Ronald McDonald House Charities celebrates its 5-year anniversary of its 20-bedroom house
SOUTH BEND, Ind., --Ronald McDonald House Charities of Michiana is celebrating a milestone.
Five years ago, today, the organization opened its 20-bedroom house to serve more families with children being cared for at Beacon Children’s Hospital.
Prior to its expansion five years ago, the 20-bedroom house by Ronald McDonald House Charities of Michiana only had three bedrooms. It went from 1,500 to 15,000 square feet allowing more families to stay close to their children while they receive care.
“When we only had three bedrooms to care for families, it was only the most critical that were here for a really long time,” says CEO, Kiersten Miller.
“It’s nice that we’re able to provide this service for families no matter how long or short they’re staying.”
The organization exists to serve families of ill or injured children under 21 years of age. They provide a “home-away-from-home” by providing meals, overnight accommodations, showers, laundry, and more.
In addition to overnight guests, the charity serves day guests as well. The space allows guests to decompress in the family rooms, kitchen, dining areas, or playroom.
“We like to say the hospital cares for the children, we care for the families,” says the Director of Marketing, Aaron Charles.
The care that Charles refers to comes at no cost to the family members.
“We’re able to do that because of the love that our community shows to us,” says Charles.
This year also marks the 20th anniversary of the founding of RMHC Michiana. The charity has operated since 2002 and has served thousands of families, allowing them to stay close to their loved ones during a time of need.
Like many businesses and organizations, RMHC Michiana faces challenges during the pandemic. Charles says that it’s difficult to recruit volunteers. At the beginning of the pandemic visitors were not allowed, so volunteers were low at the start of the pandemic and are still needed now. If interested, you can volunteer here.