Great Lakes Dream Center
Established in 2013 through HELPeople, INC to heal, educate and love on people! Located in the south-end of Bay City since 2018.
What We Do and Why We Do It
Our goal is to help people dream again. When people stop dreaming, they lose hope. Without hope you will become sick – emotionally. Not only do we want to help people in their current situation, we want to inspire them to be hopeful for their future as well. We do this by addressing:
- Material Needs – Our Practical Needs Pantry is open several days a week.
- Emotional Needs – Our building is open to recovery and support groups Monday through Friday.
- Spiritual Needs – Bible studies, prayer, pastoral counseling and a weekly Sunday night community worship service. You are welcome to join us.
We help people move from their current situation of need toward dreaming about a brighter tomorrow and are here every week: to help, to listen, to accept, and to love.
Our Vision
We envision a world where every person is living their dream.
Our Mission
Helping our community DREAM again!
Our Values
- We promote acceptance and accept everyone, as they are, where they are
- We cultivate potential
- We foster an environment where people can become the best version of themselves
- We display love and are an example to the world in how we love and care for those who feel overlooked
- We invest in people
- We give our time, energy, and resources to serve our community
- We collaborate with others
- We partner with different organizations to connect people with the best resources
- We possess compassion
- We have a heart for the struggles, circumstances, and situations of those in need
The People Who Make This Happen
Mary Johnson was raised in Northern Michigan and moved to Bay City with her family in 2005. A mother of 4, she lives in Bay City, MI. Mary has a passion for helping those in need and in 2010 she began organizing the Amazing Race for Rescue event to benefit the Good Samaritan Rescue Mission. By 2013, she realized that the community needed more of an outreach to help people with transition periods in their lives, and formed a 501c3 organization called HELPeople, INC (Heal, Educate, Love on People). The main goal being to create a Dream Center to help fill in the gaps between already established outreach programs.
Pastor Mary has studied Child Development, Biblical Studies, Leadership, and Counseling. She has earned a Bachelors Degree in Christian Counseling from Christian Leadership Seminary and a Masters in Biblical Studies. She is an ordained pastor who preaches the gospel. Mary is also known as a pro-life speaker, as well as teaching a variety of classes. Her greatest desire is to help Christians learn how to live their lives to the fullest and out of their abundance help those in need.
Mary Johnson began helping at the Good Samaritan Rescue Mission in 2010. There she raised money, taught parenting classes and ministered to many in the chapel. By 2013 she need Bay City needed to offer those in need something more. After gathering a group of supporters the journey began, which resulted in Dream Center you see today. She wants to do so much more, and she hopes you can help! Click here for more information about Mary and her DREAM.
Meet Mary Johnson of Great Lakes Dream Center – Voyage Michigan Magazine
Our Staff
Executive Director
Renee Courier Aumock is an advocate for people and her community, especially for those who are systematically disadvantaged. She recognizes injustices and acts to make change. She is a motivational speaker who encourages people to rise above challenges to create the positive life they deserve. Renee works to break the cycle of generational poverty by providing access for further education and training to gain independence through a career. She feels an urgency to ensure every person knows their worth and has the proper support and resources to thrive. Renee currently serves as the state representative and chair for the Bay County Department of Health and Human Services and the Bay County Medical Care Facility boards. Her personal story of turning pain into purpose due to domestic violence in her younger years is featured in a newly released book entitled #SheWins2.
Renee has worked in postsecondary and career planning for almost 20 years. Being a first-generation graduate, Renee personally understands the importance of career exploration initiatives. Her goal is to ensure everyone knows how to gain training and employment in any field they enjoy and are gifted to work. As a non-traditional student, full time employee and a single mom, Renee obtained her bachelor’s degree in Business with a minor in Health Information Management and a master’s degree in Business/Strategic Management. Renee is a born leader who continually searches for opportunities to lead positive change through collaboration. Renee operates in her passion for helping people and the community through her current role as career navigator at Bay-Arenac ISD. Partnering with school districts, postsecondary institutions and the business community, she is helping to build the talent pipeline for a successful future for all.
Beth Wenburg. Beth Wenburg is the Communication Manager for the Great Lakes Dream Center. She began working for the Dream Center in late 2022. Beth enjoys speaking with people daily and helping them find the resources they need to thrive. She finds the Dream Center to be a place where she can use her administrative skills and compassion for others in a fulfilling way. When you call the center, she is most likely the voice on the end of the line answering questions and offering information. As well as the phone, Beth keeps our social media current and inviting to better reach the community. She will tell you that being the mother of four children and the wife of a pastor has allowed her to continually practice and improve her aptitude for patience, understanding and creative problem solving.