Ronald McDonald House Charities of Rochester: Vital comfort & care for families

JoAnne Ryan knows that when it comes to caring for a sick child, minutes matter.

“At that moment of uncertainty, the need is so profound” said Ryan, president and CEO of the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Rochester (RMHCR).

Since its inception 35 years ago, RMHCR has strived to provide those needed minutes, keeping families close during their darkest times.

The organization provides lodging, transportation, food, supportive services and respite space to families with kids receiving medical and psychiatric care in Rochester.

With a $3.6 million operating budget, a staff of 42 and nearly 1,350 volunteers, RMHCR served some 3,000 families across all its programs in 2024, providing roughly 10,000 nights of lodging and saving families $2.5 million collectively.

Additional 2024 data shows:

∙95 percent of the families served were from New York state, with 4.3% coming from out of state or the country.

∙511 stays (51% of the total stays) came from the 14 counties in the Finger Lakes region: Cayuga, Chemung, Cortland, Livingston, Monroe, Onondaga, Ontario, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Tioga, Tompkins, Wayne and Yates.

∙The organization supported families from 42 counties across New York.

Ryan, who has a clinical background in nursing and a master’s degree in health systems management, said RMHCR works with families of all backgrounds, noting that having a sick child transcends socio-economic status.

“Our mission touches everyone,” she said.

Over the years, the organization has grown to be a leader in aiding family-centered care, providing families with several supports.

Its 24-bedroom Ronald McDonald House on Westmoreland Drive provides a home away from home for families whose child is receiving medical care.

The house has a range of offerings for families from kitchen and laundry facilities to a living room area, fitness room and play areas.

In addition to the Westmoreland home, RMHCR has a presence at Rochester hospitals, including Strong Memorial Hospital/Golisano Children’s Hospital, Rochester General Hospital and Unity Hospital.

Its offerings include family rooms, hospitality food carts and the House Within the Hospital at Golisano Children’s Hospital.

The organization is expanding its services, launching its House to Home Mobile Unit this year, which provides advanced telehealth and wraparound support services directly to families with medically complex children, Ryan said.

The service — the first of its kind in the region — is being done in partnership with Golisano Children’s Hospital and supported by several local donors.

Additional plans include expanding RMHCR services at rural hospitals and continuing to focus on community-based care, she added.

To provide such services, the organization relies on the generous support of its donors, said Carolyn Birrittella, senior vice president, business strategy and philanthropy.

She noted that 85 percent of the organization’s programming funds come from individuals, organizations and businesses. McDonald’s owners/operators of Greater Rochester also provide support.

LeKeyah Wilson, MD, RMHCR board chair, said the organization offers essential programs and services that ease families’ burdens and promote healing.

“We are far more than just a place to stay while a child receives medical care,” Wilson said. “Over the years, we have continually expanded our services to provide not only lodging but also transportation, meals, supportive environments and heartfelt companionship.”

Wilson said the care provided by the organization goes beyond numbers.

“The comfort, support and sense of community we provide during their most challenging times are immeasurable,” she said, commending Ryan and her team who continue to develop solutions to meet the evolving needs of the community.

Wilson added, “None of this would be possible without the generosity of our donors, the dedication of our volunteers and the strength of our partners, who make our mission a reality for so many families in need.”

To learn more about RMHCR, make a donation or volunteer, go to https://rmhcrochester.org/.

[email protected] / (585) 653-4021