IN West Jefferson Hills Summer 2016 | Page 39

“ Everyone deserves to have that one dream come true. Dreams come in all shapes and sizes and for people of all ages. ” “Everyone deserves to have that one dream come true,” she says. “Dreams come in all shapes and sizes and for people of all ages.” Managing Jamie’s Dream Team is a full-time job and more than a dozen board members and 50 volunteers help Holmes. Over 90 percent of the requests fulfilled come from the Pittsburgh area. Holmes says she is always surprised by the support her organization has received. “I have learned that there are generous people willing to change the lives of others,” she writes in an email. Jamie’s Dream Team has grown since 2005 and Holmes says she plans to continue expanding her efforts. The organization recently received a grant to purchase a new office building and participated in the Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community at Stage AE on the North Shore. The event includes a 5k walk and a 1-mile walk. The proceeds benefit more than 70 health and human service organizations, including Jamie’s Dream Team. The organization is always looking for volunteers and donations to support its efforts. A lot has happened in Holmes’ personal life since 2005 as well. She graduated high school and studied at the Community College of Allegheny County. Currently, she is also planning her wedding. Despite all the hard work, Holmes says she never gets tired of fulfilling others’ requests. “All of the dreams that we fulfill are unique and memorable because every family we have helped has a special place in my heart,” Holmes writes. For more information about Jamie’s Dream Team, visit jamiesdreamteam.org. n West Jefferson Hills | Summer 2016 | icmags.com 37