Jennifer Palomar - Final Project Slides Ronald McDonald House Nonprofit Sector Ronald McDonald House

Mission statement “Ronald McDonald House at Stanford creates a home-away-from-home and supportive community for families of children with life-threatening illnesses receiving specialized treatment at local hospitals.”

Nonprofit information Opened in 1979 becoming the 5th RMH. Donations make up 85% of funding. Holds 47 families at full capacity. 12 full-time staff, 100 volunteers. Contains: Communal kitchen and dining room, Children’s Activity Room, Teen Recreation Center, Computer Center, family library, and fitness center.

Summary financial information

Full-time positions COO, Executive Assistant, Development Director, Major Gifts Officer, Development Officer, Data Coordinator, Events & Communications Coordinator, House Operations Director, Accommodations Manager, Custodial Maintenance Technician, Family Services Director, Volunteer Coordinator, Family Activities Coordinator, Finance Director, Weekend Managers.

Area of interest Family Services and Programs Family Service Director – Bri Carpaño-Seoane Family Activities Coordinator – Sarah Reichanadter

Family Service director Interview Professionalism is not lower in nonprofit, good education is key, learn management philosophies, run like a business, “realize, accept and embrace that you won’t be a millionaire” and don’t get burnt out. Works close with CPA (financial director), development director and Executive director.

Family Service director Interview, continued Over half the families are Spanish-speaking only, some recent immigrants and many undocumented. Entire department is bi-lingual. “Organizational values” are important and keep away potential value clashes. Confidentiality agreements and conflict of interest statements help prevent legal/ethical issues.

Family Service director Interview, continued Very stressful job due to: Small staff Working with small children Working through lunch Working too many hours Stress coping mechanisms? Crying helps her to unwind on the way home Helpful having an emotionally supportive husband

Family activities coordinator interview Work with local community groups and families Corporations like Google Churches Manages activities, families and volunteers Meals for Munchkins Arts and Crafts Community Room Educational background International Relations in Spanish Specializing in child development 3½ years at RMH, 2 years in Mexican orphanage

Family activities coordinator interview, continued Works closely with family service director, volunteer coordinator and volunteers. Speaking Spanish is vital for this nonprofit. Again, “Organizational values” are held, but correspondence with hospitals and outside organizations don’t always hold the same values. Privacy is important in protecting the families. No pictures, no sharing information, protect the children.

Family activities coordinator interview, continued Important skills to have: Multitasking Ability to react to the unknown Flexibility Working in crisis's Professionalism Keep emotions out of it Be caring Be compassionate

Family activities coordinator interview, continued Working with sick children and their families can be stressful, especially when a death occurs. Important to: Not take in too much (keep work and own life separate) Keep good relationships with staff Prioritize work to prevent burn out. Most importantly… BREATHE!