During his first year at Notre Dame law school, Felipe Moreno decided to do something to help other people.

"After a couple of months in law school, I realized that to continue strong in my studies, I was going to have to be driven by what has driven me my whole life — to serve others," said Moreno, now a third-year law student.

Moreno decided to create a recreational place for at-risk children and families in the South Bend area. His creation, called the Dream Center, is now open to the community.

The center will provide children in grades 6 through 12 a place to go after school to do arts and crafts or to get help with homework. There is also a weekly reading skills program for children, and adults can take classes in English computer skills and citizenship. All activities are free of charge.

Originally from Los Angeles, Moreno was the sixth of seven children and the first to graduate college. After graduating from Stanford, he returned home and wanted to help his community.

"I set up a community center and a medical clinic [before]," Moreno said. "I realized that a lot of the set-up process dealt with law, so I decided to go to law school."

Throughout his three years at Notre Dame, Moreno has gained the admiration and support of both his peers and faculty.

"Felipe is a marvelous example to Notre Dame students in the manner that he has found needs in the local community for at-risk kids and has developed a program tailored to meeting those needs," said James Roemer, the director of Community Relations who also taught Felipe. "I commend him for his ability to handle the academic rigors of a third-year law student while at the same time initiating a comprehensive program for these at-risk kids."

The Dream Center is located on 3615 South Michigan St. next to Calvary Temple, which bought the facility. Notre Dame and Bethel College donated computers to the center.

Showing their support, O'Neill Hall designated the Center as their main service site this year. Anyone interested in volunteering at the Center may call 291-5230, extension 75.

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