Dream Chasers
Dream Chasers is a registered program of Don’t Stop Dreamin’ that partners approximately 16 Slippery Rock University Healthcare Administration students with residents at four Quality Life Services facilities every spring college semester. The program focuses on learning how individual residents’ unique perspectives, values and aspirations are shaped by their backgrounds and life experiences.
Over the course of the semester, students individually meet weekly with their resident partners in a semi-structured oral history dialogue with periodic group activities. Activities are incorporated into each weekly session to help the residents and students get to know each other in an engaging, fun and meaningful way. The goal is to capture their lifetime stories, one page at a time, over the course of the semester.
The program culminates in April with group celebrations at the facilities, allowing the students to honor their resident partners and share what life lessons and legacies they are taking into their own lives as a result of the Dream Chasers program. A personal letter and a condensed book of the resident’s gathered history is presented by each student to the resident and his / her family at the final session. The student also gleans a Dream application from his / her resident partner for submission to Don’t Stop Dreamin’.
Dont Stop Dreamin’
Here are some of our most recent DREAM Chaser experiences!
Dan & Hossam
Henry - Three Rivers Hospice
“Throughout my time visiting with Dan I have really enjoyed getting to know him. We have developed a great relationship. I can see the joy he has when talking with me and sharing his great memories. I have learned so much and really enjoyed listening to him sharing his memories. I am very happy that I got to be a part of the Dream Chasers program and everything that has come with it.”
– Hossam
“This program makes me feel young again. I have been able to talk about my 95 years of age to this young man and re-live my life all over again. I feel like I could live another 95 now. You are doing something wonderful for this organization that should continue to take place for years to come. You have no idea what this program has done for me.”
– Dan
Charlotte & Madison
Charlotte could not say enough nice things about Madison. She loved the times she came in to talk. Charlotte enjoyed the questions she asked and felt like she shared a lot of stuff about her life without it being too personal or invasive. She is sad that the sessions have come to an end.
“My experience helped me look at life as a blessing. You only get one, so treat it well.”
– Madison
Judy & Ashton
“It has been so nice getting to know you and making a new friend. This experience has gone so fast and I am very grateful for it.”
– Judy
“Judy has taught me so many things in our short time together. She has taught me the importance of family, kindness, and patience through transitions in life. She has given me a new outlook on Longterm Care and how spending time with someone new can bring a lot of joy to your life.”
– Ashton
