Frank and Linda Vala Dream Center of Sangamon County

The Frank and Linda Vala Dream Center of Sangamon County is a nonprofit education center located at 1480 N. 5th Street in Springfield, Illinois, dedicated to teaching young people trades through hands-on classes ranging from barbering and plumbing to electrical and carpentry work. Founded with a generous $500,000 donation from Springfield entrepreneurs Frank and Linda Vala, the center also offers free adult classes and after-school tutoring programs, with volunteer instructors providing education in various skilled trades and other subjects. The center operates from Dawson Hall on the former Springfield campus of Benedictine University and serves the community by mentoring students to strive for excellence and become better citizens.