Keeping families near to each other and the care they need, when they need it most.
A Note From the CEO
Dear Friends,
Welcome to the very first edition of our RMHC-EIWI Digital Newsletter. I am so glad you are here!
This new semi-annual update is our way of keeping you connected to the heart of our mission—supporting families with seriously ill or injured children by providing a place to stay, homemade meals, and a caring community to lift them up during an incredibly tough time in their lives. Whether you have stayed with us, volunteered, donated, or simply cared about the families we serve, you are a meaningful part of our story.
We hope to bring you an inside look at the lives you are impacting, the programs you help fuel, and the many ways you can stay involved. Thank you for taking a moment to join us. We know that none of this is possible without you.
With gratitude,
Shannon Greene Chief Executive Officer
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern Iowa & Western Illinois
Family Spotlight
The Ward Family
“The night Daniel and I arrived at the Ronald McDonald House in Iowa City, I didn’t even have shoes. I was in a wheelchair, recovering from an emergency C-section after my daughter Maria was born at just 24 weeks. My shoes—and some clothes—had been lost somewhere between Dubuque, Iowa, and the ambulance ride to Iowa City. I couldn’t walk, drive, or get a car. I felt helpless.”
My name is Katie. When we arrived at the Ronald McDonald House, Michaela came out and greeted us. I’ll never forget her warmth. She showed us around, helped us settle in, provided us toiletries, a warm meal, and found me a pair of sturdy slippers. Our room was ready with fresh sheets and a comfortable bed.
Maria was born just before Easter, but I didn’t feel like celebrating. That night, I returned to find an Easter basket outside our door—with a teddy bear and coloring book inside. Looking at them, I started imagining future holidays with Maria, when she’d be strong enough to leave the NICU. That small gift gave me something I hadn’t felt in days—hope.
Every day, I fought to keep my daughter alive. I made impossible decisions, while trying to eat, sleep, and heal. We were far from home and family. The Ronald McDonald House became our sanctuary. We had a place to rest,
a shower, a ride to the hospital, clean clothes, and meals, everything we needed to survive so we could focus on Maria.
Because we didn’t have to worry about the basics, we could be present with my daughter. I could sing to her, read to her, and hold her hand. Daniel and I could tell her over and over how much we loved her.
The next family that needs this place could be someone you love. Every person who walks through the Ronald McDonald House doors needs what you can help provide. Please donate. In the darkest season of my life, the Ronald McDonald House gave us safety, warmth, and hope.”
Thank you. Always. The Ward Family
2nd Annual
September 16, 2025
Iron Tee Golf
Bettendorf, Iowa
October 9, 2025
Riverside Casino & Golf Resort
Riverside, Iowa
For more information: rmhc-eiwi.org/events
Volunteers are the Heartbeat of RMHC-EIWI
There is a powerful force behind our mission that is always visible. It’s found in the quiet, consistent compassion of our volunteers. Volunteers are the heartbeat of RMHC-EIWI.
In 2024, more than 700 individuals gave their time to ensure that families with critically ill or injured children had the support they needed. Their impact is measured not just in hours— though last year alone volunteers donated over 5,200 hours—but in the thousands of lives they touch through small gestures that truly make a difference.
Perhaps most importantly, volunteers give families the gift of presence. Whether it’s a friendly greeting, a helping hand, or just a homemade meal, they provide support that
no program can replicate. Their empathy reminds families they are not alone—and that community can be found even in the hardest moments.
To all our volunteers, thank you! Your kindness makes a lasting impact, one family at a time.
Please join our mission—become a volunteer at rmhc-eiwi.org/get-involved/volunteer/
Volunteer Corner
Volunteer Spotlight
Olivia Schuster
“True joy doesn’t come from what you receive, but from what you give. There’s no better place to give your time than RMHC-EIWI.”
-Olivia Schuster
Meet Olivia Schuster, a compassionate and driven young woman whose dedication to service is lighting the way for families navigating medical challenges. Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Olivia is 20 years old and currently wrapping up her junior year at the University of Iowa. She’s majoring in Therapeutic Recreation and is on track to graduate a semester early in December 2025 with a Bachelor of Science degree.
Olivia’s heart lies in her passion for supporting children and families facing medical adversity. This commitment has led her to volunteer with several impactful organizations, including Ronald McDonald House Charities, Stead Family Children’s Hospital, Dance Marathon, the Why We Wave Foundation, and Project Hospital Hugs. She also works part-time at ChildServe, continuing her mission to provide care and comfort to those who need it most.
Olivia’s journey with RMHC-EIWI began organically. While volunteering inside the Stead Family Children’s Hospital, she recognized a powerful truth: medical diagnoses don’t just affect the patient, they ripple through the entire family. That realization reshaped her perspective and inspired her to seek out ways to offer more holistic support.
“When I saw the emotional and practical toll on the entire family unit,” Olivia shares, “I knew I wanted to be involved in something that extended beyond hospital care.” That search led her to RMHC-EIWI, where she found a community that embodies compassion, comfort, and connection.
Among the many meaningful moments Olivia has experienced at RMHC, one encounter stands out above the rest. While volunteering, she unexpectedly crossed paths with members of her own extended family staying at the House. Several of her relatives had children undergoing extended hospital stays, and their presence at RMHC-EIWI brought her work even closer to home. “It was a powerful reminder of why this work matters,” Olivia recalls. “Being able to reassure families, to let them know I, and the entire RMHC community—were there for them, was incredibly moving.”
For those considering volunteering with RMHC-EIWI, Olivia has one clear message: “Do it, you won’t regret it.” She describes RMHC-EIWI as a community where kindness leads the way and where service brings genuine fulfillment.
2024 Mission Impact
434 families welcomed for residential hospitality
Incalculable cups of coffee & loads of laundry
26,069 family room visits
11,739 cost-free nights of care for families
739 volunteers & 5,219 hours of service
The invaluable support of our community of care
1,094 meals served to children & families
$2.9M cost savings to families for meals & lodging alone
Guest family hometowns
74 Iowa Counties, 7 Illinois Counties, 20 U.S. States, and 5 Countries
Ashley Augustine Evening House Manager Brings Heart and Hope to RMHC-EIWI Staff SpotlightMember
Our evening House Manager, Ashley Augustine plays a vital role in creating a welcoming, supportive space for families. In her role, Ashley oversees guest check-ins, staff coordination, van runs, and much more, ensuring each evening runs smoothly.
Ashley was drawn to RMHC-EIWI after experiencing a medical crisis with her own child. “I know what it feels like to be thrown into the unknown,” she says. “Supporting these families is where I’m meant to be.”
Ashley’s days are full and varied, from coordinating volunteers and room assignments to answering calls and connecting with families. “No two days are the same, and I love that,” she says. “The best part is getting to know the families and hearing their stories.”
One moment that stays with her: a chance meeting between two mothers—one whose child had just been diagnosed with cancer, and another who had been through the same years before. “Their embrace, their shared hope—it reminded me why this work matters.”
Ashley describes her RMHC-EIWI experience in three words: Rewarding. Meaningful. Exciting. Her one wish? “To house every family on our waitlist.”
Ashley’s advice to new team members: “Never forget why we’re here—we bring families comfort, hope, and strength.”
Thank You to Our Donors
Thank You
for
Helping Keep Families Close
To
our generous donors,
Your kindness and support continue to make a lasting difference for families facing one of the hardest times in their lives. Because of you, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern Iowa & Western Illinois can offer more than just a place to stay. We offer comfort, hope, and the healing power of togetherness.
Whether it’s a warm meal, a quiet place to rest, or simply being near their child during treatment, you help make it all possible.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for helping us keep families close when it matters most.
With gratitude,
Ways to Give
Donate On Our Website
To make a one-time donation or become a recurring donor, please visit us at:
rmhc-eiwi.org/donate-online
Donate Via Check
To send a gift by mail, please make your check out to RMHC-EIWI and mail it to us at: 730 Hawkins Drive Iowa City, IA 52246
Volunteer
Volunteers are essential to our mission. We rely on our volunteers to help keep our Ronald McDonald House a clean, warm, and welcoming place for families. For more information on how to get involved. Visit rmhc-eiwi.org/get-involved/volunteer/
Prepare a Meal
Bring your group to prepare a meal at the Ronald McDonald House in Iowa City, or at the Ronald McDonald Family Room at UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids.
Sponsor a Meal
If you would like to help, but can’t make it in person, please consider sponsoring a meal. Your gift of $250 will provide a delicious meal for families to enjoy. Our staff will take care of all the arrangements.
Casserole Club
Come in during the day and prepare casseroles for us to provide when we don’t have an evening volunteer meal group. You pick the casserole recipe, bring the ingredients to one of our locations, and prepare the casserole on site.
Interested in providing meals or casseroles for our families? Please visit us at:
rmhc-eiwi.org/volunteer-mealopportunities/index.php?signup_id=5855
Get Social with RMHC-EIWI
Hashtags with Heart Social Media Tips for RMHC-EIWI Supporters #
When you follow Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern Iowa & Western Illinois (RMHC-EIWI) on social media, you’re helping more than you know. Every like, share, and comment, helps raise awareness,and supports families.
Have you joined us at an event? We would love to see it!
Share your photos, tag us, and show the heart behind the mission. Your moments help tell our story and inspire others to get involved.
www.instagram.com/rmhc.eiwi www.facebook.com/rmhc.eiwi
Follow us. Tag us. Spread the love. #RMHCEIWI #KeepingFamiliesClose #TogetherWeMakeThisHouseAHome@rmhc.eiwi
