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Frank and Linda Vala have recently donated some $500,000 to renovate and innovate the space that was formerly the Ursuline Academy and Benedictine Campus on Springfield’s north end, and will now be known as “The Dream Center.”
The 44,000 square ft. facility, which focuses on teaching young people the trades, will be the main center of operations for The Frank and Linda Vala Dream Center of Sangamon County – which has been educating the public, free of charge, since it opened its doors last year.
Chief Operations Officer, Sara Schafer, had the following to say regarding the recent and massive donation towards making a greater impact around the community and region.
“We are happy to announce that we are now called, ‘The Frank and Linda Vala Dream Center of Sangamon County’, and former Dawson Hall is officially called, Vala Hall. A donation of such significance is truly noteworthy and such a blessing. This gift will help so many young people realize a bright future in the trades along with classes in STEAM (Science, Technology Engineering, Arts & Math). The Vala’s generosity will be life-changing for many who may not want to go to college and instead learn a trade.”
Schafer also noted that “We are not in competition with anyone. We work with public school, private school, and homeschool students to help them become well-rounded, educated, and contributing members of society.”
While trades are the central focus, there are already two “Sports Camps” scheduled for this summer and many more new classes coming this autumn as well.
All registration and information can be found at www.DreamCenterSC.org
