Recently when my father had to have a major medical surgery, we as a family had to make some tough decisions about how to keep family close during the hospital stay to keep an eye on him. We are blessed in the fact that our parents had five daughters so that helps when these situations occur to share the burden; not everyone is in the same situation. However, our mom also has some medical issues that require keeping the physical stress and strain low key for her. The problem became, how do we keep her close to dad during this time without taxing her strength and endurance for the possible 1-3 week hospital stay for dad.
The solution was the wonderful hospitality house that is connected to Spectrum Hospital downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan called the Renucci Hospitality House. I can’t tell you what a wonderful service this Renucci House offers. It was built in 1999 and helps to house family members of the hospital’s patients that are in need of having a place close by to sleep and rest. It was designed to provide comfort and rest for the weary soul. There is a small healing garden that is darling. There is a playroom for young siblings or children of the hospital patient. The staff is wonderful and caring, from the hosts to the cleaning crew. There is a computer for the patient’s family members to use, a laundry facility, an exercise room…and quiet rooms for relaxing. The dinning room is open 24-7 and the kitchen is stocked with non-perishable food items for those moments when food or drink is needed.
The Renucci House was founded by Peter P. Renucci and his wife Patricia Renucci. Back in 1968 one of their children was born through a premature situation and had to stay in the hospital’s neonatal unit. This was the basis of their awareness of the need to be close to your loved one who is in crisis. They helped to fund the Renucci House with a gift of $1.6 million because they wanted to thank the community for what had been done for their family. This is a gift that keeps on giving with a pay it forward theme that I love.
The atmosphere is one of love, support and healing. You feel very comforted if you find yourself in need of the Renucci House. It goes beyond the staff or the comfortable rooms. There is a very wonderful program of volunteerism that happens here. Organizations, churches, families and individuals are encouraged to give of their time, talents, and blessings. You can volunteer to donate and prepare meals for the families who are staying there. This is normally a great expense for families who must stay nearby their family members during a hospital stay; it may be an expense the family cannot afford. Truly, this is a huge blessing and one that shows an important part of caretaking and nurturing of families in crisis.
Our family benefitted from several meals that had been prepared and served by some of these volunteers. It was a service that was provided with joy by the volunteers; and that was a wonderful blessing. The meals were wonderful from the main dish to the salads, drinks and desserts. One evening, a church had their youth providing community service help to serve the families of the Renucci House. It was a group of fifth graders and their mentors. These people went out of their way to be of service to those who stayed there that evening. They mingled and interacted with the families and showed great care. I think it is great that young people are being taught the importance of giving back to a community through volunteering their time, skills and willingness to be of service. Kudos to those involved.
Volunteers are encouraged to come and bake in the kitchen homemade baked goods or some other treat. Put together snacks or care bags for the families. This also opens the door to have conversations with family members who may need someone to talk to. Comfort and peace are evident throughout the Renucci House because of the volunteer programs.
The Renucci House actually operates quite a bit through their volunteer programs…from donated non-perishable food items which stock the kitchen for family members to use when they need it; to volunteers to help pay for the family members stay who can not afford to pay, to help cover the cost of staying in the Renucci House. This is a big deal if a hospital stay goes on for very long. Family members may have a hard time paying for their rooms, or much needed items to be able to stay close to their loved ones. Some volunteers give gift cards to be used at local stores or restaurants in the area. Perhaps donating a telephone calling card would benefit families who are staying at the Renucci House but have long distance calls to make. Talk to the manager of the house to see if current magazines can be donated or perhaps you have a nurturing spirit and have time to greet guests or maybe volunteer to help in the library. Empty nesters or retirees who find themselves with time on their hands may wish to do something meaningful with all of their spare time. The Renucci House volunteers provide breakfast and dinners daily…they need a large number of volunteers who are willing to provide this needed service.
You know, the Renucci House is near to the Lemmen -Holton Cancer Pavilion, the Devos Children’s Hospital, and the Lena Meijer Heart Center; all of these facilities have patients and families. There is a huge need to support those patients and their families at a time when they are facing some of the biggest battles of their lives. Often there are so many emotions to deal with such as fear, anxiety, depression, sadness and hope. The Renucci House provides the basics to allow people to cope with their emotions. Please, spread the word, volunteer and give help when and where you can. Having compassion and opening your hearts to opportunities to help is an important part of life…please get involved. You never know when you or someone you care about may need some of those same things.
If someone has time or talent to give or just feels moved to donate monitarily to the Renucci House you can contact their house manager at (616) 391-1790.
You can view their website here: http://www.spectrum-health.org/renucci . My family is going to volunteer soon…we may even take our youth group down and prepare a meal for the family members in the near future. As a family who has benefitted from a stay at the Renucci House recently, I want to say thank you to all of the volunteers, to the staff of the Renucci House and to the Renucci Family themselves for impacting the Grand Rapids community and it’s surrounding area with love, compassion and support. You are appreciated greatly!
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