Testimonials

Not very long ago, I found refuge at the Short Creek Dream Center with my five young children. We had escaped an incredibly oppressive situation, but I quickly realized that while we were physically free, the emotional and psychological hold of our past remained a heavy burden.

I remember the day when the head of security at the Dream Center, a U.S. Army combat veteran who grew up in the Short Creek community, arrived to help me. He was shocked and deeply moved by the conditions we had been left in, and he has seen a thing or two. Despite having left the FLDS and the influence of convicted pedophile Warren Jeffs over a year earlier, my husband continued the toxic control and isolation typical of our former life. He maintained tight control over every aspect of our lives, even moving us to a secluded town in Arizona to avoid scrutiny. He kept three women from the FLDS as wives, and I was the last to escape his control.

When the Dream Center received the call to help, their team found us living in a trailer without heat, devoid of hope. Even after finding refuge at the Dream Center, I struggled to recognize my husband’s abuse, even with him in jail. My journey of recovery was only beginning.

I grew up knowing only the life dictated by my oppressive environment. My path to healing is long and potentially traumatic, but the Dream Center’s role is to support me through each step in a safe and nurturing environment. Their first priority was ensuring my children's and my safety, so we could even begin to think long term.

Rather than immediately overwhelming me with new ways of living, the Dream Center focused on building trust and creating a safe space. To begin healing from such deep trauma I needed time, patience, and compassionate care. At the Short Creek Dream Center, they showed me what LOVE from

God could look like while providing very professional services. My children and I are the very reason the Dream Center exists. They say our story fuels their mission to provide a haven for those escaping dire circumstances, to walk with them through their recovery, and to help them rebuild their lives with hope and dignity. I tried to tell them how much it meant to me to get their help, and they just kept saying the blessing was THEIRs to be part of my journey.

Recently, a question was raised by a community member in a local Facebook group, “Is the Short Creek Dream Center a reputable organization?” In our minds, what this person was really asking was “can I trust them?” We were overwhelmed and a bit taken back by the outpour of positive responses from members of the community as well as past and present residents of our program.

“They respect me and my 4 children. They love us and we feel it!! They love this whole community and have definitely shown it in action as others have said here too! Thank you Dream Center and all who help to make it what it is!” - Former SCDC resident

“[They] Have helped me overcome many obstacles, not just addiction but also learning to live on my own, being a single/first time mom and helping me find resources needed for different things.” - SCDC Resident

“Just look at what they’ve done…actions speak louder than words! They are right there willing to help, hard working and compassionate.” - Community leader

Our hearts were overflowing with gratitude as we read through comment after comment from our friends and community members who were impacted by our service to the community. We learned that our work and dedication has not been in vain. The people of Short Creek have begun to TRUST us and ultimately feel loved by us! So we now ask YOU the question, can YOU trust us? We hope that you are able to see our continued efforts to rescue, rebuild, and restore those in need and know we can be trusted.

At 29 years old; with a long road of healing milestones behind me, I was balancing college, and work when I received a life-changing call. My two nieces needed a home and there was no way I could say no, these girls are my heart... in everything!

Amidst my swirling thoughts, a message arrived: “Please meet Samantha at the Dream Center.” She had some things for us. As I untangled my sleep-ruffled hair that April morning, thoughts of preparing a home for Emma and Olivia filled my mind.

With red, tear-streaked eyes, I found solace in my sister Lily’s reassuring hug. She knew my heartache and shared my determination as we drove to the Dream Center that morning.

The sun’s glare stung my eyes as I stepped onto the basketball court, bewildered by the large crowd gathered so early in the morning. Over a hundred faces, expectant and hopeful, phones held aloft. What were they all doing here, and why was I suddenly the center of attention?

Voices spoke of generosity and community, of my decision to open my heart and home to family in need. Then, a red car pulled up. Disbelief washed over me. A gift? For me?

Sitting in that car, overwhelmed with gratitude, it hit me. These strangers, now friends, had come together to change my life. Tears of joy streamed down my face as prayers and well-wishes enveloped me. They believed in me.

Driving away, a promise took root in my heart. When I succeed, I’ll pay it forward. A car for another family in need, a beacon of hope, just as they had been for me.

At that moment, on the threshold of a new life chapter, I was reminded that goodness still thrives in this world and realized that kindness still shines brighter than anything. Fears will not hold this family back, and I am not alone on this journey.

“I have to tell you something…” 
Now, let me pause here. When you’re at the Dream Center, a place that supports people from all walks of life who are struggling with trauma, generational trauma, depression, poverty, addiction, broken families, and any number of the hardest hang-ups in life, saying “I have to tell you something” can make people very nervous.

But I came to tell them that I’m going to spend Thanksgiving with my son.

For many people, it’s hard to imagine holidays without their kids, so let me tell you how special this is for me. I had it rough, and you know what was available to me? Not loving parents, not counseling, not financial guidance or support, but substances like meth. Drugs were all too available and provided an escape that quickly became a habit. It gets the best of us; I’ve seen doctors and lawyers in recovery programs. However, it takes some of the strongest folks to turn it around. I’ve been fortunate enough to allow the Dream Center and their supporters to be a part of my journey. I came to the Short Creek Dream Center for support and not only stayed sober but have EXCELLED. After about six months at the Dream Center, I feel transformed. I’m in school for a promising and advanced career in healthcare while working to support myself and my son.

Here at the Dream Center, they don’t just look at the problem (“let’s just get ’em sober”)—they look at the potential (“how far can this guy really go?”). I wanted to thank them because, with the support and accountability they provide, my son’s family on his mother’s side has grown to support me and is inviting me to enjoy the holiday with them. This type of reconciliation is the goal. Every father they help isn’t just helping a father; it’s healing an entire family unit and giving a brighter future to a child.

The Short Creek Dream Center helps so many people in need of help getting on their feet or setting their lives straight, and sometimes that includes recovery and sobriety maintenance like it did for me. They show the love of Christ in these ways to anyone regardless of their faith or other factors.

I can’t say enough how much I, and others like me, appreciate the heroic supporters who make this all possible.

They never saw anyone get married for love, in their lives Now they dream of marrying for love someday.

We are showing the next generation here what love can look like.

Paul and Jennifer Mortensen were just recently married here in The Crick, at historic Cottonwood Park on a beautiful day with a breathtaking red-rock cliffs background. The Mortensen’s are Short Creek Dream Center staff and missionaries. Paul serves as a missions guide for Short Term Mission groups from across the country. Jennier coordinates events and maintains our IT infrastructure. They had no idea that their marriage would turn into a life changing event for some of their young guests. Voices for Dignity is a local nonprofit that we partner with to make contact with the FLDS. We provide service projects for their community center and fun activities like sports and arts and crafts for their youth. This is where we learned of and made contact with the new “prophet” Samuel. He has wives that look as young as 14. This is the connection that allowed us to invite some of the youth to the wedding. All of these girls that attended were looking forward to their only known future: arranged marriages. They saw that day; the ceremony, the vows, the tears, the professions of LOVE. I can’t tell you how often our staff have cried over their words: “We had never seen anyone get married for LOVE”. These girls deserve better. When they come to the SCDC, we show them the love of Christ.

Christine at Voices for Dignity tells us that now, when they come to the community center, they have an arbor where they “play wedding”.... These girls have DREAMS now, of having a choice, and choosing love. And we all know how dangerous big dreams can be to the enemy!

Back in February I made the drastic decision to pack up my two kids and leave everything I knew in Colorado behind. Leaving in the middle of the night and heading to a place I didn't know was the scariest decision I ever had to make. But God had reassured me that I was making the best choice for me and my family.

Since the moment we stepped foot into the Hope House we have been surrounded by people who love, understand, and support us. Everyone has greatly impacted mine and my kids' lives. They have helped us realize that there is more to life, and we are our own individual person. Being a part of this program I can see the changes in my girls. They seem a lot happier than when we were back in Colorado.

With the help of our house mom I am finally brave enough to take the next step. For the first time in a while I feel like my family is finally surrounded by like minded people. People who want to see us succeed and grow. They have helped me build confidence in myself.
Having the support to help raise my kids has been amazing.

All the moms we are surrounded by are always willing to pitch in whenever we need the help.Not only do we have support when it comes to our kids, but they are supporting us in our own personal goals. I'm about to start college. Something I've wanted to do for long time but wasn't able to. Last Sunday we had both girls dedicated to God at church.

God has been by my side every step of the way. Everyday I am reassured that the Hope House is exactly where my family and I need to be. We have been extremely lucky to be accepted into this program. I can finally see a brighter future. The Hope House has given me back hope.