Carmella Lucero’s Dream Succeeds—Dream Come True Chooses New Dream Achievers

The Dream Come True Foundation finds high potential people who are on “the edge of success” and helps them move from poverty to a life of possibility.

On May 8th Carmella Lucero became a graduate of St. Edwards University in a ceremony attended by several thousand. She graduated with a degree in social work.  Carmella was an outstanding Dream Achiever.  From arriving homeless in Austin when she was 14, functionally illiterate with no education, Carmella faced the greatest odds.

Carmella received a stipend from Dream Come True and received hundreds of hours of mentoring from board members, technology assistance and other support. LifeWorks, which originally helped Carmella get her GED and take her first steps forward, honored her at their fundraiser.  At the Dream Come True Fundraiser, Brett Barnes, VP of Development at LifeWorks, described Carmella as a “rock star” in social work circles.

Carmella moved to Houston and has just gotten her dream job, a case manager for Mental Health and Mental Retardation (MHMR). She will be a social worker and will have a caseload of clients in the same circumstances she once was in.  With her new income, Carmella becomes a member of the middle class.  Congratulations, Carmella!!!

Calandra, Our New Dream Come True Achiever, with Becky Stern, Dream Come True Foundation Board Member  

The Dream Come True Foundation has a new group of Dream Achievers.  Calandra has moved from the Dallas/Ft. Worth area to pursue her dream of becoming a pediatric nurse.  Dream Come True volunteer Stacy Black, who owns a moving company, sent a truck and crew to move her from Dallas to Austin.  Calandra has been living at the poverty level with four children. Calandra had already taken many steps in the direction of achieving her goals.  She took courses at Texas Tech University in Lubbock and is now approximately 18 months away from graduating with a degree in nursing. Her mentor is Heather Bailey who works with her on a weekly and daily basis. Calandra was referred to us by Lifeworks.

Chris is our Youngest Dream Achiever

Chris is the youngest Dream Achiever.  He just turned 20.  He comes to us through the Austin Children’s Shelter and was in foster care since he was an infant.  Chris receives some funding from the state for tuition.  He is also working the night shift at HEB grocery store.  He is attending Austin Community College to pursue his dream of a college education.  Chris is battling with algebra and the Dream Come True Foundation has a professional volunteer tutor who is giving generously of her time to tutor him.  In addition, Chris is mentored by Dr. Thaw Sint.  Since age 17, Chris has volunteered as a speaker to new foster parents to help them understand the foster experience from the child’s perspective.