Former patient shares anticipation for opening of Ladish Co. Foundation Center’s Family Room

Excitement grows as construction is nearing completion on the Ladish Co. Foundation Center. Set to open in August on the Oconomowoc campus, the Ladish Center will house hospitality and spiritual care services, the Rogers Behavioral Health Foundation, the Rogers Research Center, and the Ronald McDonald Family Room Program.

For over a decade, Ronald McDonald House Charities® Eastern Wisconsin (RMHC) has been serving families whose child is being treated at Rogers. Establishing a Family Room Program within the Ladish Center will allow both families residing at RMHC as well as other Rogers’ families to benefit from this supportive, comforting environment that is just footsteps away from where their child is receiving treatment.

“We’re very excited for this new program,” says Kelly Levenhagen, RMHC Family Room manager. “A Family Room is a core program of Ronald McDonald House Charities®. We’re one of the first to partner with a behavioral health hospital. The Family Room will provide family members and other caregivers a place where they can relax, prepare a meal, have a snack, or rest while dealing with the emotional and mental demands of having a child in the hospital.”

One patient’s story

Former patient Bridget and her mother, Kathy, traveled from Massachusetts to Wisconsin several years ago so Bridget could participate in OCD and Anxiety Adolescent Residential Care in Oconomowoc. Bridget also attended OCD and Anxiety Child and Adolescent Partial Hospitalization Care in Brown Deer. The long-term stay in Wisconsin is how they got connected with RMHC.

“Knowing other families are going to have the opportunity [to experience the community of support at RMHC] is just really heartwarming,” Kathy shared in a recent RMHC newsletter.

Bridget and Kathy agree that the Family Room is going to change a lot of lives and have a positive impact on people who are really struggling. Bridget added, “It’s exciting. We didn’t expect it. It’s amazing and one of the best things ever!”

“What makes the Family Room so special is the dedication of our volunteers who are the heart of our team,” Kelly says. “RMHC volunteers are ready to do whatever it takes to create a warm and welcoming environment for guest families and visitors.”

The Family Room offers several amenities including:

• Indoor play area (toys, games, books, etc.)

• Entertainment (TV, movies, electronic games, Wi-Fi etc.)

• Complimentary snacks and beverages

• Kitchen and dining area

• Quiet Room

• Shower

• Washer/dryer

• Creativity Room (arts and crafts)

“Approximately 10% of the families we serve at RMHC seek treatment at Rogers,” says Kelly. “We look forward to sharing our Ronald McDonald House ‘magic’ with new families and increase services to the Rogers families commuting from our House in Milwaukee.”

Learn more about Bridget and Kathy’s story and how the Family Room will help others in the RMHC newsletter. 

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