Dreams Become A Reality With The Assistance of A New Grant
By: Marlisa Goldsmith
Updated: July 11, 2012
Pompa is a a full-time student, employee, and mother.
When the company she used to work for downsized, she was out of work.
She explains, "And here I was without a job. What do I do? Where do I go now?"
Prior to reading an article in the newspaper one day, Pompa never new a program like Individual Development Account existed, and she is not alone.
When Thomas Oliphant heard about the program he knew this was his chance to bring a special recipe to life.
"I made it for my family and friends for about 20 years you should sell this," he says.
If everything goes as planned, Oliphant's homemade barbecue sauce will be hitting the market by the end of the year.
"I've had a couple businesses but I never thought I would get to the point of where I would have something that was truely a passion for me," Oliphant explains.
Pursing something you are passionate about seems to be a trend within the program.
Gabriel Zuniga does not know where he would be had it not been for the IDA program helping him expand his landscaping business.
"I think I would still be doing a little bit of work. I don't feel like I would be as organized and as confident in my business," Zuniga explains.
Many of the program participants have been able to finally make their dreams a reality.
"It's been a long time. I've been waiting for this opportunity," says Pompa.
She will begin her BSN program at Texas Tech University this Friday and says this experience has taught her, anything is possible.
"You can pursue your dream at whatever age and whatever point of time in your life," Pompa says.







