homenews - Ronald McDonald House - San Antonio

KEEPING CURRENT
BY PAT BIVIN
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
May 2010 the first San Antonio Ronald
McDonald House will celebrate
25 years. As you are aware, there
has been much growth in our program
in these years, an addition on
our original home, the opening of
two more homes and just in the last
three months we opened two Ronald
McDonald House Family Rooms
in Laredo. Besides the fact we have
added locations, we have also increased
the services we provide for
the families. More meals are provided
than previously. We pick up milk
for the families and home-baked
cookies are always available. We also
provide taxi vouchers for families
needing transportation. What has
never wavered or changed is our
core mission. The mission of Ronald
McDonald House Charities of
San Antonio is to operate charitable
facilities, which provide safe temporary
living accommodations for critically
ill children and their families
while receiving medical treatment.
The intent is to provide a home away
from home where families in similar
circumstances can interact and
lend and receive mutual support.
The sustainability of our charity has
not happened by accident. We are
very fortunate to have always been
led by a dedicated but prudent Board
of Directors. Just as importantly
they have always had vision, looking
for ways to enhance and expand
the important services we provide.
Another extremely important key is
our staff. I believe we have some of
the most selfless, dedicated staff that
you could find. We have very little
turn over because our staff are like
family and truly care about the families
we serve. They care about making
a difference and understand that
in being part of the Ronald McDonald
House Family they get back so
much. They are the ones that are here
day in and day out and who not only
attend to the needs of the families
but also actually touch their hearts.
Elizabeth Medina, Executive Assistant,
came to us in 1997. She
is highly organized, willing to do
whatever needs to be done and is
not afraid to try new things. She
has good instincts about people
and is an excellent listener.
Heather Bivin, Volunteer and Guest
Relations, began in 1998. She has a
real love for our families and a gift
for telling and making you truly feel
the Ronald McDonald House story.
Ryan Bivin, Santa Rosa House
Manager, started as a part-time employee
in 2000. In January 2002
when we opened our third location
he became House Manager. He
has great empathy for our families
and they relate to his sincerity.
Susie Valdez, Medical Center
House Manager, retired from the
city. Once she decided to re-enter
the workforce she found a home
with RMHC. She has been with us
since 2002. She has a smile for everyone
and can make a family feel
better even on a very trying day.
Lori Rodriguez Shearer, Information
Specialist, began parttime
in 2003 and then full-time in
2008. Lori is great with our families,
extremely dependable and always
anxious to expand her skills.
Juanita Muniz Bivin, Lewis St. House
Manager, started in 2004. She has
been a quick and eager learner, taking
her responsibility very seriously.
She puts in extra effort to make the
house comfortable for the families.
Joyce Galinski, Lewis St. Resident
Manager, began as a weekend manager
then moved into the Resident Manager
apartment about 18 months ago.
She and her son Noah enjoy interacting
with the families at the house.
Doris Hensely is our Medical Center
Resident and Evening Manager.
She and her husband Frank began as
our Lewis St. Resident Managers in
1987. After three years they retired
and moved to Seguin. Frank passed
away 5 years ago but Doris decided
she wanted to come back “home” to
Ronald McDonald House in 2008.
She is affectionately referred to as
“Grandma” by many of the families.
Jennifer Miears is Evening Manager
at Santa Rosa. She started with us in
2005. She has a real rapport with the
families and is very conscientious.
Natalie Avalos became Evening
Manager at Lewis Street in
2006. She is extremely dependable
and always pleasant to be
around. She has a special bond
with the little ones that stay with us.
Additionally, we have a wonderful
group of caring Weekend Relief
Managers who make sure our
homes are well looked after when
our daily staff is off. They are
an important part of our team.
Cindy Timmins has been Administrative
Assistant for the Friends of
Ronald McDonald House for the
past ten years. Until recently she did