Our Family Resource Center supports parents who have a child in the hospital. We serve as a source of information, comfort and respite – a quiet place where adult family members can accomplish tasks while remaining near their children. Parents can use the center to do online research, access reading materials, find local resources, learn how to navigate the hospital system and more. Both our San Francisco hospital and our Oakland hospital offer this amenity for families.
Center for Families in San Francisco
The center is staffed by volunteers, as well as parent liaisons who run the Parent Support Program, a peer-to-peer group that helps families navigate the hospital system. The center also hosts support activities, such as a weekly walking group and a parent discussion roundtable.
The center features:
- Computers with internet access, printers and fax machines
- Phones, a phone-charging station and a private room for making calls
- A lending library of health-related books and magazines for both adults and children, as well as newspapers and general interest magazines
- Information about local transportation, parking, hotels and restaurants
- Beverages, such as coffee, tea and hot chocolate
- Parent wellness resources
- Toiletries, detergent, art supplies and other personal items
Family Resource Center (FRC) in Oakland
Our team supports families as they navigate the in-hospital experience. We provide information about hospital programs such as free meals distributed by Ronald McDonald House Charities, pet therapy and amenity rounds. We also help them find support groups, community resources, local restaurants, shops, laundry services, transportation, recreation and more.
Our bilingual staff welcomes caregivers who speak only Spanish. And our dedicated volunteers and student interns help keep the Family Resource Center running smoothly.
The Oakland center offers:
- Complimentary coffee, tea and light snacks throughout the day for a quick pick-me-up or a quiet, reflective moment.
- Dedicated workspace, including a computer, printer, fax and scanner to help caregivers maintain connections and manage personal tasks. A charging station for mobile devices is also available.
- Notepads, pens and art paper for taking notes, jotting down questions, drawing, or simply passing time in moments of reflection.
- Comfort items to help caregivers unwind and minimize distractions, including soft eye masks to block light and noise-reducing earplugs or headphones for soothing music or quiet time.
- A relaxation room for those facing the emotional demands of supporting a loved one in the hospital. It features a comfortable recliner with a gentle massage seat; soft lighting; and quiet, private surroundings for a much-needed break from the clinical environment.
Services and amenities at the Family Resource Center are available to all caregivers with a child currently admitted in our main hospital.
