Family Stories: Agnes and Milan

Watch the latest Family House Family Stories video: Agnes and Milan. They’ve traveled all the way from Hungary so Milan can participate in a clinical trial at the UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital.

Volunteer Spotlight: Lael Robertson

Lael Robertson is a superstar volunteer and has become an incredible asset at Family House. She started volunteering in May 2017 and has already made a huge impact in every department. She has logged more than 150 volunteer hours at Family House in just 9 months. Her dedication and compassion go beyond the tasks she performs, which include supporting volunteer group activities, helping with administrative
tasks and house projects, and in the development office. Lael has also helped run our daily breakfast service so staff could take a break without negatively impacting the families. She will soon be helping to support the front desk staff that works directly with families.

Lael is willing and able to help with any task that is asked of her and understands the importance of supporting our families. She takes care and treats every family with respect and dignity.

Lael shares and is a living example of the beliefs of Family House. Thank you, Lael, for all you have done over the past months and we hope that you continue to volunteer with Family House for many years to come!

Self-Care Kit

Self-Care Kit

When you’re going through a stressful time, it can be helpful to have care and comfort items at the ready, so you don’t have to go far to find some relief. Here are some suggestions for what might go into a self-care kit for yourself or someone you love:

Tissues

Mop up some tears or keep your germs to yourself – it’s the worst to need a tissue and not have one handy. Bonus: sharing with someone else who really needs one.

Hand Sanitizer

Especially during cold-and-flu season, it’s a must to have hand sanitizer available. If you’re immune-compromised, the last thing you need is to be exposed to other people’s germs. And if you’re sick, you don’t want to spread them around.

Lotion

Lots of hand washing, wintry weather, and even many medicines can leave your skin dry. Keep a small bottle of lotion handy (get it? Handy?) for when you need it.

 Snacks

Sometimes things feel overwhelming when you really just need a little food. Keep healthy, non-perishable snacks close by, such as almonds, crackers, or a peanut butter packet. Maybe keep a tea bag or some instant hot chocolate, too, for when you need something warm and soothing.

Inspirational Quotes

Keep some wise words handy, or ask your friends to write you some love notes to read when you’re feeling down.

Stuffed Animal or Comfort Item

It doesn’t matter how old you are, sometimes something soft and cuddly can make a world of difference. Whether it’s a stuffed animal, a soft blanket, or your favorite hoodie – reaching for a familiar comfort can help you get through a tough moment.

Headphones

Music is one of the most therapeutic things out there, because you can find the groove that best fits your mood. Keep a pair of headphones handy for when you need to tune out the outside world.

A Notebook

Expressing your thoughts and feelings on paper can be a huge relief! Or, it can be very helpful to write things down so you don’t forget – what the doctor said, your next appointment, or even your shopping list.

Coloring Book

Adult coloring books are all the rage, and we remember why we loved to color as kids! If you haven’t tried it lately, we highly recommend it.

Manicure Kit

Need some down time? Take a few minutes to paint your finger or toenails. Not only will you feel a little prettier, but it’ll be a good distraction and excuse to chill out while you wait for the polish to dry.

Fuzzy Socks

Pick up some cute socks to wear instead of the ugly ones they give you at the hospital. Why not add some fun flair to your outfit?

Favorite Movies

If you don’t know where to start for some good pick-me-up screen time, ask around. Chances are, your friends can recommend a movie or TV series that will get you smiling.

Pictures

Keep your favorite people and places close at hand with some of your favorite photos! Tip: If you can keep them in your phone’s photo library, you won’t have to worry about a wifi connection to see your favorite faces.

What's in your comfort kit?

Family House 2017 Yearbook

2017 was a banner year, thanks to our incredible community! More than 270 volunteer groups and 3,000 volunteers helped us provide services to over 3,000 families! We had lots of special guest visitors from San Francisco and beyond, helping to make Family House more than just a place to stay. Sharing our heartfelt thanks to all of the donors, volunteers, and community members who help make Family House a home away from home!

Family Stories: Shasta's Girls

Family House Family Stories: Sharing the brave and inspiring stories of families of children with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. This story features Shasta, mom to Ireland, a cancer survivor, and Mia, a transplant recipient. Shasta and her family have stayed at Family House while both girls have undergone treatment at the UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital. Hear from Shasta what Family House means to them, and how they get through the challenges of having two children with life-threatening illnesses.

Giving Tuesday Success

Thank you to the many caring individuals whose generous #GivingTuesday gift to Family House helped us exceed our fundraising goal by 76% - we raised over $17,500 in just one day! And thanks to our Matching Gift Challenge, those dollars will be doubled, and even tripled in some cases (for gifts made by Family House volunteers).

We know that there are many great organizations you could choose to support, but as our founder, Dr. Art Ablin, always said: We believe there are none better. Your gift will make a huge impact for all the kids and families who stay under our roof, and help to provide a safe, comfortable, supportive home away from home for nearly 150 families.

Thanks again for being a partner in our efforts, and best wishes from our family to yours for a very happy and healthy holiday season.

With Gratitude,

Joanne Gold
Chief Development Officer

Giving Tuesday 2017

What is Giving Tuesday?

#GivingTuesday kicks off the holiday giving season on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving (right after Black Friday and Cyber Monday) - encouraging people to give back through gifts of your time, donations, goods, or your voice.

Celebrate Giving Tuesday this year on November 28, 2017 by giving to Family House. Here are some ways you can help:

Donate! We rely on the generous support of individuals, corporations, and foundations to make sure that our services are always free to every family. We receive no government funding, and need you to help us meet our Giving Tuesday goal!

Volunteer! There are so many ways to volunteer at Family House - click here for inspiration, and fill out the Volunteer Application today to get started.

In-Kind Gifts! From gas cards to gift cards to canned goods for our pantry and toys for Fozzy’s Toy Room, your in-kind gifts round out the support we give our families. Visit our wish list on Amazon Smile for ideas.

Spread the Word! If you tell just 5 of your friends about the Family House mission to provide free, temporary housing for families of sick children undergoing medical treatment at the UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital, we will dramatically increase our reach.

Thank you for all you do for Family House families for Giving Tuesday and year round!