Former patient gives back by volunteering at the Ronald McDonald Family Room©

04/01/24 01:00:pm

When Emily Washcovick reflects on her time in residential treatment at Rogers, she’s grateful friends and loved ones visited her every day. She was excited to learn about the Family Room on Rogers’ Oconomowoc campus.

“To hear there was a place where families could go and be together seemed really impactful to me,” says Emily.

Located inside the Ladish Co. Foundation Center, the Family Room provides a comfortable, relaxing space for families supporting loved ones in treatment. It’s open seven days a week from 9 am to 5 pm.

Emily is proud to be a volunteer.

“I thought it would be an amazing place to spend a little of my free time and hopefully share that I’m doing well,” she says. “It’s so powerful when families connect with one another. I’m glad I get to be part of a place that allows people to do that.”

“Emily’s desire to give back by volunteering in the Family Room is a testament to what we see all the time in the Foundation,” said Matthias Schueth, executive vice president of Rogers Behavioral Health Foundation. “Grateful patients and families have a genuine desire to help others who are going through a similar experience. We’re thrilled that Emily can find personal fulfillment in serving Rogers’ families, thanks to our partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern Wisconsin.”

Below are comments from recent guests of the Family Room:

“What an amazing place you offer to families.”

“This space provided our family with much needed respite and a comfortable place to spend time in between visits with our loved one.”

“My daughter was able to spend quality time with her nephew who is two years old. It was wonderful. We love being able to have an extended visit in the Ronald McDonald Room.”

Watch the video above to hear more from Emily about her volunteer work. She shares her struggle with bipolar disorder and how she found hope at Rogers here.