Sweet Deeds Foundation: From a Cherished Nickname, an Invaluable Charity Has Grown
“We are inspired by a desire to make a difference in the world around us, seeking to be the hands and feet of Jesus.” – Sweet Deeds Foundation
Founded by Ly and Dana Tran, Sweet Deeds Foundation (Sweet Deeds) is the philanthropic nonprofit partner of Watershed Initiative. It provides holistic support for those who have been overlooked by society by using mental health tools along with collaborative partnerships.
The foundation was named by the Trans in honor of their late son, Aaron Josiah Tran. The affectionate nickname, Deeds, was given to him by his father. DiDi means little brother in Mandarin Chinese. From grief, sprang a dream to carry on the good deeds Aaron’s parents envisioned he would do one day, and Sweet Deeds was born.
Its mission is “to impact society for good by providing accessible mental health services and drawing together community partners to promote the holistic support of the vulnerable and overlooked.” And its vision is “to see communities restored through quality mental health one person, one family, one deed at a time.” It currently works with over 45 clinically trained therapists who represent diverse backgrounds and specialities and who share a commitment to love their neighbors.
The foundation’s unique approach to achieving its mission is three-pronged:
Innovates and Collaborates
Sweet Deeds increases access to mental health among overlooked populations by advancing an innovative approach which draws upon partnerships between for-profit and nonprofit entities in the Dallas, Houston, Austin, and surrounding areas.
Reduces the Financial Barrier to Mental Health Services
Because a typical therapy session costs from $100 to $200, getting help with mental health has become a luxury that is unavailable to many people. Sweet Deeds offers reduced rates of 20 to 40 percent off the standard cost of therapy as well as additional financial assistance, so that those who need mental health can afford it.
Partners with Community Nonprofits
Though the organization’s expertise is mental health, it understands that mental health is directly tied to many factors, including job stability, housing, and food. Therefore, it supports organizations passionate about effecting change through meeting physical and logistical needs. Its community partners and nonprofits include Empowering Women out of Prison (EWOP), emily’s place, Local Good Center, and InterVarsity. It also partners with churches, including Access Church, Icon Church, Chase Oaks, Church at the Creek, Connection Point Church, Irving Bible Church, Lighthouse, LOFT City Church, Mosaic Village Church, Parkway UMC, The Table, The Well Community Church, Mosaic Covenant Community Church, All Nations Fellowship, and One Church.
Since its official launch in 2023, Sweet Deeds has served over 290 individuals through mental health workshops and therapy services. In 2025, the organization made over 1120 therapy sessions possible to those who need them at reduced rates or for free, playing an instrumental role in healing individuals, children, families, and marriages. Heading into 2026, there is more excitement than ever over what the future will hold.
Two of the ways Sweet Deeds makes a difference is through the Supporting Survivors of Domestic Violence program and the Supporting Incarcerated Women program. The first consists of free therapist-led support groups and discounted individual therapy. In collaboration with Local Good Center, women are given a safe communal space to process and heal from the trauma of domestic violence with the help of therapists. These group sessions are free of charge to the participants. Discounted rates and financial assistance are available to those who are ready to engage in deeper therapy work and in one-on-one therapy.
The second consists of in-prison workshops, therapist-led “life success” support groups, and discounted individual therapy. Collaborating with EWOP, Sweet Deeds’ therapists lead beneficial mental health workshops for women while they are in prison. Once they have been released, they have access to communal spaces free from judgment and full of grace in order to make the often difficult transition back into society. These groups are free of charge to the participants as they are jointly funded by Sweet Deeds and EWOP. As with the Supporting Survivors of Domestic Violence program, discounted rates and financial assistance are available to those who are ready to engage in deeper therapy work and in one-on-one therapy.
A simple idea: everyone deserves help, paired with a cherished nickname: Deeds, has resulted in Sweet Deeds, an inclusive charitable organization that makes mental health services accessible to the less fortunate. In so doing, it improves the prospects of the individual and the health of the society as a whole.