We caught up recently with Molly Jarosz, the founder of RHS’s “SECU Family House of Helping Hands”. We asked her what inspired her to start the club and if she had a connection to our mission.
Molly shared that she has a sister with special needs who has had many lengthy hospitalizations, including over Christmas and other holidays. Her family knows first-hand what it’s like be away from home for their loved one to receive medical care. They know how it feels to squeeze into a hospital recliner for some much-needed sleep. And they know what it’s like to stay in places like the Family House where they can rest and restore themselves.
“Being close to the hospital gives my mom peace of mind and being able to sleep in a bed gives her the rest she needs. Everyone else there is going through a similar situation, so there’s comfort knowing we’re not alone. We’re super grateful for a nice place to stay where we always feel at home and welcomed during the hard times.”
Because she’s experienced how helpful a hospital hospitality house can be, Molly felt determined to make a big impact for families like hers right here at the SECU Family House. She learned what it would take to start a club at her school and reached out to friends and classmates about her idea. The club became official this fall where she serves as its president.
On their first service day with us, club members deep cleaned the kitchen, cleaned around the house, made welcome cards, wrote departure cards, and decorated kindness rocks. In the future, they expect to do the same and more like assemble goodie bags and provide a meal for the holidays. The Family House guests are so grateful for their kindness and very touched to know a caring group of high school students formed a club whose sole mission is to serve at the Family House.
As a young leader, Molly has advice for other people who want to start a service club. “Gather as much information as you can. Share your goals so you can build interest and excitement, and talk to as many different people as you can because others want to help make a difference, too.” We think she’s onto something since the new club already has 59 members!
The Family House is wowed by Molly, the club officers, and each member for their compassion and commitment to support our guests!