“Places for families to sit done, rest, relax, recharge, maybe get away from the hospital setting.”
Salina Bishop is president and CEO of Ronald McDonald House, an organization providing free overnight stays for families with hospitalized children.
The new Family Room at Pine Rest’s Pediatric Center of Behavioral Health offers additional family support.
“We know families don’t always need a place to stay overnight but they need a place to land while they’re here. That’s what we’re here to do. We’re doing the hospitality we’re known for and bringing it here for families.”
The area has a kitchen, lounge areas, tables, workstations, iPads, chargers and headphones along with a children’s play area.
Ronald McDonald House volunteers will host and stock the space with drinks and snacks at no cost to the families.
Pine Rest president and CEO Mark Eastburg says the partnership is built on the philosophy that caring for a child means caring for the whole family.
“We’re both seeking the good of the community and it’s a joy to work with like-minded organizations that focus on families and kids. You can do great things when you share these values.”
This is West Michigan’s first Family Room.
It’s one of three in the state, including Detroit and Lansing.
The public is invited to a Community Grand Opening Saturday, March 21 from 10 to 2 at Pine Rest’s 68th Street campus in Grand Rapids.
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