helping older kids explore career paths. Everything the center offers is free, and it provides rides from school to its location on N. 15th St.

He told Spectrum Bay News 9 the center's services are needed in Ybor City.

"In this area specifically, there's not even an indoor gym that these kids can come," Cardenas said. "To have a safe place where these kids can come and actually just live their dream, express themselves, their creativity — that's amazing."

Cardenas said he knows firsthand that kids who start to act out may just be in need of some extra help.

"I was dyslexic when I was young — I had some issues learning how to read, so reading for me came at a later age," he said. "So, I know the value of frustration of seeing things but you can't communicate. So, sometimes you just act out of character just to get out of it. I understand sometimes when kids just misbehave, it's not even because they want to misbehave. It's just they're a little bit frustrated of not knowing how to express themselves."

Whether it's help with schoolwork or the need for an artistic or athletic outlet, Cardenas said the center's goal is to give kids the tools they need to make good choices in the future, and the here and now.

"We're trying to get to them early, to build that foundation to change the trajectory of their paths," he said. "So, I think as we continue to take these steps forward, with all the resources and more awareness, I think we will continue to address the problems just in the community and meet that specific need." 

The Dream Center held its Harvest Dinner Friday night. A number of families came out to enjoy a meal, take part in games, and even meet Tampa Bay Rays player Randy Arozarena. Among them was Ruby Alexander, whose 12- and 13-year-old children started taking part in the after school program this year.

"They like everything," Alexander said. "The staff, they enjoy being with friends, having fun without being on electronics all day. They just enjoy having fun here."

Alexander said it's just one of the programs her kids take part in to make sure they stay busy.

"I also have them in dance. You know, I keep them into something to keep them from being in trouble."

To learn more about the programs offered by the Dream Center of Tampa or find out how you can volunteer, visit its website.