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.

 

Volunteer Opportunity: Family Breakfasts and Family Dinners

If the kitchen is the heart of the home, then we need your help to make sure our heart is full of love! Family House families are constantly on the go between the hospital and Family House, and making sure that the whole family is eating right is a challenge.

Providing a continental breakfast is an easy way to help ease the stress for families and start their day off right! In the evenings, Family Dinners are a gift to parents who may not have the energy to cook a healthy meal for themselves and their children. It’s a great way to give parents a night off and let them unwind and reconnect with all of the families at Family House. Bring board games or an arts & crafts activity to make it a fun time for everyone!

Family Breakfasts and Family Dinners are an excellent volunteer opportunity for a small group of volunteers. You can bring and serve a pre-made meal, or bring the ingredients and cook in our kitchen!

BREAKFAST:
* Plan for 20-25 people
* Arrive at 8:30am to set up
* You are welcome to use the kitchens at Family House to prepare your meal or heat up food
* Buffet style breakfast from 9:00am-10:30am in all 3 kitchens
* Clean up at 10:30am-11:00am (pack and distribute leftovers throughout the house, and straighten up communal areas)
* Please bring: Coffee, creamer, sweeteners; juice; fruit; bagels or pastries, spreads for bagels; disposable cups, plates, napkins, and utensils; 6 large resealable containers for leftovers

DINNER:
* Plan for 20-25 people
* Arrive at 4:30pm to set up
* You are welcome to use the kitchens at Family House to prepare your meal or heat up food
* Set up tables and chairs for additional seating
* Buffet style dinner from 5:15pm-6:30pm
* Clean up at 6:30pm (pack and distribute leftovers throughout the house, straighten up communal areas, put away tables and chairs)
* Please bring: Beverages (wine is OK); ice; disposable cups, plates, tablecloths (for 2 6’ tables), table decor (optional); 6 large resealable containers for leftovers
* Menu ideas: tacos; chili bar with cornbread; soup, toasted cheese sandwiches, salad; breakfast for dinner (eggs, pancakes, sausage, etc.); baked potatoes with toppings (cheese, sour cream, broccoli, bacon); homemade pizza with toppings; sandwich bar; hot dogs with salads/sauerkraut; meatloaf and potatoes; vegetable/meat lasagna; sloppy joes; spaghetti and meatballs, salad, garlic bread; salad bar; soup and salad; stir fry

With your help, Family House families will be able to take better care of themselves during their time of crisis. For more details, or to sign up, please contact our Volunteer team: Karen Banks: kbanks@familyhouseinc.org or Tarence Dixon: tdixon@familyhouseinc.org, or fill out our Volunteer Application.

 Thank you for your support!

Family House Family Stories: Moua's Memories

Watch the latest Family House Family Stories video: Moua’s Memories 

Learn more about the incredible families we serve at http://www.familyhouseinc.org/about-us.html

Portraits of Family House: Nancy and Stephen Grand

The latest Portraits of Family House painting by Seamus Berkeley is complete! This painting features Family House benefactors Nancy and Stephen Grand, and will be displayed prominently in the new Nancy and Stephen Grand Family House at Mission Bay. Mark your calendar for the Grand Opening on March 2, 2016!


Learn more about the future of Family House at http://www.familyhouseinc.org/mission-bay.html

Welcome Tarence Dixon, Volunteer Coordinator!

Welcome Tarence Dixon, our newest Family House family member! Tarence starts this week as the new Volunteer Coordinator, working closely with Karen Banks. Tarence first started at Family House as a student volunteer, so he is well-versed in the Family House mission and operations. Please welcome Tarence if you see him at the 10th Avenue Family House!

Learn more about volunteer opportunities at http://www.familyhouseinc.org/volunteer.html

New Volunteer Opportunities: The Nancy & Stephen Grand Family House

As we look to the Grand Opening of the Nancy & Stephen Grand Family House at Mission Bay, we are excited about all the additional volunteer positions that we will need to fill to better serve our families.

Corporate Groups
Large groups of 50-70 people are needed to help us move into the new house at Mission Bay. Specific projects include setting up communal spaces (unpacking and organizing kitchen ware, setting up toys, games, and books in living rooms, etc.) and disinfecting surfaces before families move in. These projects will take place throughout February and March, and are extremely important!

After the move, we will continue to have volunteer opportunities for groups of up to 70 people for maintenance and disinfecting tasks, as well as event support at the house and at fundraisers.

Reception
The Nancy and Stephen Grand Family House will have a reception desk, and volunteers here will be the first point of contact for incoming families! We are looking for dedicated individuals who can volunteer for at least 4 hours per week, with a 6 month commitment. This will enable us to thoroughly train volunteers on all the situations which could arise, and also give some stability and a “familiar face” for our families.

Concierge
This volunteer position will work closely with clients, in tasks such as giving directions; signing out passes, tablets, and video games; and generally making sure that families have what they need. In such a large building, the Concierge volunteers will ensure that everyone feels safe and welcome at Family House. We are looking for dedicated individuals who can volunteer for at least 4 hours per week, with a 6 month commitment.

Family Meals
We are excited to expand our Family Dinner program to serve dinners 7 nights a week for all 80 families! Volunteer groups can bring pre-made meals to Family House, or bring groceries and cook the meal on site. This is an excellent way to get to know families, and strengthen the Family House community. The meal program is great way to make a big impact with a single visit. Groups can come just one time, or can schedule a regular meal that is weekly, monthly, or quarterly.  Later in the year, we will look to expand the program to regular breakfast meals as well.

Food Drives
Community food drives are a key supplement to families who are able to cook at Family House.  We are always in need of non-perishable shelf-stable (non-refrigerated) food items including: canned food, rice, mac and cheese, top ramen, sugar, flour, salt, pepper, granola bars, breakfast bars, juice boxes, and kids snacks. A food drive is a great way to get your school, church, or community group involved with Family House!

Need more ideas? Contact Director of Volunteer Programs Karen Banks at kbanks@familyhouseinc.org or (415) 514-6663 for more information or to sign up for a new volunteer shift at the Nancy and Stephen Grand Family House at Mission Bay.

Donate a Vehicle

As the New Year approaches, don’t miss your chance to donate your car, truck or other vehicle to the Family House vehicle donation program. Your resolution of purchasing that new car you have been waiting can finally come true. The tax benefit alone will be worth it, and the proceeds will go towards helping families of kids with life-threatening illnesses at Family House.
  
Start the New Year off right. Donating is easy.  Call us at 1-888-543-7731 or donate online at http://www.familyhouseinc-cardonations.org, and we’ll take care of the rest. Donate today!