Support the Dr. Evans Center for Social Work

Named after our illustrious founder, pediatric oncologist Dr. Audrey Evans, the newly structured Evans Family Support Service Center is central to our mission. Our families arrive each day and stay on average about two weeks, though it is not uncommon for guests to stay several months at a time or return over the course of multi-year treatment plans. Contact with the Evans Family Support Service Center begins prior to a family's arrival at the House when our team reaches out to obtain the necessary information about the family, the child being treated, and any particular needs that may be anticipated during their stay. When a family checks in, they take part in a welcome meeting and tour led by a member of the team.

The objective of our Evans Family Support Service Center are:

• To provide opportunities for caregivers navigating their healthcare journey to share with other families who understands their current experience
• To share resources with families that will support them both mentally and fiscally during this stressful time.
• To help children and their families improve coping and relaxation skills, explore their feelings, and process the trauma associated with their illness and treatment
• To strengthen family relationships, build new relationships, and maintain a sense of normalcy in the face of their hospital experience.

Depending on a families' needs, a social worker will follow up as often as necessary for the duration of their stay. RMHC Philly social workers provide a wide range of supports to families dependent on their needs. Many arrive with emotional concerns that are either ongoing or are related to the recent diagnosis and treatment of their child. Social workers provide all family members, regardless of age, with emotional support and non-therapeutic counseling. If a family member requires professional therapeutic counseling, social workers will collaborate with the hospital for psychological services or coordinate for counseling support outside of the House. Social workers provide primary supportive work with the families based on their individual needs and concerns. General emotional support may include struggles with daily living, parental conflict, difficulty coping, grief and bereavement, concern for the well-being of siblings and family members, and managing day to day needs. We offer specific individual and group support to families with children in the NICU, Oncology, Children's Education, Teen and Sibling Support, Stress and Self-Care, Grief and Bereavement.