Between our House, Family Room, refreshment delivery, and Family Wellness Areas, RMHC helps more than 100,000 parents, caregivers, siblings, and patients annually feel more at home even when they can't be. The outcomes we expect from our programs include: 1. Reduced financial burden for families related to non-medical out-of-pocket expenses such as travel, food, lodging, dependent care, diminished wages, and incidental expenses. 2. Reduced anxiety for parents. RMHC programs provide spaces and opportunities for parents to access networks of support and communities that help alleviate stress. 3. Greater participation in medical decisions. Social support from peers and other types of coping interventions that provide education regarding roles and expectations experienced by RMHC families can increase knowledge and confidence which, in turn, improves parental participation in the care and support of their child. 4. More effective management of the psychosocial impact on families. Pediatric critical illness and injury is stressful for the entire family. Most severe parental stress is due to role alteration or a sense of helplessness in those accustomed to providing safety and advocacy. Communication with hospital staff is another leading source of parental stress. The primary sources of stress in siblings are changes in parental behavior and care by a substitute caregiver, which can feel to them like their needs are being neglected. By providing information, support, and a community of families on similar journeys, RMHC helps families learn how to feel more empowered. Our programs also help siblings remain engaged with their families, leading to a greater sense of normalcy. Our House is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and all on-site hospital programs are ongoing annually. As a result, funds would be used to sustain and expand our programs throughout the calendar year 2024.