Creating Meaningful Impact

Director

Michael Cresci grew up in Long Island, New York. He was adopted into a caring and supportive family at a young age. He attended City College of New York, graduating with a Bachelor's degree in English literature and creative writing. He is also working on his master's of theology from Evangel University. He worked a wide variety of careers, including carpentry and long-haul trucking. After leaving NY in 2010, he traveled volunteering as a Woofer on organic farms in several different states, ending up on a farm in Pawnee Rock, Kansas.

However, throughout his adult life, Michael has struggled with his identity as a man, changing his sex and living as a woman for over 20 years. In doing this, he believed he would be happier and more complete. After dealing with some significant losses in 2010 and beginning to recognize the futility of his decision to change his sex, he began searching for something to fill the void in his heart, which was open and empty for so many years. He was dealing with rejection, taking offense and shame over his actions and the depraved, immoral way he lived. He began a downward spiral which led to drunk driving, severe depression, and losing the will to live.

After spending time in jail for careless actions, he eventually came to the Central Ks Dream Center in Great Bend, Kansas, to join their discipleship program. Michael found love, healing, and a renewed purpose in his life. He returned to his God-given gender with the help and support of the CKDC and AG Encounter Church.

Mike found value in building a relationship with Jesus Christ. He discovered, with the help of the Holy Spirit, God's calling and purpose for his life. That calling is to disciple men and women who are broken, lost, and suffering and to share with everyone all that God has so freely given to him. After graduating from the discipleship program, Michael entered leadership at the Dream Center, becoming their men's program manager and classroom teacher, getting certified in the Teen Challenge curriculum, and helping with their adolescent girls' program. Michael has recently returned to ministry at the CKCD as their Outreach manager. Michael is a Certified Minister with the Assembly of God. He has also started sharing his story with churches, schools, ministries, and other venues across Kansas. He creates bible teaching blogs and videos at his website, mikecresciministryforlife.com, and on his you-tube page weekly. Mike counsels men and women of all ages and from all walks of life who are struggling with their identity. He is passionate about what God has done in his transformation and genuinely desires the same for those he serves.

Office Manager

Janet Stones grew up in central Kansas. She got her Associates Degree in Administrative Office Management from St. Charles Community College in St.Charles, Missouri. She and her husband, Mark, graduated from Rhema Bible College and they pastored a few churches over the years. Their son, Steve, lives in Kansas City.
Janet believes the Dream Center is a vital ministry for those who are broken and want to change their lives. The Christian based program that is used here at the Dream Center can help anyone who desires to commit themselves to bettering their lives. She was amazed to hear some of the testimonies of past graduates. Jesus is always the answer we need, and she believes the leadership team that is in place here at the Dream Center can help hurting and broken people just as God has helped them – through the help of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Men’s Program Manager

Hey everyone! My name is David Lance Whitlock and I am the Men’s Program Manager and classroom teacher at The Central Kansas Dream Center. 

I was born here in Great Bend but spent my life running from the call of God! In 2019 after an emergency room visit for a heart attack, I knew with everything I had done in my life if I didn’t change, I would die and would not be in heaven.

I was raised going to kid’s church. I even cried when I was too old for kids’ church camp. I had been introduced to God but at age 13 I was also introduced to the most destructive and addictive behavior…myself.  Me, Me, Me!

I spent the next 37 years wreaking havoc in the lives of those around me. A little over four years ago, the day after that ambulance ride, I cried out for help, of all places …Facebook.

One person heard me and reached out, they said, “Miracles are happening in Great Bend! Call The Central Kansas Dream Center (CKDC).”

My name used to be associated with arrest records now its associated with praise reports. From psych wards to ministry, from drinking to discipling, and from drugs to hugs!

As an alumni of the CKDC, we the staff have experienced and once suffered life controlling issues. But with God’s never ending grace, forgiveness and healing, we have overcome! Now we are honored to lead others who are needing help and willing to discover God and His purpose for their lives.