Turning Dreams Into Memories
In 2005, the idea of Don’t Stop Dreamin’ (then called Dream a Little Dream) was born from a desire to provide meaning, fulfillment and fun to the lives of residents living in Quality Life Services homes. For the first seven years, the simplistic internal program survived from the small profits of car washes and bake sales organized by dedicated staff. We fulfilled but a few resident dreams in a year. Armed with a desire to positively impact more people, garnish more charitable donations and grow our sphere of influence, we applied for 501c3 non-profit status in 2011. On March 30, 2012, the Internal Revenue Service issued a determination letter to Don’t Stop Dreamin’ and we were officially an authentic charitable organization!
Fast forward another eight years and Don’t Stop Dreamin’ is composed of a Board of Directors, an Executive Director, a volunteer Dream Fulfillment Coordinator, 11 Dream Ambassadors and countless supporters, partners and donors. We host two signature fundraising events and a Golf Outing every year that collectively welcome hundreds of guests.
Through the tireless work of DSD members, we have created and grown Dream Chasers, a registered program that partners Slippery Rock University students with four facilities in the Quality Life Services continuum of care. Students are paired with Quality Life Services residents with the goal of capturing residents’ dreams and stories of a lifetime, one page at a time.
Residents and patients of Quality Life Services’ facilities and Three Rivers Hospice have flown in helicopters, planes and hot air balloons. We’ve sang along with George Strait, Jackson Browne, Snoop Dogg and The Rolling Stones at live concerts. We’ve relaxed at spas and enjoyed delicious restaurant dining. We’ve ridden on horses, fishing boats, UTVs, motorcycles and in classic cars. We’ve cheered on the Butler Blue Sox, Washington Wild Things and the Pittsburgh Pirates, Penguins and Steelers. We’ve published books and earned honorary diplomas. We’ve laughed, we’ve cried and we’ve had “the best day of my life” – and our journey continues. Join us and dream on!
Who We Are
Founded in 2005, Don’t Stop Dreamin’ fulfills the DREAMS of residents living in Quality Life Services’ skilled nursing and personal care facilities.
We also provide dream fulfillments for patients of Three Rivers Hospice.
Our Mission is to:
- Create everlasting memories
- Enrich the lives of residents and patients
- Bring joy and happiness through the granting of DREAMS
What We Do
DREAMS may be, but are not limited to,:
- day or overnight excursions
- celebrations
- attendance at special events
- renewal of hobbies or special interests
- once-in-a-lifetime experiences
- the rental of electronic devices for leisure or staying in touch with family and friends.
We encourage our applicants to DREAM BIG!
Qualifications
- Resident of a Quality Life Services skilled nursing or personal care home or patient of Three Rivers Hospice
- No income restrictions
- No age restrictions
- Possess the cognitive, emotional and physical capabilities of communicating and experiencing the DREAM
Help Make A Difference
Dont Stop Dreamin’
Here are some of our most recent DREAMS!
Polka Dream
Henry - Three Rivers Hospice
Henry, a patient of Three Rivers Hospice, is the former creator and member of the Henry Lavrich Orchestra.
Henry’s a musician that is no longer able to play his accordion but that doesn’t mean he’s lost his love for the music. His dream request was to have a good old fashioned Polka Party. The Mikey Dee Band played some of Henry’s favorite songs- including one of his very own – to the surprise and delight of Mr. Lavrich. Henry enjoyed sharing his dream with his family and friends that attended the concert.
Gaming Computer Dream
Matthew - QLS Markleysburg
Our dreamer Matthew, of Quality Life Services-Markleysburg, is confined to a motorized wheelchair but enjoys his independent activities.
His Spinal Muscular Atrophy limits his ability to do any physical activity involving his lower body. He’s a typical young man when it comes to sleeping in and staying up late. He requested a gaming computer so he can stay in touch with his family and friends, and of course, join in on some late night gaming. We are so happy that we could fulfill Matthew’s dream with a device that will bring him hours of joy and activity
Dream Wedding
Betty - QLS Westmont
Betty’s son, Larry, wanted his daughter to have a perfect wedding day and that was not going to be possible without his mother being in attendance.
“I can’t thank you enough for your support on getting my mom to the wedding. Not only is my mother the only grandparent, she is a second mother to my daughter. Everyone kept asking me, ‘Is Betty going to be there?’ Well, it’s easy to say she was the queen of the ball and all of our family and good friends loved seeing her. My mother being able to be there and cared for brings tears to my eyes. Her aide, Jennifer, was wonderful. Thanks again for your care and support. The wedding had to two very special people there, the bride and my mom.” – Larry Spisak
Phipps Conservatory Dream
Group - QLS Sugar Creek
There is nothing better than being together on a road trip.
The residents and staff of QLS-Sugar Creek loaded up the vans and headed out to Phipps Conservatory for a beautiful day filled with sunshine and nature. Group dreams are a great way for Don’t Stop Dreamin’ to serve multiple dreamers in one glorious day!
Turning Dreams Into Memories
Don’t Stop Dreamin’ fulfills the dreams of residents at these Quality Life Services homes and patients of Three Rivers Hospice throughout Western Pennsylvania.
