Mission & History
Our Mission
RMHC Ann Arbor provides a community of inclusive, compassionate, supportive programs and services that directly improve the health and well-being of children and their families.
Our Vision
To have the capacity and funding available to provide universally accessible, compassionate programs and services to EVERY family that needs it when their children receive medical care.
Our Values
1. Compassion: We listen, connect, and acknowledge the challenging situations our families face with kindness and take action to provide them the resources they need.
2. Celebrate Diversity: We create an inclusive environment, respecting and appreciating
differences of all individuals.
3. Respect: We value everyone and treat people with dignity and professionalism.
4. Accountability: Each of us is responsible for our words, our actions, and our results.
5. Mission Driven: All that we do is driven by the mission of the organization.
6. Integrity: We build trust through responsible actions and honest relationships.
7. Teamwork: We achieve more when we collaborate and all work together.
History
In 1974, the first Ronald McDonald House opened its doors in Philadelphia. At the time, the daughter of Philadelphia Eagles’ football player Fred Hill was undergoing treatment for leukemia at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. The Eagles’ General Manager Jim Murray offered the team’s support to Dr. Audrey Evans, head of the pediatric oncology unit who had dreamed of a comfortable temporary residence for the families of the patients. The Eagles partnered with local McDonald’s restaurant owners to raise funds that would help purchase and renovate a house close to the hospital that became the first Ronald McDonald House.
Today, there are 386 Ronald McDonald Houses in 49 countries and regions, 269 Family Rooms, and 40 Care Mobile programs located around the globe. Every local Chapter is an independently operated not-for-profit corporation.
RMHCAA’s Story
Ronald McDonald House Charities Ann Arbor has served more than 32,000 families since opening our doors in 1985. Spearheaded by the Junior Service League (now the Junior League of Ann Arbor), the project was a collaborative effort with C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, and the community. Originally able to accommodate 24 families each night, an expansion in 1992 increased that number to 29. A second House built on the 10th floor of C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital added another 12 rooms in 2011. Two additional family guest rooms were constructed in the Main House in 2018, bringing the total number of rooms to 43. Our two Houses make RMHCAA the largest Ronald McDonald House Charities Chapter in Michigan.