HISTORY

The first Ronald McDonald House opened in Philadelphia in 1974. Since then, 299 Houses have been licensed around the world ... all have the common mission of providing a "home away from home" for the families of children seeking medical care.

The Ronald McDonald House of Western Michigan (WMRMH) opened on March 23, 1990. The 19,000 square foot facility was designed specifically as a Ronald McDonald House. Located on five park-like acres, the House has seventeen bedrooms with private baths; two are isolation equipped and two are barrier free. Common rooms include a large family-style kitchen with four complete cooking areas, a dining room, great room with fireplace, sitting room, sunroom overlooking a playground area and walking path, a laundry room, toddler playroom, children's place house, recreation room, and a quiet room when privacy and tranquility are needed.

House Overview

The WMRMH registers over 400 families each year. Many families come in and out over an extended period of time. While guests arrive from counties throughout Michigan, other states, and even foreign countries, the majority of the families served reside in the West Michigan area.

Referrals are welcome from all hospitals and treatment programs in Grand Rapids, as well as outpatient services. Helen DeVos Children's Hospital refers parents with premature infants in the neo-natal unit, children suffering from some type of cancer, children being admitted for surgeries, mothers who are considered high risk pregnancies, and families whose children are being treated in the burn center.

Mary Free Bed refers parents whose children are being treated for closed head or spinal cord injuries. Other facilites who refer guests include Conductive Learning Center, Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services, Metro Health, Forest View, Saint Mary's Health Care, Spectrum Health Continuing Care Center and Spectrum Health Care System-Butterworth and Blodgett.

Complimentary Amenities of the House include:

• Laundry facility (ironing board, iron, laundry detergants)
• In room bedding and towels
• Dishes, glasses, flatware and cooking utensils
• Shuttle van to and from medical treatment facilities, grocery store and pharmacy
• Food pantry stocked with non-perishable donations
• Homemade meals provided by community organizations/restaurants 4-5x per week
• Long distance calling cards
• Movie and book libraries
• Use of baby equipment and breast pumps
• Hairdryers and personal care items
• Family passes to local attractions
• Tickets to sporting events and concerts
• Wireless Internet access and desktop computer access
• Access to house fax and copy machine
• Infant clothing, baby blankets and bassinets
• Children's toys, games and puzzles
• Scheduled nights for family crafts, therapy dogs and other coordinated recreational activities
• Outdoor eating area, use of patio furniture and gas grills.

Services are provided 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. Office hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.