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

Buster Posey at Family House

A huge thank you to the San Francisco Giants' Buster Posey and Kristen Posey for visiting Family House! What a treat for families to meet you both, sign autographs, and take photos! (And you squeezed in a bit of coloring with the kids, too!) We appreciate you taking the time from your busy schedules to take a tour and see our home away from home. Thank you for bringing volunteers with you from some of your sponsors and supporters - BODYARMOR SuperDrink, Esurance, Marucci, New Era Cap, Topps, Creative Artists Agency, and more! All the volunteers were excited to hear about our mission and jump in with a cleaning/disinfecting task in one of the kitchens. Thank you all for bringing a delicious Family Breakfast, and most of all, for bringing your love and caring to Family House!

See photos from Buster and Kristen's visit at https://www.facebook.com/148667470276/photos/?tab=album&album_id=10157986147025277

Volunteer Spotlight: Silvia Villavicencio

Family House has many types of volunteers, from 
next door neighbors and corporate groups to Girl Scout 
troops and high school students. Some of the most amazing volunteers are our Family House families themselves!

To start the new year off with a bang, have had the help 
of one of our Family House moms, Silvia, helping with our meal program. She has been a tremendous help, setting up our daily continental breakfasts and evening dinners for all families to enjoy. Her help enables Family House staff to attend to other other important tasks. Silvia has made a big impact in our various department, including building operations, hospitality team, volunteer program, and in the administrative office. Silvia is at Family House taking care of her son,  and volunteering has helped her stay active and allows her 
to give back to Family House.  

Thank you so much Silvia for your help! We very much appreciate your willingness to jump in where needed. 
We know you are going through a lot, and we are here 
for you anytime! Lots of love from Family House!

Kids Kicking Cancer

You are invited to join us for an afternoon of inspiration with Rabbi Elimelech Goldberg of Kids Kicking Cancer, as he shares how the mind-body techniques of martial arts empower children with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. RSVPs are requested to Alison Blom at ablom@familyhouseinc.org.