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.
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
Our 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.
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.
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.
