Ronald McDonald House of Fort Worth (RMHFW) programs keep families near each other and the care they need through the Ronald McDonald House and the Ronald McDonald Family Room. For a sick child, sometimes the best medicine of all is having family nearby for more hugs, kisses and I love you's. RMHFW gives a family with a sick child what they need most — each other. RMHFW helps families cope better and focus on the needs of their sick child because they have support from family members and other families. RMHFW helps families save hundreds, if not, thousands of dollars each year, in lodging and meal costs alone alleviating a huge financial burden. Families also find solace in being near other families who may be experiencing the same or similar issues with their children. Friendships of support are forged, which can give families the mental strength they need to help their children get well.

Through the 57-bedroom facility just steps away from the three largest hospitals in Fort Worth, RMHFW is able to provide the rest and refuge families need when they need it most. There is no other organization in Fort Worth which provides these types of services. We utilize our community recognition in securing volunteers to help us work our mission. Our administrative costs are kept lean to steward donations to program. The use of volunteers helps us achieve this goal.

Since we are a one-of-a-kind organization for providing temporary housing to families whose children are receiving medical care at area hospitals, we are positioned well for success. The employment of qualified staff allows the organization to maintain the facility and raise funds to support the financial needs of the organization. Healthcare providers in the area understand the capabilities of the organization and want families to stay at the RMHFW. Studies, conducted by RMHC, have shown that when parents are nearby their ill children, those children cope better with their medical treatments.

We quantify success of our program by number of families served each year and by making our budget goals for fundraising which directly supports mission. Additional predictors of success include our community engagement through volunteer hours and activity on our social media channels.

The RMHFW typically runs at 90-95% capacity, which means that almost 1000 families are served each year. We also meet our budget each year. Since 1981, the facility has grown from an 11-bedroom facility to our current 57-bedroom facility. This is only due to committed donors and connected healthcare partners. Thousands of families have found rest and refuge at our House. Our goals for the future include maintaining a top-notch facility while being sensitive to the growth plans of our healthcare partners facilities. As they grow and perfect treatments, more families will travel to the area for healthcare, which in turn drives the need for our facilities.