Who We Are

About the Dream Program

The Dream Program was founded to serve and enhance the quality of life for people with disabilities residing across the Mississippi Gulf Coast and surrounding areas. The Dream Program is inclusive and available to ALL individuals, with and without disabilities. Currently, there are 14 recreational program offerings, and all are FREE of charge to the participants. As the program enters its 17th year of operation, the success and valuable impact on our community has been astounding.

The Dream Program Founders, Troy and Lindsay Trigg grew up on the MS Gulf Coast and are both graduates of the University of Southern Mississippi. Troy became involved in working with individuals with disabilities during his college years, working as a counselor for a camp serving those with special needs. This path led Troy to pursue a degree in Recreational Therapy, where he completed his internship with the EXPAND program in Boulder, CO. After college, Troy continued volunteering with the EXPAND program for the next eight years. Alongside Troy, his wife Lindsay also volunteered her time with the EXPAND program as Lindsay continued to receive her Master’s Degree in Elementary Education.

Upon returning to the Mississippi Gulf Coast region in 2004, Troy and Lindsay were surprised to find minimal services available for the special needs population, which fueled their passion and desire to start the Dream Program. With many hours of hard work and dedication, their dream became a reality for the couple in 2006. Since the start of the Dream Program, thousands of athletes with and without disabilities have participated in organized quality programming. Many of these athletes would never have been provided this opportunity without the Dream Program.

In addition to athletic programs, the Dream Program also provides social opportunities including the Annual Christmas Party, Dinner and Dance, the Annual Sports Award Banquet, floats in the Mardi Gras parade, bi- weekly Board Game / Karaoke nights and Aktion Club events in support of the local communities. In 2015 Troy and Lindsay relocated to Texas, and Billy Dungan, a board member for the previous eight years was elected as the Executive Director. The Dream Program has continued to expand on the dreams of the Trigg’s in electing the first President of the Board who does not also carry the responsibilities of the Executive Director. A Strategic Plan was developed with the guidance of the Mississippi Power Community Foundation leaders to assist in the organization’s focus over the next few years, new Board members were added, and new athletic, arts and social activities continue to be added each year.

The Dream Program is a volunteer-driven organization and relies heavily on our community partners, athletes, parents, volunteers, and donors to make the program successful. We are always seeking volunteers to assist with volunteer coaching, volunteer participants, and our special events. We are supported strictly by donations and fundraising, so please spread the word to anyone who may be able to help! Please feel free to contact us if you have any further questions or are interested in joining this fantastic organization.

Our Mission

The Dream Program’s mission is to provide inclusive leisure, social and recreational experiences for individuals of varying abilities to improve their quality of life, increase independence, and give them the opportunity to discover their potential.

To accomplish this mission, the Dream Program focuses on five core objectives:

• Improvements in the leisure skills of people with varying abilities.

• Inclusive experiences that promote camaraderie between people with and without disabilities.

• To bring awareness to the community about including persons with varying abilities.

• To advocate for the rights of individuals with varying abilities in our community.

• New experiences and opportunities to choose preferred events and activities.

Dream Program, Inc. Board of Directors

Awards

• South MS Heros 2008 WLOX

• Arc of MS Recreation Award 2008

• City of Ocean Springs recognized the Dream Program as an outstanding City program in 2008

• Phenomenal People Award -Phenomenal Youth Organization- 2010

• Non Profit of the Year-Anchor Award from Jackson County Chamber of Commerce-2019