Matthew Ayers: Dream Centers

Bulletin for February 19, 2026

Featured Speaker: Matthew Ayers

Dream Centers — Women’s Clinic, Mary’s Home, and Big Dream Early Learning

OPENING

Our speaker, Matthew Ayers (Founder & CEO of Dream Centers), led the opening prayer. Cody led the Pledge of Allegiance.

“The reality of the combat experience teaches life’s greatest lesson: humility.”

— Robert Ingram, U.S. Navy Medal of Honor

GUEST INTRODUCTIONS AND THANK-YOU NOTES

Marty introduced Heidi, an independent mortgage broker and Walter’s niece, who resolved a post-closing real estate issue for one of Marty’s clients. The meeting also included mention of attending Walter’s celebration of life.

A thank-you letter from ‘Hey Neighbor’ acknowledged the club’s $1,000 donation, praising community spirit (signed by Kelly Bullock). Sabra Wells expressed gratitude; her late husband Rod was a longtime member. Their son flies F-16s. She wished members a happy and healthy 2026.

CLUB LOGISTICS

• Board meeting: Tuesday at 4:30 PM at the Bank of Bob

• Major Zoom session planned next week at 11:30 AM — ensure technical setup is ready

OFFSITE PLANNING

• Equine Therapy Ranch (Florissant): Previously recommended by Colonel Katie Snyder; Marty requested an offsite visit. Dana will explore scheduling.

• Robson Arena Tour: Target date April 16. Tour guide: Rick Green from Facilities. Sign-up sheet circulating. Potential access to locker rooms (etiquette note: do not step on the center logo). Confirm parking structure and meeting point.

KEYNOTE: MATTHEW AYERS — DREAM CENTERS

Matthew Ayers founded Dream Centers in 2011 after a career in Air Force program management and teaching at the USAF Academy. His interests include leadership, theology, outdoor adventure, and local coffee culture. He lives in Colorado Springs with his wife Amber and their children Zeke and Hallie Joy.

He presented three programs: the Women’s Clinic, Mary’s Home, and Big Dream Early Learning.

Dream Centers Women’s Clinic

Launched in 2011 to address gaps in specialized women’s health, the Women’s Clinic is among ~20 daily-operating women’s clinics in Colorado — and described as the busiest. It serves uninsured and underinsured clients from across Colorado (Denver, Lamar, and beyond).

• Services: Women’s health, specialized chiropractic care, medical massage therapy, resource advocacy, job placement

• Busiest Women’s Wellness Connection (WWC) site in Colorado — a state-funded program for cervical and breast cancer screening

• Partnerships with Penrose have enabled care for complex cases, including one surgery that restored mobility and independence

Mary’s Home — Family Homelessness Program

Mary’s Home serves mothers with children, many fleeing domestic violence. The model provides up to five years of support to help families heal, pursue education (GED through bachelor’s degrees), and build capacity for long-term success.

• Since 2015: over 100 families launched successfully

• Currently serves 17 families; average stay ~3 years

• No point system for entry; trauma is highly prevalent (DOJ study cites ~92% with severe trauma)

• Capacity could reach ~100 families with sufficient funding

Big Dream Early Learning

Early childhood trauma — called Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) — is linked to lifelong challenges including violence, addiction, incarceration, and chronic disease. Children at Mary’s Home average 15–30 ACEs. Four or more ACEs increase the likelihood of a suicide attempt by 37.5 times.

The solution: PACEs (Positive Childhood Experiences) can help rewire the brain. Dream Centers is launching Big Dream Early Learning — a therapeutic, non-traditional childcare center focused on healing and brain development for children experiencing trauma.

• Location: ~1.5 miles west of Mary’s Home, near Memorial Park, on a 5-acre property acquired from the International Order of Odd Fellows

• Capital campaign goal: $32M across three phases ($8M, $12M, $12M); $4M raised to date

• Full build-out projected operating budget: $8–9M annually

• Trauma-informed care: neurofeedback, outdoor time, healthy food, supportive culture

Staffing and Volunteer Needs

Dream Centers is looking for medical specialists, administrative volunteers, teachers, drivers, and child watch specialists. Peer-to-peer motivation is at the core of the model, informed by Albert Bandura and the Lyda Hill Institute for Human Resilience at UCCS.

The club will send a grant form and arrange a facility tour with Julia.

“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.”

— Mother Teresa