Celebrating Three Years of Our Family Room
August 26th, 2024
Three-year-olds are so full of life. They are always exploring, learning and bringing joy to those around them. This month, our Ronald McDonald Family Room® celebrated its third anniversary, and over the course of the last three years, there have been many similarities between its journey and that of a three-year-old. We are always exploring and learning new ways to better serve our families and create an environment for them to connect, relax or just be. The Family Room has left a lasting impact on those who have visited and stands as an important program for those receiving treatment at Rogers Behavioral Health. In honor of our third anniversary, here are three reasons why the Family Room is so invaluable:
- The Family Room is fun! There are so many different entertainment options and ways for families to connect with each other. Whether it is baking a batch of chocolate chip cookies, laughing while playing a board game or streaming a comfort TV show, the Family Room is a place of togetherness without the worry of being in a clinical environment or feeling the stresses of treatment. Families can focus on connecting and creating lifelong memories.
- The Family Room is comfortable. Oftentimes, caregivers prefer to stay close while their loved one receives treatment. Before the Family Room opened, they had nowhere to go other than a local café, their car or the hospital lobby. When guests visit the Family Room, they can rest in the Quiet Room, recharge with a snack and more.
- The Family Room prioritizes compassionate care. Our staff and volunteers really go above and beyond to make every person who comes through the door feel welcomed and cared for. Recent feedback from a guest sums this up perfectly: “A memorable moment of mine was eating a brownie prepared by the staff while playing Jenga with my fiancé. I felt pure happiness and joy in the moment. I was very comfortable in the Family Room. Thank you so much to the staff and volunteers for always working hard and being so supportive, welcoming and kind. I am incredibly grateful for the chance to use the Family Room during my stay. Words cannot express how grateful I am for you all and the Family Room.”
Just as a three-year-old is continually growing, the Family Room is striving to grow and improve in our services. Whether you visit for the day or over a period of several months, we want you to feel at home. A big thanks to everyone that has supported this program the past three years! We could not do it alone, and value all of those who have contributed to making the Family Room a place of fun, comfort and compassion for all who need it.
Andrew Finch
Family Room Manager