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IOWA CITY — What began as a small support group for fathers and a handful of boys in 2012 has transformed into one of Iowa City’s most ambitious community centers, thanks to the vision of Fred Newell.

Newell, a University of Iowa graduate and social worker, is the executive director of Dream City, a nonprofit rooted in fatherhood, mentorship and opportunity. For him, the work is personal.

“I was a single father when I came to the University of Iowa,” Newell said. “My son went to every class with me. I never really found support outside of the campus community. That shaped my passion. I knew other men were raising children alone, too.”

A personal journey grounded in fatherhood

Raised in Chic

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