Join Us for This Year's Volunteer Celebration
We are excited to host this year's volunteer celebration on Friday, September 13 at the Indianapolis Art Center beginning at 6 p.m. The Indianapolis Art Center is in Broad Ripple at 820 E 67th Street in Indianapolis. More details will be announced in next month's newsletter but mark the date on your calendars! Invitations will be mailed to all registered volunteers who can bring one guest.
Welcome to the House
We are excited to welcome the following new staff members to the House!
Karin Ogden
Chief Executive Officer
Karin comes to us from the YMCA at the Athenaeum and City Market as their community executive director.
Deby Abel
House Manager
Deby served as deputy chief of Warren Township Community Emergency Response Team and has worked with Wheeler Mission.
Max Catterson
Marketing & Design Specialist
A 2016 Ball State graduate, Max has previously worked as a marketing and design coordinator for Sugar and Bruno.
Stacy Clark
Director of Development
Stacy previously worked as director of development and external communications for Tindley Accelerated Schools.
Christie Clem
Events Manager
Christie joins the team having served more than 15 years at Eli Lilly and Company, bringing a wealth of project and meeting planning experience.
Adam Lowe
Marketing & Communications Manager
Adam has managed communications for nonprofits for more than 15 years, including Choices Coordinated Care Solutions and Rupert’s Kids.
Staff Changes
In addition to new staff members, there have been some changes in the following staff members titles and responsibilities.
Shelly Cates was promoted to director of operations. She was formerly our senior guest services manager.
Patti Cooper , formerly our house operations associate, was promoted to our facilities manager.
Marci Corbin , our family experience coordinator is now our program manager.
Help Needed
Help needed with keeping the pantry shelves in the basement organized
We are looking for two additional volunteers to help keep one pantry shelf organized. This would take about 2-6 hours a month and you can determine your schedule. This is a great opportunity to do before or after your regular shift.

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:

  • Background Checks - We are now conducting background checks on all families before they check in. The referral form has been updated to prompt whoever is taking the referral to ask for each adult's email address so we can send them the link.
  • Dinners at Limestone - We are in need of groups to provide dinner at Limestone or to make freezer meals to serve on nights we don't have a dinner group. Those who are interested should visit our website at rmhccin.org or contact Marci Corbin, Program Manager, at mcorbin@rmhccin.org or at 317-267-0605, ext. 210.
  • Checking In New Families - When checking in a new family, remember to introduce them to the manager on duty. This way the manager can cover additional information and answer any questions the family might have that you can't answer.
  • Cleaning a Room - When cleaning a room after a family checks out, if the family has only stayed 1-2 nights, we don't need to change the mattress cover, pillow protectors or bedspread unless they are stained.
  • Donations - When taking donations to the basement, please sort and place them on the correct table so we don't have food with chemicals or anything sitting on the floor.
Look Who Was Caught Rolling Out
The Red Carpet
David Lawson , Riley RMH lead manager, would like to recognize Guest Services Volunteer, Cindy Eads,  for demonstrating appreciation, friendliness, cooperation and teamwork.

David wrote: "Cindy is normally the only volunteer on her shift. She come every time with a smile on her face and a willingness to make sure that our guests have everything they need. She usually finds her comfort zone in the kitchen. If left along enough...makes a wonderful lunch for all to enjoy. She is always willing to tackle any task presented to her and performs over and above.I'm sure the guest that have the opportunity to interact with Cindy would agree..you are appreciated!"

David Lawson , Riley RMH lead manager, would like to recognize Guest Services Volunteer, Joe Gault , for cooperation, communication and teamwork.

David wrote: "Joe noticed that the coffee pots at the House were dark and stained on the inside. He was determined to find a solution to get them cleaned. He did his research and found just the right mix. Now the coffee pots are sparkling inside and out. Thanks Joe for your diligence to see this through...we appreciate you! "

Shelly Cates , Director of Operations, recognizes Vicki Browne and Christine Jackson , Guest Services Volunteers at Limestone.

Shelly wrote: "Vicki and Christine are a dynamic duo who have served every other Tuesday since 2016. They are always willing to do whatever needs to be done. When we recently had a family check-out who lost their baby, Vicki and Chris were very kind and empathetic with the parents and three other children. They gave the family their take home bag filled with goodies and hugged all the kids before they left. They are truly beautiful ladies on the inside and out. We enjoy their enthusiasm for the mission and their lovely smiles every shift they are here. Thank you Vicki and Chris for all of your love and support!

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 Car wash pass.
Updated Volunteer Schedule
Please view the updated volunteer schedule at the link below.
MISSION MOMENT
"There were times when I didn’t know how to approach someone. People were discussing surgeries, appointments, doctors, treatments, etc. I remembered reading how stress can lead to physical illness; these people looked drained. It wouldn’t surprise me if they fell ill due to all the emotional stress they must endure. While some people chatted away, others stayed to themselves and simply enjoyed their meals in silence. For a moment, I felt overwhelmed. Then the end of my shift came and the moment I stepped outside, I admired the clear sky. And for the first time this winter, I did not complain about the cold breeze hitting my face. In fact, this time the wind felt more like a caress against my cheek, and I welcomed it."

Field notes from a senior psychology student serving as a Lunch Host at the RMH at Riley
Please join us in celebrating the following birthdays:
7/1 Cathy Plump
7/4 Jodie Heydon
7/8 Karen Kewandowski
7/8 Lisa Neice
7/11 Nancy Iles
7/13 Kim Webb
7/13 Roz Webb
7/16 Gail Bennett
7/16 Linzi Woodard
7/17 Cindy Maude
7/19 Christine Jackson
7/21 Angie Kattmann
7/22 Jack McMahon
7/23 Landon Curry
7/23 April Huey
7/23 Walker Nurrenbern
7/25 Sophia Priest
7/25 Rebecca Weaver
7/28 Catherine Stiver
7/30 Andrew Alcorn
7/30 Sara McClain
Upcoming Events
Visit our website or watch for details in future editions of this newsletter for these upcoming events.
New Volunteer Orientation
Tuesday, August 20
Tuesday, September 17
Wednesday, October 30

Volunteer Celebration
Friday, September 13
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.)

Steff Mabe (Not available Tues. mornings)
(317) 374-2529

Marge Vogel
marge.vogel@sbcglobal.net
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