The journey of Dream Center Bismarck began on May 29, 2016, when founder Jim Barnhardt woke with a vision to create a meal ministry and provide services to help those in need. Guided by this vision and inspired by his faith, Jim spent the following year meeting with community leaders, pastors, city officials, and the Mayor of Bismarck to discuss how to turn this dream into reality.
In 2019, Jim, along with Karla Eisenbeisz, then Banquet Director, and Jeannie Messall, former Homeless Coalition Director, traveled to the Homeless Coalition Director, travDream Center in Los Angeles, CA to confirm the Dream Center application for Bismarck. By May 2019, Dream Center Bismarck was officially sanctioned, marking a significant milestone in providing support for individuals and families in need.
On June 19, 2019, the Adopt-a-Block program launched in Bismarck, in partnership with Bismarck and Mandan Public School staff. Strategically located to serve the most households, this program initially distributed free groceries to students and families at Jeannette Myhre Elementary and South Central High School. With the onset of COVID-19 in April 2020, the program expanded to operate six days a week, addressing the growing needs of low-income families in the community.
To secure food for the program, Adopt-a-Block partners with local grocery stores such as Cash Wise, Dan’s SuperMarkets, Natural Grocers, Costco Wholesale, and Master Bakery, collecting surplus or near-expiration products. In addition, Great Plains Food Bank provides local products and a large monthly shipment of groceries, ensuring a consistent supply for families.
By April 2022, Dream Center Bismarck officially opened its facility, offering free meals and an on-site food pantry. While food is the centerpiece of our mission, the center also provides access to a wide range of partnering services, including ND Job Service, Northland Health Clinic, Bridging the Dental Gap, and Memory Cafe, among others.
As a non-profit organization, Dream Center Bismarck is committed to providing ‘Help for Today, Hope for Tomorrow,’ serving individuals and families experiencing food insecurity, homelessness, and other challenges. Internationally, there are over 85 Dream Centers, each working within their own communities to identify unmet needs and provide support.
Dream Center Bismarck continues to be a vital resource for the Bismarck community, fostering hope, dignity, and positive transformation for those it serves.