Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northeast Indiana
Support services for families of hospitalized children.
| Date | Investors | Amount | Round |
|---|---|---|---|
* | $10.8k | Grant | |
| Total Funding | 000k | ||
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northeast Indiana operates as a non-profit entity focused on providing support to families with hospitalized children. This local chapter, serving the community since 1998, is part of a global network that originated in Philadelphia in 1974. The broader movement was inspired by the experience of Philadelphia Eagles player Fred Hill and his family, leading to the creation of a 'home-away-from-home' model.
The organization's core service is the Ronald McDonald House, located inside Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne, in close proximity to pediatric and neonatal intensive care units. This facility offers private guestrooms and living spaces for families of pediatric patients aged 21 and younger, providing overnight and day-use accommodations, meals, laundry facilities, and other comforts. In 2024, the House provided 5,377 nights of lodging. To supplement this, the Ronald McDonald Family Lounge within the Parkview Women's and Children's Hospital NICU offers a space for rest and recharging, featuring a kitchenette and lounge area just steps from a child's bedside.
Expanding its reach beyond the hospital walls, the chapter operates the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile, a mobile doctor's office that delivers preventative pediatric healthcare, such as wellness visits and vaccinations, to children up to 18 years old in underserved areas, often at no charge to families without insurance. In 2024, the Care Mobile made 170 school visits and served 894 children. Additionally, a Comfort Cart, managed by staff and volunteers, circulates through pediatric units to distribute complimentary snacks, drinks, and toiletries. The charity is a recognized 501(c)(3) public charity, funding its operations through donations, grants, and community fundraising events.
Keywords: family support, pediatric healthcare, temporary housing, Fort Wayne non-profit, children's health, family lodging, hospital support services, mobile health clinic, community health, Parkview Regional Medical Center, family resources, pediatric patient support, neonatal care support, volunteer opportunities, non-profit healthcare, medical lodging, family centered care, childhood illness support, Indiana charities, health and well-being