When families leave the hospital after a lengthy stay, it is the start of a new journey. And while they are excited to return home, some find they need services to address ongoing medical, emotional and practical care to ease the transition. The Family Connections program at Ronald McDonald House: Morgantown was created to provide that assistance. This program is designed to help families staying at the House transition from hospital to home by connecting them with services and organizations in their communities.

Every family who walks through the doors to stay at the House is given a simple form at registration to complete that identifies the types of support they may need when they get home. This can include food assistance, housing, transportation, medical equipment, caregiver resources and financial aid.

“We understand that asking for help can be difficult. That’s why the needs form is given and completed in private, allowing families to communicate their needs in a way that preserves their dignity,” said Kara Kimble.

Helping to make this project possible is the Purpose 2 Action (P2A) program at West Virginia University. The P2A program assigns students to nonprofit organizations to help support their missions. At Ronald McDonald House: Morgantown, students dedicate their time researching, identifying and compiling resources for staff members to then share with the family.



As the Ronald McDonald House has always ensured families are not alone when they are far from home, it now also ensures families are not alone when they return home.

“We are so proud of this program. Connecting families with resources in their community empowers them to go home with the confidence they need,” said Kara Kimble.