EP - 022
March 27, 2025

From Dishwasher to Dream Center: Mike Woods on Solving Poverty Through Faith and Action

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Karina Faith Diaries
Karina Faith Diaries
From Dishwasher to Dream Center: Mike Woods on Solving Poverty Through Faith and Action
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In this incredibly inspiring episode, Karina sits down with Pastor Mike Woods, founder and CEO of the Dream Center Indianapolis. From humble beginnings washing dishes and attending Bible college, Mike shares his powerful story of growing up in poverty, witnessing his single mom work multiple jobs, and how that shaped his heart for underserved families in Indiana. Today, he’s leading a citywide movement to reverse the cycle of poverty—starting with single moms and foster youth.

Mike shares how the Dream Center is disrupting poverty with practical solutions, strategic partnerships, and Holy Spirit-led action. He talks candidly about building vision through obedience, listening to God’s voice, and being willing to act—even when you don’t feel equipped. If you’ve ever wondered how to make a difference in your community or felt unqualified to do something big for God, this episode will encourage and challenge you to take the first step.

Timestamps:

  • [00:00:34] Meet Pastor Mike Woods and the vision behind Dream Center Indianapolis
  • [00:02:00] Growing up in poverty and working as a dishwasher while attending Bible college
  • [00:04:00] Solving problems through faith: God uses ordinary people for extraordinary impact
  • [00:06:00] Disrupting the poverty cycle—why single moms and foster youth are the focus
  • [00:14:00] Real numbers: 60,000+ single moms in Indy, and why most don’t qualify for help
  • [00:20:00] The moment that led Mike to create a system that pays moms to pursue education
  • [00:24:00] Asking boldly: How a $4.7M state partnership became a game-changer
  • [00:28:00] From victimhood to purpose—honoring his mom by changing lives
  • [00:31:00] Why outreach changed everything (and how Karina and her daughter got involved)
  • [00:36:00] How you can get involved and be part of the solution

Connect with Mike:

Connect with Mike and the Dream Center Indianapolis here.

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