Author: Leslie Toldo
For more than eleven years, the Hospitality House at McLaren Flint has provided overnight and extended accommodations for out-of-town patients and their families. The idea is to offer comfort and a safe place to stay during a stressful time. A group of volunteers works tirelessly to help the staff achieve that goal.
“I have worked at the Hospitality House since I joined the auxiliary, and I wouldn’t want to work anywhere else,” said McLaren Flint auxiliary volunteer Karen Schlieger.
Karen joined the auxiliary after her husband passed away from cancer.
“It was a way to get out into the world,” Karen said. “And I know my personal experience gives me insight into the struggles many of our guests face.”
Patients and caregivers who stay at the Hospitality House while battling cancer, stroke, and other illnesses have come to rely on it. Various fundraising activities help keep the accommodations low, sometimes even at no cost to guests.
“If you needed it, wouldn’t you want a place like this to go?” Asked volunteer Jeffrey Osman.
Jeffrey and his wife Denise, both auxiliary members, tackle many duties alongside their fellow volunteers. Being on call, working the front desk, cleaning rooms, laundry, and other chores fill their days at the house, but it is interacting with guests that brings the couple the most reward.
“I love the people. I love the interaction,” said Denise.
Denise has been an auxiliary member for almost two decades and has worked at the Hospitality House since it opened.
“My favorite place is the kitchen,” Denise said. “My best friend and I used to bake at the House, before she passed.”
The kitchen area actually houses four complete kitchen setups, where guests can cook meals and even dine with other families dealing with illness. The House also features a laundry area, library, craft room, and several cozy seating areas designed to make every guest feel at home.
“Although families are going through a great deal of stress, the Hospitality House is a happy place to be,” said Karen.
The Hospitality House is located right next to the McLaren Proton Therapy Center and the Karmanos Cancer Institute on McLaren’s Flint campus. To learn more about the services it provides, you can visit mclaren.org/hospitalityhouse.
Karen, Denise, and Jeffrey also invite you to join the McLaren Flint auxiliary team, which provides an array of services on the hospital campus. From working with patients and caregivers at the cancer center, to working the gift shop, to sewing and crafts, you can find a good fit for what interests you most. You will also make a lot of great new friends.
“It truly is rewarding work,” said Jeffrey.
If you would like to learn more about joining the auxiliary, you can call (810) 342-2009, or visit the website here.