Meyer, who founded the Dream Center with her husband, Dave, in 2000, said she is humbled to receive the commendation, which was sponsored by 21st Ward Alderman Antonio French.
“Wanting nothing more than to be a blessing to others, we intentionally established the Dream Center in the 21st ward because we want to make a difference in our own community, not just other parts of the world,” Meyer said in statement. “And we’re committed to being here long-term to help them improve their quality of life.”
Meyer, whose global preaching ministry is based in St. Louis, provides feeding and charitable programs, and community advocacy through the St. Louis Dream Center. In a statement, center officials said they also seek to develop strong relationships with leaders in the city’s government, school system, law enforcement and business sector.
On Saturday, the center will host a free luncheon for 120 Army Military Police and their families before the company is deployed to Iraq Sunday.
Alderman French said St. Louis is pleased to recognize Joyce Meyer Ministries’ long-standing leadership and “the positive, substantive and real impact their efforts have made in the lives of countless residents throughout this ward.”
Kelvin Adams, superintendent of St. Louis Public Schools, will also be recognized Sunday for his leadership. Participants in the service will pray for him and his staff, as well as for students and educators throughout greater St. Louis.
In addition to the St. Louis Dream Center, Joyce Meyer Ministries supports humanitarian work around the globe. Last year, the ministry reportedly provided more than 18 million meals in 25 countries and free medical care to more than 150,000 people. It also operates 44 children’s homes worldwide and feeds more than 55,000 children each day.