5 Ways The 13th Ave Dream Center Bradenton Is Building Futures In 2025
The 13th Avenue Dream Center in Bradenton, Florida, is far more than a local community center; it is a living piece of American history and a crucial hub for future development in Manatee County. Established in 1937, this institution has continually adapted to the changing needs of its community, evolving from the historic 13th Avenue Community Center to the state-of-the-art facility it is today, operating under the banner of United Community Centers, Inc. As of December 25, 2025, the center remains a cornerstone of the community, driving forward ambitious programs focused on education, youth mentorship, and digital equity for at-risk youth and families in Central Bradenton.
The center’s mission—"Building Dreams...Changing Lives"—is being realized through a combination of powerful historical legacy and innovative, modern programs that address 21st-century challenges, particularly in literacy and technology. Its strategic location at 922 24th St E, Bradenton, places it at the heart of the community it serves, offering a clean, safe, and productive environment for thousands of participants annually.
The Visionary Leadership and Historical Legacy
The story of the 13th Ave Dream Center is one of powerful, enduring leadership, beginning with its legendary founders and continuing with its dynamic modern CEO.
Founders and Historical Profile
- Original Name: 13th Avenue Community Center
- Year Established: 1937
- Co-Founders: Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune and former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt
- Key Collaborator: Minnie, who secured National Youth Administration funds to establish the center for African Americans in the area.
- Original Mission: To provide an educational and recreational haven for at-risk youth in the low-income neighborhoods of central Bradenton.
- Modern Affiliation: Operates as the 13th AV Dream Center under the umbrella of United Community Centers, Inc.
- Modern Facility: The center now operates out of a new, $2 million facility, symbolizing its commitment to providing a first-class environment.
Current CEO & Director: Derrick Randall
- Full Name: Derrick Randall
- Current Title: CEO and Director of the United Community Center's 13th Ave Dream Center and the Rubonia Community Program.
- Background: U.S. Army veteran and a native of Rubonia, Florida.
- Reputation: Known as a dynamic, inspirational leader focused on lifting up children and families in the Bradenton area.
- Focus: Oversees the strategic direction and daily operations of the center, ensuring programs align with the goal of character development, social etiquette, and leadership skills.
5 Key Programs Driving Community Impact in 2025
The 13th Ave Dream Center is actively engaged in a variety of high-impact initiatives, with several programs receiving significant attention and funding in the 2024-2025 program year. These programs are designed to provide a holistic approach to youth development, addressing academic, social, and technological needs.
1. The Comprehensive After School Program
A cornerstone of the center’s work, the After School Program provides a safe, structured environment for elementary students after the school day ends. The program ensures participating youth are transported from various public and private schools to the center daily. The curriculum is robust, focusing on three core pillars: literacy, wellness, and spiritual growth, ensuring students receive academic support while also developing essential life skills.
This initiative is critical for working families in Manatee County, providing not just supervision but a commitment to academic success for all enrolled students.
2. Literacy and Academic Excellence Initiatives
Recognizing the foundational role of reading, the center has invested heavily in specialized academic support. The Balanced Literacy and Reading Recovery Program is a key feature, designed to promote and foster good academic habits from a young age. This initiative includes individual assistance and tutoring referrals tailored to each student's specific academic needs. The center’s partnership with organizations like Take Stock in Children Manatee further amplifies its ability to offer mentorship and scholarship opportunities for students looking toward higher education.
3. The 2025 Mobile Freedom School
Highlighting its commitment to cultural and historical education, the 13th Ave Dream Center is a key partner for the 2025 Mobile Freedom School program. This summer initiative, which brings history and civic engagement to life, is specifically welcoming all students in grades K–8. The program is financially supported by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, demonstrating a regional commitment to providing high-quality summer learning experiences that combat summer learning loss and enrich historical understanding.
4. Digital Inclusion and Technology Equity
In a world increasingly driven by technology, the Dream Center is actively bridging the digital divide. It is a vital participant in the Suncoast Digital Inclusion Month efforts. These initiatives focus on achieving equity in technology by providing access and training. The center has been a distribution point for digital devices, offering five lucky 3rd-8th graders the opportunity to receive essential technology, helping to ensure that the next generation is not left behind in the digital economy.
5. Youth Mentorship and Character Development
Beyond academics, the center's programs focus on holistic development. Their family resource center is dedicated to empowering at-risk youth with crucial life skills. This includes a strong emphasis on character development, social etiquette, and leadership skills. Through partnerships with organizations like Kappa Kamp, the center supports stand-alone programs that provide mentorship and positive role models, giving young people the tools they need to navigate complex social environments and aspire to leadership roles in their futures.
A Hub for Community and Partnership
The success of the 13th Ave Dream Center is directly tied to its deep roots in the community and its extensive network of powerful partnerships. The center operates as a vital link between the residents of Bradenton and essential services.
The center’s facility is not just a school, but a true community hub. It regularly hosts important civic functions, such as meetings for the Bradenton Central CRA Advisory Board, placing it at the center of local government and urban planning discussions. Furthermore, its collaboration with the Bradenton Police Department through the COPs House initiative helps foster positive relationships between law enforcement and local youth, promoting a safer and more trusting community environment.
The organization also works closely with health and wellness providers. Its partnership with Centerstone demonstrates a commitment to supporting the mental and emotional well-being of its participants, ensuring they have access to comprehensive support services. Additionally, the center is a resource for the Whole Child Manatee program, a web-based service that connects families to a wide range of local community services based on their specific needs, emphasizing a 'proactive modular service' approach to family support.
The 13th Ave Dream Center’s long-standing legacy, dating back to the collaboration between Mary McLeod Bethune and Eleanor Roosevelt, ensures that the spirit of service and opportunity remains alive in Bradenton. Under the leadership of Derrick Randall, the center continues to be a beacon of hope and a powerful engine for social and economic mobility in the region. Its current focus on literacy, technology, and mentorship ensures that the dreams of its founders are being realized for a new generation of Manatee County residents.
Detail Author:
- Name : Prof. Hilbert Koss DDS
- Username : lowe.andreane
- Email : holden46@yahoo.com
- Birthdate : 1979-09-23
- Address : 71161 Fabiola Vista Joshuamouth, VA 79103
- Phone : +14029732706
- Company : Stehr-Davis
- Job : Patternmaker
- Bio : Numquam at et qui enim ea sed. Saepe illum est dolores sint doloribus. Recusandae est nulla quae est.
Socials
facebook:
- url : https://facebook.com/gaylordf
- username : gaylordf
- bio : Perspiciatis omnis tenetur quia voluptas.
- followers : 6317
- following : 2299
twitter:
- url : https://twitter.com/gaylordf
- username : gaylordf
- bio : Consequatur eum libero quibusdam ut corrupti molestias. Quos possimus voluptatem nobis aut aut accusamus ut.
- followers : 6190
- following : 584
