In 2008 Tommy Barnett, one of the Co-founders of the Dream Center Los Angeles, came to Ireland and met with Dr. Cecil Stewart. Cecil has had a vision for many years to help the hurting and broken people of Northern Ireland. During their meeting, Cecil felt that the time had come to focus on Belfast, which has suffered so much pain for over thirty years due to the troubles.

Cecil and his wife Evelyn made a trip to Los Angeles where they were able to see first hand the marvelous work of the Dream Center there. They met many young people whose lives had been ruined through human trafficking, drug abuse and isolation. However, through the help of the Dream Center, they were able to find hope and receive the help they needed to live a healthy lifestyle and make good decisions.

On the return home, steps were immediately taken to bring community leaders together and in February 2010 Matthew Barnett came to Belfast at Cecil’s invitation and the vision for the Dream Centre Belfast was launched at Stormont - Northern Ireland’s government buildings.