National Hospitality House Week 2019

Did you know that Family House is part of the Healthcare Hospitality Network, a group of facilities that provide temporary housing for families who have a person with a significant medical condition?  We are proud to celebrate National Hospitality House Week and toast our colleagues near and far for the support we are able to give to families during the most difficult time of their lives. Consider making a donation today to help support Family House as we support families of children with a life-threatening illness - over 4,000 families stay with us each year, 100% cost-free.

Make a gift today to help support families in the midst of a medical crisis.

Bobby Thomas Birthday Fundraiser for Family House

Happy Birthday to the incomparable Bobby Thomas! Bobby has been “The Bunny” during Easter time at Family House for over 20 years, bringing joy and smiles to all the families, all while raising funds for Family House. For his milestone birthday this year, he decided to throw a big bash at the Folsom Street Foundry, and raised over $10,000 in the process! It’s a testament to just how much people love Bobby! And who wouldn’t?! It’s his life’s mission to bring joy to others, and we have proof that he does that wherever he goes! Thank you, Bobby, for all you do for Family House and for everyone who is lucky to know you!

(If you know and love Bobby and want to donate to Family House in his honor, please click here.)

"Here Comes Summer" by Elan Slavin

Here Comes Summer
by Elan Slavin

I can always count on the poet, Shel Silverstein to find the most empathetic, funny, thoughtful way of communicating universal truths.  And the truth is:  Summer is here and if we don’t take a few moments to enjoy it, it will pass as all seasons do.

“Here Comes”

Here comes summer,
Here comes summer,
Chirping robin, budding rose,
Here comes summer
Here comes summer,
Gentle showers, summer clothes
Here comes summer,
Here comes summer-
Whoosh-shiver-there it goes.

Summer can be fun AND summer can be tough for families and kids as everyone’s routines are interrupted.  Kids are on break from school, the weather changes and often times it makes it difficult to play outside and participate in activities that you normally do. Friends and built-in support systems are no longer as “built-in” and available,  and feelings of boredom and isolation become very common.

Here are a few summer time/anytime activities that just might break up the boredom and encourage some summertime fun!
-          Plan a Disney movie marathon
-          Gather a few well- worn items of clothing and TYE-DYE them!
-          Build a fort in your living room!
-          Have breakfast for dinner
-          Star Gaze, of course with a mug of hot chocolate
-          Paint rocks
-          Plan a family Karaoke night
-          Go “camping” in your own backyard
-          On Fridays, eat dessert FIRST for dinner
-          Plant a tree
-          Cook a favorite family recipe together

Summer can be fun for some and rough for others.  It’s always a good reminder to “Put Something In”

Draw a crazy picture,

Write a nutty poem,

Sing a mumble-gumble song.

Whistle through your comb.

Do a loony-goony dance

‘Cross the kitchen floor.

Put something silly in the world

That ain’t been there before.

-Shel  Silverstein