Kevin Moland of Keller Williams Spokane, left, and Joe Mann of Windermere Valley are two volunteers from Spokane area real estate offices who spend quality time each month with kids at the Clubhouse at Sacred Heart Childrens Hospital, while family members are receiving hospital care.
Spokane REALTORS® are showing how young at heart they really are and how much heart they have for Spokane’s kids.
On June 15, the Sacred Heart Medical Center Children’s Clubhouse – a fun, nurturing haven for kids who have a family member being treated at the hospital – was able to open their doors once again, thanks to the generous volunteers of the Spokane Association of REALTORS®.
Originally opened in June 2006, The Clubhouse was an unmistakably bright spot on the fourth floor of the Children’s Hospital at Sacred Heart. However, although extremely successful and viewed by all as a hugely beneficial program, essential staffing reductions in June 2009 made it necessary for The Clubhouse to close its doors – leaving a large void for families of hospital patients, doctors, nurses and administrators alike.
“We were so used to it being so quiet again…the first day I heard all this giggling coming from the Clubhouse, it almost brought tears to my eyes; I had to get up and take a peek,” said Nettie Welshons, childlife specialist at The Children’s Hospital, Sacred Heart.
With the theme for 2010 of “REALTORS®: Serving Our Commitment with Heart,” SAR was searching for ways in which their REALTORS® could really connect with their community – the Clubhouse seemed the perfect fit.
“Over the many years of my real estate experience – whether in practice or teaching – the ongoing concern of my peers has been how to create a bond between the community and our association,” said Linda Miller, SAR board president. “When the idea of re-opening The Clubhouse was first presented, it struck a chord with each Serving Our Spokane (SOS) task force member...volunteer hours – we could do that!”
The response from Spokane REALTORS® as well as their spouses and SAR affiliates, who all wanted to volunteer at least one three-hour shift per month at the Clubhouse, has been heartwarming. Close to 100 applications have been received and are still coming in.
With the safety of children the No. 1 priority, each volunteer is required to go through a personal interview, hospital orientation, background check and Clubhouse orientation.
“I meet with each volunteer and tell them ‘This isn’t like a McDonald’s Playland; you may get some very apprehensive kids who really need a place that isn’t scary,’ ” says Welshons.
“It’s been absolutely amazing to see the interaction between the volunteers and the kids – it’s just brightened up the whole floor; I can see how this time is a great break in the day for these volunteers…the interaction is so genuine.”
The Children’s Clubhouse is available for children ages 3 and above who are potty trained. It is currently open on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. However, once everyone has completed the required orientations, officials are anticipating opening five days a week.
“In order to open, many of the volunteers are doing double shifts; I am so grateful for the volunteers who are sacrificing their “over time” for the project,” said Miller.
Children are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis and receive matching ID bands with their parents for security purposes. Clubhouse visitors enjoy movies, art projects, snacks, games and rest time.
“It can be heartbreaking to see these kids come in; they just really need that individual attention and a place where they can just be kids,” said Arne Woodard, Clubhouse volunteer, real estate agent and owner, Woodard Properties.
“Then you see their spirits lift a bit and hear their laughter and pretty soon their parents come to take them home and they don’t want to leave; we must be doing something right!”
For more information about this or other Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital programs, call (509) 474-2800 or contact Linda Miller at linda@lindamiller.com.