The Children's Inn at NIH
The Children's Inn at NIH
is a private, non-profit, family-centered residence for pediatric
outpatients at the NIH and for their families. Its purposes are to
keep children together with their families during serious illness,
reduce their stress and facilitate their healing through mutual support.
The Inn relies on private contributions for its operating funds. The
Inn currently has 36 rooms for patients and their families, with a
new wing that will accommodate another 18 families, opening in 2003.
Amenities at The Inn include two fully stocked kitchens, dining room,
living room, game room, library, playground, sleeping rooms, playroom
and family room. Reservations at The Inn are arranged by Pediatric
Oncology Branch social workers. Stays at The Inn are provided at no
cost. Donations to The Inn are gratefully accepted.
The Children's Inn Philosophy The overriding philosophy
at The Children's Inn is that families do make a difference. The ideals
of positive parenting, positive role models, self-help, personal responsibility
and the strengths gained through inter-and intra-family support are the
foundation this facility rests upon. The staff and volunteers at The Children's
Inn have been carefully selected and committed to the principles for which
this facility stands. All of those in direct contact with children, youth
and families are especially sensitive, perceptive and compassionate people.
The Children's Inn has already served hundreds of children and families,
but it has not finished taking shape. The evaluation of the programs and
services by the residents, staff and board is ongoing. A Look at the Children's
Inn
Physically, The Inn consists of private rooms where a child in treatment
and his or her family stay; a library where children and families can
find self-help and coping materials, magazines, books and tapes; kitchen
and dining areas; large community rooms; game and computer rooms; playroom
and laundry facilities.
The Children's Inn is a family-centered residence with a deep concern
for the whole child and the whole family as they experience the challenges
of chronic illness. These challenges are physical, emotional and financial.
In its operation, The Inn seeks to address the fact that in coping with
chronic illness in children, families often experience financial stress,
isolation, feelings of incompetence and loss of control over their lives.
And for some families, The Children's Inn at NIH permits participation
in NIH research programs that children otherwise could not take part in
because of family separation and other difficulties.
For more information, visit the Children's Inn web site at http://www.childrensinn.org/
Last Updated:
July 26, 2006
NCI
Home Page|| NIH Home Page
© 2002-2003, Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research,
National Cancer Institute
|