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Giving Back Again: Northwest AHEC’s Second Year at Ronald McDonald House

Mar 24, 2026 7:40:34 AM / by Brooke Kochanski posted in Community, volunteering, staff development

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At Northwest AHEC, service is an important part of who we are—not only in the work we do every day, but in the time we take to support our community together. Yesterday, Northwest AHEC staff gathered for the second year in a row to volunteer at Ronald McDonald House Charities® of the Piedmont Triad, continuing a meaningful tradition of giving back while strengthening connections as a team.

A Day of Service and Connection

RMHGroupPic2026Our staff once again rolled up our sleeves and focused their efforts on preparing lunches and baking homemade treats for families staying at the House—helping ensure families had one less thing to think about as they supported their children during medical care.

Just as impactful as the work itself was the opportunity to spend time together outside of our usual roles. Volunteering side by side allowed us to connect, collaborate, and reflect—reminding us of the power of teamwork and shared purpose.

Why Ronald McDonald House Matters

Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Piedmont Triad provides a “home away from home” for families whose children are receiving medical care nearby. By offering a supportive environment, meals, and a place to rest, the House helps ease some of the burden families face so they can focus on what matters most—being there for their child.

Spending time in the House and learning more about its mission reinforced just how meaningful even small acts of service can be. Whether it was preparing food, tidying play areas, or simply helping maintain a warm and welcoming space, each contribution made a difference.

Building on a Growing Tradition

Returning for a second year made this experience even more special. It was a chance to reflect on last year’s volunteer day and see how this opportunity has become a shared tradition for our team. Experiences like this strengthen our sense of community—not only with the organizations we support, but with one another.

We are grateful to Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Piedmont Triad for welcoming us back and for the vital work they do for families in our region.

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Supporting the Unsheltered in Burke County, NC

May 27, 2025 9:46:34 AM / by Andrew L. Brewer, MS, NBHWC posted in mental health, Substance Use, human service, addiction, volunteering, communication, crisis, homeless, unsheltered

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In this episode of the Healthcare Insights podcast, you will hear the ground level experiences of two wonderful humans working directly with the unsheltered in Burke County, NC. Alice Horton, Director of the Burke United Christian Ministries and Karen Russell, Director of the HOPE Center share their stories of outreach and the importance of meeting people where they are.

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Giving Back: Northwest AHEC Volunteers at Ronald McDonald House Charities

Mar 31, 2025 1:27:00 PM / by Brooke Kochanski posted in Pediatric, volunteering, atrium health

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At Northwest AHEC, we believe in the power of teamwork and community service. Our team recently had the opportunity to volunteer at Ronald McDonald House Charities® of the Piedmont Triad, Inc. (RMHCPT), where we spent the day giving back to families in need.


A Day of Service

IMG_6568Our team divided into groups to assist with various tasks around the House. Some of us packed nutritious lunches for families staying at RMHCPT (or receiving care at one of our local pediatric intensive care units), ensuring they had one less thing to worry about as they focused on their children receiving medical care. Others baked brownies to provide a small but meaningful treat, while another group cleaned the playroom and assisted with other household needs. Every task, no matter how big or small, contributed to making the House a true “home away from home” for families facing challenging times.

The Mission of RMHCPT

Ronald McDonald House Charities® of the Piedmont Triad is an independent, community-supported 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Located near Atrium Health Levine Children’s Brenner Children’s Hospital and other medical facilities, RMHCPT provides a comfortable, supportive environment for families with children undergoing medical treatment. Since opening in 1984, the House has served as a place of refuge, offering accommodations, meals, and emotional support to families in need.

Learning and Bonding as a Team

Volunteering at RMHCPT was not just about giving back; it was also an opportunity for our team to come together, learn more about our community, and reflect on the impact we can make. Touring the House and hearing stories about the families who stay there reinforced the importance of the work being done. It was a meaningful experience that left us inspired and grateful for the opportunity to contribute.

How You Can Help

Want to support RMHCPT and the families they serve? Here are a few ways you can make a difference:

  • Volunteer: Give your time and talents to assist with various needs at the House.
  • Sport a Shirt: Purchase a RMHCPT shirt to support the cause. Learn more here.
  • Recycle Pop Tabs: Collect aluminum pop tabs to help raise funds. Find out how.
  • Attend an Event: Participate in fundraising events that support this incredible organization.

Our day at RMHCPT was a reminder that small acts of kindness can make a big impact. We look forward to continuing our commitment to service and encourage others to find ways to give back to their communities as well.

Visit their website

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Celebrating National Volunteer Month at NWAHEC: Giving Back to the Community

Apr 12, 2024 9:01:00 AM / by Brooke Kochanski posted in food insecurity, Community, volunteering, atrium health

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To celebrate National Volunteer Month, Northwest AHEC is thrilled to empower and assist our team members in making a difference in the community through volunteer work. Our primary focus lies in addressing pressing social issues like food security, housing, and employment. Several Northwest AHEC staff met up on April 4th to kick off National Volunteer Month at Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC to lend a hand in Community Meals, where each week thousands of meals are lovingly prepared, tray packed, and boxed up for delivery to programs serving seniors, children, neighbors living with disabilities, and others.

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NWAHEC Team Volunteers to Pack Spring Break Backpacks

Mar 14, 2024 1:43:20 PM / by Brooke Kochanski posted in Wake Forest School of Medicine, forsyth county, volunteering, atrium health

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Northwest AHEC staff were able to volunteer alongside Dr. Cathleen Wheatley, President of Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center. They worked hard to pack backpacks with the Forsyth Backpack program to give WSFCS students food over spring break.

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Northwest Area Health Education Center (AHEC) staff is determined to make a positive impact in this community

Aug 17, 2021 7:51:54 AM / by Brooke Kochanski posted in Community, seniors, volunteering, senior services

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Blog post contributed by Senior Services post...

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