By Claudia Perez Rivas | Kingsville Independent News
The Dream Come True Foundation – South Texas, a nonprofit that pairs local residents with mentors and financial support to help them move out of poverty, is preparing to expand its work across the region as it seeks new applicants for the coming year.
Founded in 2016, the South Texas chapter was modeled after the original Dream Come True Foundation launched in Austin in 2008. Local business leaders formed the organization after learning of the Austin program’s success and seeing similar needs in Kleberg, Brooks, Jim Wells and Kenedy counties.
“We work with people who are already showing determination and making progress, but who need support to get across the finish line,” said Caitlin Mixon, who helps coordinate the South Texas program.
The foundation’s approach relies on what it describes as a “wrap-around” model. Each participant, called a Dream Achiever, is matched with a mentor who provides consistent guidance, accountability and problem-solving support. Depending on individual needs, the foundation may help with tuition, transportation, emergency expenses, housing, tutoring or career preparation.
Mixon said poverty often presents multiple, compounding barriers that vary from person to person.
“There isn’t one solution for every family,” she said. “Our mentors work closely with participants to identify what’s holding them back and help them break through those obstacles.”
Since its inception, the South Texas program has supported 14 Dream Achievers. Three residents are currently in the program. According to the foundation, 88% of participants are employed within six months of completing their education or continue to advanced degrees. Their fields include teaching, information technology, cosmetology, engineering and public service.
One recent example is Aaron Trevino of Falfurrias, who spent years balancing night shifts at the Brooks County Sheriff’s Department, full-time caregiving responsibilities and coursework at Texas A&M University–Kingsville. Trevino reached out to the foundation during a period of significant financial and personal strain. With the support of his mentor, he completed his bachelor’s degree in criminology in 2023 and earned a master’s degree in public administration the following year. He now serves as Premont’s City Coordinator and as a Brooks County Commissioner.
In September, Trevino joined the foundation’s board of directors.
The organization is now training additional mentors and preparing to accept a new class of Dream Achievers. Mixon said the goal for the coming year is simple: reach more residents who are already working hard to change their lives but need steady support to continue.
“We want people to know there are resources here for them,” Mixon said. “If someone is taking steps toward a degree or certification, we want to help them keep moving forward.”
The next application deadline is May 15, 2026, and eligible residents in Kleberg, Brooks, Jim Wells and Kenedy counties are encouraged to apply. For more information go to their website at https://www.dctf-southtexas.org/ .