Happy Volunteer Appreciation Week
April 7-13
Every April, the nation recognizes volunteers who foster a culture of service. At RMHCCIN, we cannot imagine the House without you. Thank you for all you do to support the families we serve throughout the year. Your help keeps families together and near the care they need!

As a token of our appreciation, we are mailing you a gift so watch for it in your mailbox!
Meet Morgan Piaskecki, Guest Services Volunteer and Mentor
What made you start volunteering at the House?
"My cousin was born in Michigan and my aunt and uncle stayed at that House for several months while he was being treated. In college I decided to volunteer somewhere and decided to volunteer there. Then when I moved here, I found this House. Each House is very different. Even Riley versus Limestone is very different."


What is your favorite part about volunteering?
"I like doing a variety of things because I know what I’m doing is helping somebody, somehow. It may not be instantaneously but eventually it’s helping the families and children."

"I usually help with data entry because not everyone wants to do that. Not everybody likes sitting at the front desk and greeting people and answering the phone but I do."
Morgan Piasecki likes knowing that whatever she is doing at the House will eventually help a family down the road.
Help Needed
Help with 3:30-6:30 p.m. shifts at Limestone
If you can help fill in on a 3:30-6:30 p.m. shift or any other shift at Limestone, please let Mary know. This is one of the most difficult shifts to fill and from time to time we need subs.

Handymen : If you are willing to donate your handymen skills to help with simple tasks around the House please let us know. Scheduling is flexible.

Van Drivers : If you are interested in learning more about helping to transport our families from the House to the hospital (Riley or Methodist) using the House van, please contact Mary. Schedules will be determined based on your availability.

If you would like more information about any of these opportunities, please contact Mary Friend at mfriend@rmhccin.org or at (317) 267-0605, ext. 225.
Operational Updates
Need To Know Binder
Please remember to check the "Need to Know Binder" each time you arrive for your shift at Limestone. This binder is the best way to keep you updated on any changes that have been made since your last shift. After reviewing the binder, please do no hesitate to ask the Manager on Duty for any clarifications you may need.

Below is a list of some of the recent changes mentioned in the binder:

  • Vouchers for Indians Games - We have free vouchers for the April and May Indianapolis Indians games for our guests.
  • Policy on Firearms and Weapons on the Premises - We have updated our policy regarding bringing weapons on our property. Only off-duty public service employees who are licensed to carry weapons are allowed to do so.
  • Illness and Parasite Disclosure - During check-in, there is a short form that guests need to sign disclosing if they have been exposed to certain illnesses and parasites.

New Elevator In North Wing
We now have an elevator in the north wing where the fish tank used to be located. This much-needed addition will provide guests who have difficulty climbing stairs access to rooms on the upper level. It will also make it easier for volunteers and staff while preparing rooms for the next guest. Once the elevator is inspected the week of April 8, it will be up and running!

Background Checks for Guests Coming Soon
In the near future, RMHCCIN will be conducting background checks on all guests staying overnight at both our Limestone Street and Riley Hospital locations. Details are still being finalized but very soon, this process will be implemented before a room is offered to a family. Please watch the Need to Know Binder for more information.
Look Who Was Caught Rolling Out
The Red Carpet
Britani Kamholtz , Guest Services Volunteer, would like to recognize Guest Services Assistant, Emilie Bender,  for demonstrating appreciation, friendliness, cooperation and teamwork.

Britani wrote: "Emilie is always willing to teach me and other volunteers new tasks we might not know. She has gone out of her way on slower nights to teach me things I am interested in learning and she is never afraid to jump in and help with laundry or other tasks! Thank you, Emilie, for being such a great GSA!."

Bert Harvey , Guest Services Assistant, would like to recognize Lunch Host, Madisyn Nuest , for friendliness and offering great customer services during her shift at our location inside Riley Hospital.

Bert wrote: "Madisyn is very friendly to the guests and is always willing to do whatever needs to be done. She also likes to keep busy and is always willing to do other duties as needed. Recently on a very busy day, Madisyn arrived, checked in and asked "what can I do to help?" She cleaned the kitchen, watched the House while I could clean a room, and copied driver's licenses for guests who were checking into one of our overnight rooms. The lunch group that day was new to the House so Madisyn gave them an overview of the kitchen and helped them find their needed supplies. Afterwards she helped clean up and would have offered to stay longer but explained that she was headed home for the weekend. "

Thank you, Madisyn. We appreciate your dedication to teamwork and caring for our guests!

Congratulations! Your Crew Carwash pass is in the mail.

Remember, if you catch a volunteer rolling out the red carpet and providing an excellent family experience, please submit a nomination using the form below. Printed copies of this form are also available in the front office at both Limestone and Riley. Each month, all nominations are eligible for a random drawing for a Crew Carwash pass.
Updated Volunteer Schedule
Please view the updated volunteer schedule at the link below.
MISSION MOMENT
"Thank you so much for allowing us to stay while our son was in CVICU at Riley. Being here has made us feel like we are back at home. You guys are a true blessing!!"

Thank you!!
Please join us in celebrating the following birthdays:
4/3 Jane Edson
4/5 Harleen Cutrell
4/5 Jocelyn Rutledge
4/7 Debbie Off
4/8 Julie Lopez
4/9 Karen Campbell
4/9 Sherry Dixon
4/10 Connie Richmond
4/13 James Nickens
4/13 Amiya Reina
4/18 Lou Carroll
4/18 Diane Norman
4/19 Terri Hawkins
4/19 Cindy Young
4/20 Meredith Ziliak
4/21 Marsha Gordon
4/25 Cindy Humm
4/27 Eric Noe
4/28 Terry Beechler
4/28 Cristina Pretorius
4/30 Katelyn Johnson
Upcoming Events
Visit our website or watch for details in future editions of this newsletter for these upcoming events.
Saturday, April 13

Monday, June 3

Saturday, June 15
Friday, July 26

Friday, November 1

Tuesday, December 5
Substitute List
Please contact these people if you need a substitute
Limestone
Lori Ball (Not available Tues. or Wed.)
(317) 371-9150

Katy Brawley
(317) 258-9451

Jennifer Cannady (Weekends only)

Gwen England (Weekday evenings, except Tues., and weekends)
Craig Ito (Weekdays, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.)

Rega Kowalski
(317) 241-1566

Steff Mabe (Not available Tues. mornings)
(317) 374-2529
Riley
Anita Butts (Evenings)

Laurie Eagan (Weekdays, 12-3 p.m.)
(317) 691-3757
Michael Rhinaman (Weekday evenings)
(317) 258-4688
If you would like to add your name to this list, please contact Mary Friend at mfriend@rmhccin.org or at (317) 267-0605, ext. 225.

Please remember to notify the Manager on Duty for last minute shift cancellations. If you know your conflict in advance, notify Mary Friend. Also, let us know if you are able to find a substitute so we can update the schedule.

Be sure to notify Mary or the Manager on Duty directly rather than through your shift mates.

Thank you!
Our Mission
We provide a supportive "home-away-from-home" for families of children receiving medical care at Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health and other area hospitals, and we champion programs that improve the health, education and well-being of children.

Our Vision
Nurturing a community where children and their families embrace life and healing with a sense of hope, enthusiasm, courage and joy.

Our Values: ICARE
  • Innovation: We aim for continuous improvement to provide the highest level of comfort and care for our families.
  • Compassion: We seek to listen, understand and serve.
  • Accountability: We strive for the highest level of integrity and transparency with all of our partners and stakeholders.
  • Respect: We treat all people with dignity, compassion and respect.
  • Excellence: We embrace our mission and passionately commit to creating the best "home-away-from-home" for our families.

Newsletter Editor
Mary Friend, CVA
Volunteer Resources Manager
Direct Line: (317) 267-0605, ext. 225