RMH Family Rooms
Sometimes you just can’t go home.

The Ronald McDonald Family Rooms® are an extension of the Ronald McDonald House of Cleveland. A bit of home within the walls of a hospital, the Family Room is a brief respite for families to use while remaining merely steps away from their child’s bedside.

The Family Rooms provide an area of retreat within the hospital where families and friends can spend quiet time together, engage in private conversations or reflection, or enjoy coffee and a snack while still being close to the child’s room. The Family Rooms are equipped with a stocked kitchenette full of snacks and beverages, a dining area, a comfortable sitting area with a television, a play area for children, and computers with internet access. Some of our Family Rooms also include the following amenities: a private restroom, and laundry facilities, and a private shower.

Families will find each of the Ronald McDonald Family Rooms to be unique in what they offer, but all possess a warm and friendly atmosphere. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult (unless they are the parent of a patient) and healthy to enter the room. The Family Rooms are staffed from 9:00 a.m. through 9:00 p.m., seven days per week. Thanks to the generosity of our volunteers and donors, these goods and services are provided at no cost or low cost. We charge $.50 for bottled water and other Coke products to the families using the facilities.

Family Room Locations and Specifics
University Hospital’s Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital is located on the 2nd Floor near the PICU/Surgery Waiting Area of the Horvitz building. Volunteers are needed for three hour shifts, and volunteer parking is free. Prior to hire, a hospital paid TB test, Criminal Background Check and finger prints will be required. Additional on-site training will also occur.

Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital is located on the 3rd Floor near the Neonatology unit of the M building. Pediatric patients, who are accompanied by an adult, are also welcome to visit the Family Room during their stay. Volunteers are needed for four hour shifts, and volunteer parking is free. Upon completion of a four hour shift, volunteers will receive a food voucher which can be used within the hospital towards an enjoyable a meal. Prior to hire, a hospital paid TB test and Criminal Background Check will be required. Additional on-site training will also occur.

Fairview Hospital is located on the 4th Floor North near the Pediatric and Post Partum units. Volunteers are needed for four hour shifts, and volunteer parking is free. Upon completion of a four hour shift, volunteers can visit the hospital cafeteria for a free enjoyable a meal. Prior to hire, a hospital paid TB test and Criminal Background Check will be required. Additional on-site training will also occur.

MetroHealth (Opening Spring 2010) is located on the Towers 4th Floor near the Department of Pediatrics. Volunteers are needed for three hour shifts, and volunteer parking is free. Prior to hire, a hospital paid TB test, Criminal Background Check and finger prints will be required. Additional on-site training will also occur.

Family Room Volunteers
Upon entering one of our Ronald McDonald Family Rooms, families are greeted by volunteers who act as host or hostess of the room. Volunteers register visitors, explain what services are available, and help families to feel at home.

Volunteers who will provide a warm, friendly and supportive atmosphere for families are urgently needed for the Family Rooms. They also help to keep the room neat and tidy, restock snacks and beverages, maintain statistical records, and enforce policies.

For additional information, to make a donation, or to volunteer contact:

Jessica Verbic - Ronald McDonald Family Room Coordinator, University Hospital’s Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital and MetroHealth
jverbic@clevelandrmh.org or (216) 983-4960

Linda Peters - Ronald McDonald Family Room Coordinator, Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital
lpeters@clevelandrmh.org or (216) 229-5757 x133

Jennifer Sinisgalli - Ronald McDonald Family Room Coordinator, Fairview Hospital jsinisgalli@clevelandrmh.org or (216) 476-7635

Alisa Powell - Ronald McDonald House Director of Programs and Services apowell@clevelandrmh.org or (216) 229-5757 x118

Or fill our Volunteer Application (be sure to check the specific Family Room you are interested in volunteering at).