OCEAN SPRINGS, Miss. (WLOX) - This year, the Dream Program is celebrating a Coast Life milestone anniversary of creating opportunities and experiences for those who might not otherwise have access.
“People with disabilities deserve every benefit that everyone else has,” said Kelly Pennell, Dream Program president.
Since launching 20 years ago, the Dream Program is still making benefits possible by offering a wide range of activities for the participants.
“One thing I like about it is sports,” described Dream Program participant Lee Brown. “There’s bowling, basketball and some football.”
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“We provide some opportunities that they would never have the opportunity to do if it wasn’t for the Dream Program,” explained Billy Dungan, Dream Program executive director.
Over the last two decades, the Dream Program has impacted thousands of people on the Coast with disabilities, and 500 are currently registered.
“Generally, we just look for something to get people with disabilities — regardless of what the disability is — up off the couch and get them active for their health," added Dungan. “Also, to give them the opportunity to do things that you and I would take for granted because we can do that, and they don’t have an avenue to go and do that.”
Beverly Malone first got her son Lee Brown involved with the activities during the first year of the program in 2006.
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“When I first came across the Dream program on WLOX, I thought, ‘This is a perfect program for Lee to keep him involved and improve his quality of life,’” said Malone. “The Dream Program really has been an answer to a prayer.”
Organizers are always looking for new experiences to offer. Fun ways to spend time together have included riding in Mardi Gras parades, dances and even singing in a choir.
“We try to provide an environment where they can have fun, be happy, laugh, have confidence, friends and a social life,” stated Pennell.
While the benefits for the disabled participants are plain to see, the parents also have an outlet to lean on each other for support. Sharon Clarke’s 31-year-old son, Austin Seymour, has grown up in the program. Like him, Clarke has made close friends as well.
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“You can ask other parents if this is normal, do you know a doctor or where we can get help with something or just to vent,” said Clarke. “It’s very helpful to have other people on your level and understand what you’re going through.”
The Dream Program continues growing, and more growth is expected. Just last month, the program moved its headquarters into a new and bigger activities facility in Ocean Springs.
“This place became available, and with the help of some good financial supporters, we were able to make the move in here, and we have the space that we think we can grow for the near-term future,” explained Dungan."
20 years of dreams have been made possible, and the foundation is in place to create more life-changing experiences for decades to come.
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“A parent’s dream of a special needs child is to have their life as normal as possible,” said Malone. “The Dream Program gives that.”
“It is truly a dream that comes true for somebody,” explained Dungan.
To learn more about participating, volunteering, or donating to the Dream Program, visit their website at www.dreamprogram.net.
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