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Heart of the House
March 2024
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Dear Friends,
I am so pleased to tell you about our expanded services that will help us reach more families in need. Read about our Care Mobile in this newsletter, and the impact it has on underserved communities. Inside our House, we are always looking for ways to serve more families. With the help KPRC 2's Community Spotlight, our food distribution pantry received support in the form of monetary and in-kind donations that will provide more meals and snacks to our hospital locations.
March is also National Social Work Month and I want to recognize our incredible social workers who make sure our families have access to the services they need. Social workers enter the profession because they truly want to help others. They go through years of education, training, and supervision so they can do the delicate, but critical work of listening, understanding and helping families that are navigate a challenging time. We appreciate the work they do.
With gratitude,
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Cristina Vetrano
Chief Executive Officer
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RMHC in the News
Did you happen to catch us on KPRC 2 in February? Throughout the month, Ronald McDonald House Charities Greater Houston was featured several times as part of KPRC's community spotlight.
Andrea Sivells, our Manager of Special Events, gave reporter Lauren Kelley a close look at our food pantry and explained how meals and snacks are distributed across all of our locations. A follow up segment with anchor Owen Conflenti featured Seliece Womble, one of our Board members, whose family accessed our House and services inside M.D. Anderson Children's Cancer Hospital. Watch the video to learn about Seliece Womble's story and the impact the Ronald McDonald House had on her family.
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Nothing makes us happier than to see our families come back to visit! After spending time in NICU with his family at his side, Carter Royce Rubio is now a healthy, energetic 6-year-old. The Rubio family dropped by with generous donations of food and snacks for other families who are utilizing the Ronald McDonald Houses and Lounges at Texas Children's Hospital. Thank you to the Rubios and all the other families that have trusted us with their care and returned to share their stories!
Your donation makes it possible for families like the Rubios to stay together during times of medical crisis.
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We Love Our
Social Workers
March is Social Work Month and we want to recognize the amazing social workers at Ronald McDonald House. Our Family Support Services Manager, Christina Celestine, and Creative Arts Facilitator, Linda Rangel, provide the families staying at Holcombe House with support, advocacy, and case management. Christina and Linda (pictured left to right), as well as our social work interns meet families where they are, listen to their needs and put them in touch with services and assistance.
In addition to our on-duty social workers, RMHC Greater Houston employs numerous individuals with formal social work training throughout the organization to ensure the goals and mission of RMHC-Greater Houston are carried out, and that each family receives the support they need.
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Hospital Volunteers Needed
Our Ronald McDonald Houses and Lounges inside the hospitals serve families who need a place to nap, an overnight bedroom or something to eat as they stay close to their hospitalized child.
We are looking for some dedicated volunteers who can make sure the rooms are ready, the lounges are stocked with food, and the families have a shoulder to lean on. If you want to make a difference in the lives of these children and families, please consider volunteering at one of our hospital locations.
There are several volunteer shifts available at Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital and Texas Children's Hospital. Duties include:
- Light administrative tasks
- Prepping rooms for overnight and nap guests
- Registering, providing orientation and giving tours
- Setting up donated meals for families
- Replenishing food items in lounges
Questions? Email volunteer@rmhchouston.org
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Interested in joining a group of Houston-area professionals who are also avid philanthropists? The Red Shoe Crew Houston (formerly The Hou Crew) is excited to launch its new name and welcomes local professionals who are interested in networking, fundraising, socializing and helping RMHC Greater Houston with its mission to help families going through a pediatric medical crisis. | |
Golfing for a Great Cause
Rain on the morning of March 4 did not put a damper on the RMHC Cup! More than 300 golfers teed off at Black Horse Golf Club to support RMHC Greater Houston.
A special thank you to our Presenting Sponsor, Talos Energy, and Tournament Chair, John Spath. With their support we had over 70 teams participate, raising more than $400,000 for the House.
Tournament activities included Tiger Drive, Air Cannon, Beat the Pro and a fun Hit It & Win It putting green. An amazing silent auction and awards ceremony rounded out the day.
Thank you to all of our sponsors for a sell-out event.
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Making Healthcare Accessible | |
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We believe every child should have access to quality health care.
For children with limited or no access to medical care, our Ronald McDonald Care Mobile program, operated and staffed by Texas Children's Hospital, provides a fully equipped pediatric clinic on wheels that delivers free medical care to underserved communities throughout the Greater Houston area.
By traveling directly to neighborhoods, schools and other easy to access locations, TCH medical professionals can treat patients in their own communities and offer immunizations, well child visits, sick visits and lab work. In 2023, the Care Mobile saw more than 3,400 patients, performed 3,799 total procedures, and provided 3,417 total vaccinations.
With your support, RMHC Greater Houston improves the healthcare experience through comfort, care, and supportive services.
| | In February, we celebrated the Lunar New Year with dragon dancers and a delicious ramen bar made possible by The Sterling Group. For Valentine's Day, our resident girls and ladies received manicures, makeovers and new hairstyles thanks to Bee with Milk and Honey Salon, and Mary Kay. Our families also enjoyed bingo night, crafts and a visit from therapy dogs. | |  |
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Dates to Remember
Social Work Month
Thank a social worker for the important work they do!
Women's History Month
We recognize and celebrate the achievements of women.
March 2
Saber Cats Game
One of our young residents will be the Honorary Team Captain for the rugby team's season opener.
March 4
RMHC Talos Golf Tournament
More than 300 golfers will tee off at BlackHorse "fore" a great cause.
March 10
Daylight Savings
Don't forget to change your clocks and spring forward.
First Day of Ramadan
The holy month of Ramadan begins at the first sighting of the crescent moon.
March 14
Pi Day
Staff members will compete for the title of most delicious homemade pie.
March 17
St. Patrick's Day
Be sure to wear green today!
March 30
McDonald's All American Team
The girls and boys All American high school basketball teams will visit Holcombe House.
March 31
Easter Sunday
The Easter bunny will drop off baskets of treats for our kiddos.
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