Ronald McDonald House provides a home away from home to families of seriously ill and traumatically injured children who are being treated at nearby hospitals. The agency also operates Ronald McDonald House Family Rooms within pediatric units of hospitals across the Southern New Jersey region.

Description:
Our House has served as a "home-away-from-home" for more than 14,000 families from the 9 southern counties of New Jersey, 35 other states and 20 foreign countries during what may be the most stressful time in their lives. With a small paid staff and the help of hundreds of volunteers we are able to serve about 600 families each year. Many families travel to this area because the medical resources needed by their children are not available in their home communities. Some stay only a few days and others may stay for several months. Some come only once and others must return several times a year because their child has a chronic illness. These children may be premature infants, have been involved in a bike or automobile accident, have cancer, cystic fibrosis, heart or lung problems, Canavans disease, cleft palates or many other serious problems.

Ronald McDonald House of Southern New Jersey provides a safe, supportive environment for families experiencing the intense emotional and financial stress that accompanies the critical illness of a child. The cornerstone of the House's success is that families interact with other families experiencing similar challenges - they find comfort in talking with others who are going through similar situations. Adults - and children - realize they are not alone.

Volunteers play a vital role in making our Ronald McDonald House of SNJ into a home for our families. They help with a variety of tasks, all connected with the daily operations of the House. Volunteers work with the House staff in the mornings, afternoons and evenings for 2-3 hour shifts.

History:
In October 1983 we opened our doors in a twin Victorian home on 6th Street in Camden. With the help of Cooper Hospital, local McDonald's restaurants and the Builders League of South Jersey this 100 year-old home was renovated to contain 12 bedrooms and common living, dining, kitchen and laundry rooms for families whose children were being treated at area hospitals for serious illnesses and traumatic injuries.

In November 1998, we opened our newly built 26,000 square foot, four story home to accommodate 20 families with private bathrooms, handicap accessibility and larger common spaces. We are also able to help day guests who just need a break during a long day at the hospital between medical treatments or tests.

In 2003 we expanded our programs throughout the Southern New Jersey community by opening Ronald McDonald House Family Rooms in hospitals treating pediatric patients. We are now able to help even more families each day.

Contact person: Dawn Ellis, General Manager, (phone), (email)

Address:

550 Mickle Blvd Camden, NJ 08103 (See a map)