Rockstar Volunteer: Kalmia Beets

Kalmia Beets has excelled as a Volunteer Leader at Family House these past seasons. In the summer of 2016, she was able to pursue her interest in volunteering at Family House.   As a student at University of San Francisco, Kalmia majors in Child Psychology/Pre-med.  Her interests are dancing, baking, cooking, sewing, and outdoor sports and activities.

 When Kalmia was young, she lived at a Ronald McDonald House.  As such, she has been able to give her unique awareness of what families face during treatment away from home.  Kalmia understands that having a system of support surrounded by a strong community and a “place to call home” is an essential part of recovery and the essence of Family House.

Kalmia has been a remarkable asset to the Family House volunteer team. She understands the workflow of the house and how the team operates. When the volunteer team needs support, Kalmia is always able to bridge the gap. She can work independently, yet at the same time, she can skillfully manage individual volunteers, volunteer groups, and volunteer activities - without hesitation. 

We want to thank Kalmia Beets for being an outstanding Volunteer Leader and being part of what makes Family House so special.

She continues to make a valuable impact on all of us at Family House. 
We appreciate her drive, her compassion, and her courage.

Learn more about volunteering at Family House at http://www.familyhouseinc.org/volunteer

Staff Spotlight: Monique Ngo

Where did you grow up?
San Jose

Position at Family House:      

Hospitality Services Coordinator

Reason for working at Family House:

I used to volunteer for Family House when I was an undergraduate student at the University of San Francisco, and remembered how much I loved working with the staff and how great it was to be a part of something that provided so much support and empathy to families with children with cancer or other serious illnesses. Considering my mom has been sick for a majority of my life (kidney failure, then cancer), I know how an illness can affect not only the one who is sick, but the entire family as well. I wanted to be a part of the staff at Family House in order to provide families the support and love they need in order to hopefully lessen some of the stress they may be facing.

  

Favorite thing to do in San Francisco: 

I love trying new restaurants around the city! There are just so many different places I want to go and try that my list just keeps getting longer! I also love exploring around the city. There are a lot of little gems around the city and whenever I have free time I like to go adventure to find them.

What makes you special?
I always have colorful hair! I enjoy dyeing my hair different colors and I have a tendency to change it up often. Having colorful hair just makes me feel happy and so far it seems to put a smile on other peoples faces, too, so that makes me even more happy!

What's the story behind the photo?
This photo was taken on my birthday this year when I was at the Academy of Sciences with my partner. I love being around plants and nature so when I saw this wall of plants it just made me happy so I wanted a picture with it. So my partner started to take pictures of me standing in front of it but instead of counting off or telling me he was going to start to take a picture, he just kept snapping picture after picture, during which I kept moving. This is one of the photos that resulted from the “photoshoot” my partner decided to have of me standing in front of a wall of plants. My friends and I also used to joke how I could just blend in with trees and plants because my hair was so green during this little “photoshoot” -  I kept joking how my hair was a part of the plants!

My Time at Family House by Trevor Sipos

In the fall of 2016, I was a senior at the University of San Francisco on the verge of graduation.  As part of the school’s curriculum, I was required to complete a service learning component.  From a variety of options, I decided to spend the semester volunteering with Family House.

Prior to the start of my service learning course, I was unaware of Family House and the good work they do.  However, I was quickly brought up to speed as I attended my orientation.  I remember my first day working at Family House; something just clicked.  There was something special going on here.   I knew that I would make an impact and I could see the families who I was helping were experiencing very difficult times.  Anything I could do to help make their lives a little better would be very meaningful to them and to me.  The most memorable moment of my first day was getting to see the reactions on children’s faces who were able to play with a therapy dog.  It was very heartwarming.

The more time I spend at Family House, the more I learn about the families who reside there.  I heard one young woman’s story of battling brain cancer and her deep appreciation for Family House.  On another day, I had a long conversation with a woman whose children had been coming to Family House for over 20 years.  It is the service that Family House provides which allows families the opportunity to receive world class medical treatment at UCSF Benioff Hospital. 

As I begin the next stage of my life as a working professional, I will continue assisting Family House.  I value working with such amazing people for an incredible cause.  I want to continue to meet the families who stay at Family House and build relationships with them, and the great team of co-workers.  Family House truly is a home away from home and I will continue to give back in order to due my part to help the organization thrive. 

Learn more about volunteering at Family House at familyhouseinc.org/volunteer

Volunteer Stories: Brian Lee

Brian Lee has been volunteering at Family House for several years, and has a wonderful outlook on life! Hear from him why he volunteers at Family House!

Brian Lee: Rockstar Volunteer

Good luck to rockstar volunteer Brian Lee as he heads off to the UCLA School of Dentistry! As a USF student, Brian spent a semester with Family House volunteering for his service learning credit. After graduation, he came back to help out in the office before moving to start grad school. We wish you all the best at your next chapter in life, and we know that you’re going to be a wonderful dentist! Than you for all of your incredible hard work, Brian - we love you!

Rockstar Volunteer: Elizabeth Kvasager

As a student at University of San Francisco, Elizabeth Kvasager studies child and adolescent development. She is a Psychology Practicum undergraduate volunteering this spring at Family House. She has excelled in both assisting our families and also the staff at our new Mission Bay home.

Being more than a full-time student and also holding a part-time job, Elizabeth has very little free time.  When she does have some down time, she enjoys being outside.  She regularly spends her days off at Ocean Beach, located in the Sunset District.

Elizabeth first came to know of Family House when her friend’s family stayed with us. While at Family House, her friend’s sibling received treatment,  and after their stay, Elizabeth heard “nothing but good things about the organization.” She then decided that interning at Family House would be an amazing experience - we have to admit that the experience has been mutual!
     
“I think what you provide for children and their families is so special and I would be honored to be a part of it,” said Elizabeth in her volunteer application.  We’re honored to have your time, talent, and treasure.

Thank you, Elizabeth!

Rockstar Volunteer: Nichole Vasquez

As a student at the University of San Francisco, Nichole Vasquez has a lot on her plate with a full class schedule, being an active member as a Sorority Educator in the Delta Zeta sorority, and working as an Advocate for Community Engagement with Family House. Nichole works endlessly to recruit new student volunteers for Family House and presents to student classes on what Family House does. She has been a tremendous help for the 2015-2016 school year to reach new students with volunteer opportunities for the new Nancy and Stephen Grand Family House at Mission Bay. 

Nichole wants to continue her passion of service by becoming a pediatric occupational therapist after she finishes college.  In addition, Nichole works with a nonprofit organization called Generation Citizen which empowers youth in civic engagement, and works as a tutor through University Ministry in a kindergarten classroom. 

In her free time, Nichole likes to sail on the Bay, read, and explore the great city of San Francisco. On behalf of the families and staff, we say THANK YOU to Nichole for all that she offers and for her help in making Family House a better place.

Learn about how you can make a difference in the lives of families with seriously-ill children - volunteer today at Family House.

 

Rockstar Volunteer: Kendall Parks

As a student at the University of San Francisco, Kendall Parks class has a set number of service hours to be completed at a local nonprofit. She is one of six Psychology Practicum students from USF volunteering this fall at Family House.  This semester, Kendall has been volunteering in the Family House business office helping with much needed data cleanup, as well as sending out thank you letters to our wonderful donors, and helping with the Family House photo archive project.

Kendall has many years of experience giving back to the community.  She volunteered at Cedar Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles on the neurology floor where she read, talked, and delivered items to patients. She also has tutored middle and high school students in science, math, and basic Spanish for the Upward Bound program.


In her free time, Kendall likes to do yoga, reads, and is interested in classical dance. On behalf of the families and staff, we say THANK YOU to Kendall for all that she offers and for her help in making Family House a better place.

Learn more about volunteering at Family House at http://www.familyhouseinc.org/volunteer.html

Volunteer Spotlight: Brian Lee

As a student at the University of San Francisco, Brian’s undergraduate program includes a set number of service hours to be completed at a local nonprofit. Brian first heard about Family House through fellow USF student Joey Jordan, the ACE Program volunteer leader for the 2014-2015 school year.

Brian is currently majoring in biology and pre-med, with hopes of becoming a dentist after graduation, and was seeking experience at a nonprofit with a focus in the medical field. He already has quite a bit of experience working with children - he is a Dragon Boat coach for teens ages 13-18 at his former high school in San Francisco.

Much of Brian’s time at Family House has been focused on highly detailed database work for our annual end-of-year appeals, as well as preparation work for our biggest annual fundraiser in February, Cabernet for Connoisseurs.

Brian loves to read and cook for his family, and his attention to detail and quiet humor have been an invaluable asset to the office staff at 50 Irving Street. He even volunteered over his winter break between semesters. Thank you, Brian!

University of San Francisco Volunteers

Love this new University of San Francisco video featuring Family House CEO (and USF Alum) Alexandra Morgan:

Read the full article here: http://www.usfca.edu/Newsroom/Equipped_to_Lead_and_Succeed/Alumna_is_Chief_Executive_in_the_Fight_Against_Cancer/

Volunteer Spotlight: Tricia Redor

Tricia Redor first heard about Family House through the Psychology Practicum class at the University of San Francisco, as do many of our USF volunteers. She was moved to help families and their children going through serious illness.

Tricia started helping Family House through managing group projects for the Volunteer Program, such as showing new volunteers where all the supplies are kept, and training them on setting up donations during our monthly give-away days. She has been instrumental in helping the Operations staff with house projects that include laundry, painting, cleaning carpets in bedrooms, and other necessary tasks to make sure the house is a clean and safe environment for immune-compromised children and their families.

Tricia has also given her time to working as a tutor, mentor, kitchen helper, office aide, and research assistant. She has experience working with children and homeless populations: she has volunteered at Glide and Project Open Hand, where she helped prepare and serve meals to those in need.

She spends her free time drawing, painting, running outdoors, listening to music, and going on adventures with her family and friends.

Thank you Tricia for caring for the families of Family House all semester!

Learn more about volunteering at Family House at http://www.familyhouseinc.org/volunteer.html

Volunteer Spotlight: Joey Jordan

Family House has a strong and mutually beneficial relationship with the University of San Francisco. We have had a number of volunteers come to volunteer each semester through Service-Learning classes, as well as community clubs on campus.     For the first time, Family House has its own ACE student for the 2014-2015 school year. ACE stands for Advocates for Community Engagement, and is focused on “developing socially responsible, civically-engaged student leaders who facilitate quality service-learning experiences for all stakeholders and advocate for the common good of the community” per the USF ACE website. During the 2012-2013 school year, ACEs managed and led reflective activities for over 200 service-learning students.

Family House’s amazing ACE student, Joey Jordan, will be working with 14 USF students this semester, as well as providing his own service hours to help Family House at events, manage volunteers, and even TEACH Zumba lessons to the families. Joey is very inspired by Family House and is excited to support in any way he can.

He was drawn to Family House as he can understand how hard it is for a family going through treatments when they are so far from their own families.
       
When Joey is not volunteering or working on school work, he enjoys running in Golden Gate Park, spending time admiring the scenery, as well as volunteering at various non-profits including Project Open Hand, St. Vincent de Paul, and Raphael House.

Thank you Joey for all of your help this year at Family House!

You can get involved with Family House! Learn more at http://www.familyhouseinc.org/volunteer.html

Volunteer Spotlight: Marco Rodriguez

Marco Rodriquez first heard about Family House through the Psychology Practicum class at the University of San Francisco. He joined Family House as the an Operations Volunteer Leader at 10th Ave and worked to maintain the garden areas to provide a peaceful and well kept areas for the families.

He was drawn to Family House as he had helped at UCSF by volunteering to pass out books and magazines to critically ill patients. Marco has also volunteered in the St. Anthony’s soup kitchen preparing fresh meals for clients needing their services.

Marco was successful at completing his summer project at Family House which was to restructure the irrigation system to ensure the flowers and plants received the correct amount of water all year long.  On a day-to-day basis Marco also helped our Operations team with house projects, manage volunteer groups and even has been able to utilize his Spanish speaking skills at Family House.

When Marco isn’t volunteering or working on school work he enjoys spending time reading at home, cooking delicious meals and swimming. Thank you Marco for all of your help this summer at Family House!

Get involved with Family House! Learn more at http://www.familyhouseinc.org/volunteer.html

Volunteer Spotlight: Alina Spring

Family House has a staff of just 11 employees, and could not provide the services we do with the support of amazing volunteers. The heart and soul of Family House is the Operations team, who work directly with families and maintain both buildings. Operations volunteers, such as Alina Spring, are key in helping the staff with house projects. Alina is a USF Psychology Practicum student who volunteered for 100 hours this semester. She helped  on a day-to-day basis with house projects, including daily laundry and assisting to manage volunteer groups. She was instrumental in helping complete projects that make the house functional  at our 24-room location. 

When Alina is not volunteering or working on school work, she enjoys bike riding, figure skating, hanging out with friends and listening to music. Born in Germany, Alina also speaks German, and understands cultural diversity - which is very helpful when working with families at Family House.

Alina, thank you for your willingness to take on any project and always with a smile on your face!

Thank you so much for your support at Family House!

Get involved with Family House! Learn more at http://www.familyhouseinc.org/volunteer.html

Kaiser Permanente San Francisco Half Marathon & 5K Fun Run Presented by Pamakid Runners

The Kaiser Permanente San Francisco Half Marathon & 5K Fun Run Presented by Pamakid Runners has supported Family House for over 15 years. Family House is one of four charities that the organization supports each year. We receive over $20,000 from the race every year!

Family House supports the run by providing volunteer support at a water station. Volunteers come out at 6am to set-up, distribute and break down the water station at the Bowling Green Dr. in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco. Our dedicated volunteers are primarily University of San Francisco students in a club called Students for Cancer Awareness. Our amazing team leaders are Lorenzo Benedict (who has volunteered for 6 years), Lauren Horn (volunteered for 4 years), and our volunteer veteran of 8 years, Wai Har Lee. They are all managed by our Director of Volunteer Programs, Greg Mora. The whole Family House team runs the water station that provides water to 10,000 thirsty runners.

To get details about this year's race, visit: http://xnet.kp.org/sanfrancisco/event

To see photos from last year's race, visit: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152516715185277.950065.148667470276&type=3

Get involved with Family House! Learn more at http://www.familyhouseinc.org/volunteer.html

Volunteer Spotlight: Jackie Ruiz

Jackie Ruiz is an extra special Family House volunteer.  She just finished 
a semester at University of San Francisco – part of her studies included service hours at the 50 Irving Street office.  Not only is she very easy going, smart, reliable, and friendly - Jackie dedicated extra hours (beyond the 100-hour university requirement) helping at Family House to ensure that the holiday card was sent out on time to important supporters, ensuring that critical services are funded.

Jackie decided to volunteer at Family House because she wanted to be a part of something that would make her grow as a person and help others.  She really wanted to give back and support a cancer organization. Her personal connection? Her own mother just celebrated being cancer-free for 5 years.

Thank you so much Jackie for all of your help this semester. Your thoughtfulness is truly touching, and we appreciate everything you have done to help keep Family House running smoothly. We adore USF volunteers and we were very excited to have your help this semester! Thank you for everything!

You can get involved with Family House! Learn more at http://www.familyhouseinc.org/volunteer.html
 

 

Volunteer Spotlight: Helena Karnilowicz

Volunteer leader, marathon volunteer, research assistant. Is there anything that Helena Karnilowicz doesn’t do? Read more about the Family House July Volunteer Spotlight, and why she’s so awesome!

The work of a Volunteer Leader at Family house is never quite what one would expect. There are various ways in which they assist the staff at Family House: data entry, helping to manage family dinner nights, helping with the summer high school program.

Additionally this summer, Helena Karnilowicz took on the job of working the SF Marathon at a water station on behalf of Family house. She has been a huge help to the volunteer program as well as to other staff members helping with office projects.

Not only does Helena volunteer, but she also works for UCSF in a research program capacity understanding neurological and physiological aspects of the human brain. On top of everything, she is the President of her Psi Chi chapter at the University of San Francisco.

When Helena has a spare moment, she loves cooking, reading, exercising, and even cleaning1 Helena has gotten to know a lot of the volunteers and families, and is a huge help to the Volunteer Program. Thank you, Helena, for all of your hard work! Family House wouldn't be the same without you!

Get involved with Family House! Learn more at http://www.familyhouseinc.org/volunteer.html

Family House Volunteer Spotlight: Cari Cronquist

 The Family House June Volunteer Spotlight shines on Cari Cronquist, "the girl with the smile!" We are so lucky to have such kind, generous volunteers!  Even something as simple as a great attitude can go a long way.  Thank you, Cari, for volunteering with Family House!  You rock!

"Cari Cronquist volunteered as the Operations Volunteer Leader in the Spring 2013 semester at 50 Irving St. However she has become so much more in her role at Family House.

Cari has become an important part of maintaining the 50 Irving Street facility. Throughout the semester, she has been supporting Paul Goold, Director of Operations, in tasks such as disinfecting, organizing,  and deep-cleaning common spaces, bedrooms, and the garage. Cari was also no stranger to managing other volunteers as she helped lead corporate groups and weekly volunteers perform various house functions.

Besides volunteering with Family House, Cari used to tutor and work with underprivileged kids in an after school program at two different elementary schools in San Jose. She has also done a lot of volunteer work with kids as a soccer coach for summer camps; she currently volunteers as a Research Assistant at UCSF  in the Langley Porter Institute.

In her spare time, she loves to play soccer and work out. Cari is known for her smile because you'll never see her without her signature ear-to-ear grin. Cari, we love your smiling face every day you are at Family House. Thank you!"

Get involved with Family House! Learn more at http://www.familyhouseinc.org/volunteer.html

Volunteer Spotlight: Adam Lorenzen

Adam has been an amazing volunteer since he first joined us this spring! Nothing can stop his work ethic - not even a pizza party. Check out the photos and read more about this dedicated USF student. Thanks Adam, you're rad!

Get involved with Family House! Learn more at http://www.familyhouseinc.org/volunteer.html

Volunteer Spotlight - Lauren Cope

Check out our Volunteer Spotlight - Lauren Cope. She managed our High School Volunteer Program in the summer of 2012. We also just honored her in December as our Volunteer of the Year!

Get involved with Family House! Learn more at http://www.familyhouseinc.org/volunteer.html