Ronald McDonald House opens region’s first “Family Room” hospitality center inside healthcare facility

(GRAND RAPIDS, MI) – Recently y, Ronald McDonald House (RMH) and Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services celebrated completion of the region’s first “Family Room” concept inside a hospital at a special media preview event within Pine Rest’s new Pediatric Center of Behavioral Health.  RMH president and CEO Salina Bishop and Pine Rest president and CEO Mark Eastburg were on hand to discuss how RMH is growing its hospitality concept within health system facilities and how important the amenity is to health systems.

The formal grand opening of the 1,000 SF space will coincide with Pine Rest’s public opening events on March 21. The Family Room expects to be operational this Spring.

The Family Room serves as an extension of RMH’s services, where families can step away, recharge, and find comfort without returning to the RMH house in Grand Rapids while their child receives care, all at no cost. The Family Room offers a calming environment designed to reduce stress and provide support during an overwhelming time.

This is West Michigan’s first Family Room, and one of only 3 in the state (Detroit and Lansing).

This new space is the result of a meaningful collaboration between Pine Rest and Ronald McDonald House Charities West Michigan.

“Pine Rest provides an incredible service to our community and supports some of the most vulnerable children and families,” said Salina Bishop, President & CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities West Michigan. “We are so grateful to bring our first Ronald McDonald House Family Room to their new Pediatric Center of Behavioral Health. Both of our organizations share the belief that caring for a child means caring for their family. This partnership allows us to do just that, supporting families so every child has the best chance for a positive outcome.”

About the space

• Kitchen with complimentary snacks and beverages
• Comfortable lounge seating
• Quiet room for rest or reflection
• Workstations family members with reservable technology, including iPads, noise-cancelling headphones, and chargers.
• Children’s play area (books, puzzles, games)
• Private restroom with complimentary toiletries

What is the Ronald McDonald House Family Room?

• The Ronald McDonald Family Room is an extension of the hospitality our House brings, offering comfort and a place to relax and recharge, directly inside the hospital.

• The Family Room fills a critical gap by providing immediate, on-site hospitality, reducing stress, supporting caregiver resilience, and allowing families to be present for their child.

• The goal is to give families a peaceful, home-like space steps from their child, so they can focus on being together and supporting their child.

How will it support families at Pine Rest?

• Families might find themselves here longer than expected, and because of that, we want to be here for them. Families will have a place to step away for a moment, breathe, and care for themselves without leaving the hospital.

• Supporting families is crucial – when parents and siblings are cared for, the children receiving treatment feel it too.

• The Family Room helps reduce stress, promote resilience, and keep families close and present during treatment.

• Families will have access to food, drinks, activities, and more – at no cost to them.

RMH FAMILY ROOM PUBLIC GRAND OPENING INFORMATION