NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT: Ronald McDonald House of Delaware

BY REGINA DONATO

There is a lot to be said about the power of community. During times of hardship, a helping hand is not just welcomed but needed. There are few things more difficult than being told your child is critically ill or injured. The emotional and physical toll this takes on a family can be high, between long nights spent in hospital waiting rooms and watching their child be subjected to aggressive treatment sessions. The Ronald McDonald House of Delaware exists to alleviate some of this burden and provide lodging, comfort, and support to these families in times of need. The Ronald McDonald House of Delaware (RMHDE) opened their doors in 1991, located across from Nemours Children’s Hospital. What began as a 17-room facility has since expanded to 50 guest rooms for the families of sick children being treated at area hospitals. They have since expanded to provide family rooms within local health care facilities, to extend the comfort of a Ronald McDonald House to a hospital setting. “Our main mission is to provide these families with a home-away-from-home in their time of need,” says President and CEO Pam Cornforth.

Besides offering lodging for families, the Ronald McDonald House of Delaware also delivers a variety of other programming and support for their guests. Their meal program, typically provided by volunteer community groups, underwent change during the pandemic and now relies on financial donations to purchase meals until volunteers can return. They also provide various activities for guests throughout the year, including bingo nights, crafts, and pet therapy sessions.

The newest addition to the facility is a state-of-the-art Multi-Sensory room for guests with sensory processing needs. “It’s a room that can either be relaxing or stimulating depending on the individual,” explains Operations Director Katie Johnson. “Our staff are all trained in a sensory certification to help keep the families private and support them in getting oriented to the room.” This room can be utilized by anyone within the family who may benefit from it and is a certified Sensory-Inclusive Environment through KultureCity.

What’s in store for the future? At the Ronald McDonald House, diversity, equity and inclusion has been a big focus recently as they are always striving to be an inclusive environment for both volunteer staff and families. Another goal for the near future is to rebuild their volunteer programs. Due to the pandemic, many of their volunteer programs were placed on hold due to the high-risk nature of many of their patients.

While volunteer programs are currently on hold, the Ronald McDonald House is always searching for donations from their wish list: everyday items like paper towels, toilet paper, and nonperishable goods make all the difference. You can also support the House by attending one of their many fundraisers throughout the year. Your assistance makes it possible for the Ronald McDonald House to provide their vital support free-of-charge to families.

“I’m in awe of the contributions that we received and the support during really a trying time for all of us,” remarks Cornforth. “A huge shout out to everyone in Delaware; everyone has been so generous. We as an organization are truly indebted to the commitment that the community has made in our organization. We are forever thankful for that.”