Achieving Dreams is a non-profit organization that provides day-care accommodation services to adults with disabilities in the Tyler area.

This non-profit organization was founded almost seven years ago by retired special education professionals and concerned parents who recognized the need for a more diverse and engaged atmosphere in the community.

Participants in the program, known as Achievers, are adults who have moderate to higher functional intellectual and developmental disabilities. Achieving Dreams aims to provide opportunities and support for high achievers and to look beyond their disabilities.

The non-profit organization includes both on-site activities and community outings, which allow Achievers to learn life skills, gain spiritual support, socialize, be around others and allow families to rest and work if they need it.

Nancy McCormack, a volunteer and retired school nurse, has been with the association for seven years.

“I think socializing is one of the most important parts of it all and these guys are all friends. It’s like a family. Going out in the community is my favorite part. It allows the community to see people performing well and what they are capable of, ”said McCormack. “They don’t have to be home to watch TV. These guys are productive; they are perfectly capable of doing a lot of different jobs.

On Thursdays, the Achievers have a cooking class and this allows them to fully experience preparing a meal on their own.

With the menu consisting of tacos, students were assigned different roles as they prepared the items, from cooking the meat to tacos to cutting the ingredients.

Program co-director Sandy Richards said the culinary activities teach Achievers about price and product comparison as well as nutritional information.

“They plan the menu and we go shopping, then they come to cook, that involves everything,” said Richards. “We try to give them the whole experience of preparing a meal.”

The directors prepared meals like spaghetti, pies, tacos, burritos, chicken spaghetti, and meatloaf.

As the Achievers finished their cooking class, they headed out with co-director Jan Alderman who helped them wrap and tape for Hangers of Hope, a thrift store in Tyler with all proceeds going to Bethesda Health Clinic’s charitable mission. .

Achieving Dreams Executive Director Laura Mattheis said that through daily activities, Achievers learn their gifts.

Other Achieving Dreams partner companies and nonprofits include the Tyler Public Library, Hangers for Hope, Hand-Up Network, Cici’s Pizza, Manny’s Restaurant, Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux, and Hampton Inn.

For those who want to learn more about how to be an Achiever, Achieving Dreams has returned to full capacity, with 17 Achievers per day.

People can inquire about the services, but applications must be completed to be eligible. If full capacity is reached, there is a waiting list that people can be placed on. Due to COVID-19, the full capacity rule is in place to give every Achiever their full attention and ensure that precautions are taken.

As a non-profit organization, Achieving Dreams relies on the generosity of donors and supporters to maintain services.

Their main annual fundraiser is called Circle of Caring and will be held online again this year on October 7 with the theme of the Hawaiian luau. This fundraiser will include a raffle for a Moody Gardens trip to Galveston and a silent auction.

Mattheis said the donations allow the nonprofit to reduce costs, supplies, food and maintain a full day of rehab with trained staff needed for Achievers.

Sponsorship and donations can be made at reachredreams.org. For more information, you can contact [email protected] or their office at 903-630-7724.