PHS has partnered with Children’s Lighthouse of MN for the past 3 years. We’ve sponsored their annual festival, participated in NovemBEAR and helped to spread the word of their amazing cause. So when we were approached to participate in their first Gala, we jumped at the opportunity. The event took place on January 18, 2013 at the McNamera Alumni Center on the University of Minnesota Campus. The event was MC’d by Brian “BT” Turner of K-TWIN radio (96.3) and there were performances of some scenes from the Ashland Productions“Damn Yankees” that is currently performing at the Maplewood Community Center as well as great jazz music performed by The Reid Kennedy Trio.
The big announcement of the evening was the partnership between The Harmon Killebrew Hospice Home for Kids Fund and Children’s Lighthouse. The late Harmon Killebrew had a passion for children, working with organizations such as the Miracle League, where he was able to share his love of baseball with medically-complex children. In addition to his passion for children, Harmon and his wife Nita felt strongly about the need for hospice care for all ages. Currently, there is no hospice home in the Midwest that focuses on children. Nita sees the Harmon Killebrew Hospice Home for Kids Fund as a way to extend Harmon’s passion for hospice and children by donating to Children’s Lighthouse of MN.
PHS was proud to be a sponsor of the evening and is excited to see the continued success of Children’s Lighthouse of MN and looks forward to the day when the home is built and can open its doors to a community that truly needs this resource.
Cook for Kids at Ronald McDonald House Minneapolis
What to eat for dinner is quite possibly the last thing on your mind when you have a sick child in the hospital. For that very reason PHS has been partnering with Ronald McDonald House to purchase food, prepare and serve dinner to the families staying at the Ronald McDonald House Minneapolis- inside Children’s Hospital. On January 25th ten PHS volunteers had a great time serving breakfast for dinner again at the Ronald McDonald House in Minneapolis on January 25th. Over 60 mom’s, dad’s, brother’s, sister’s and grandma’ and grandpa’s filled up their plates with pancakes, fruit salad, scrambled eggs, bacon and sausage. We made sure no one went hungry and look forward to our next time at RMHC in March.
Our main goal at PHS is to keep kids safe at home. In order for this to happen we have to ensure that medically-complex homecare patients are kept in mind as policies and laws change at the capitol. Not only are the cost savings immense when looking at homecare vs hospital based care, but our patients progress and heal best at home, with their families, pets, and friends, where they are most comfortable.
One way PHS ensures this top of mind thought with our representatives is by lobbying for pediatric homecare. To help us strengthen our voice on Capitol Hill, we are excited to welcome William Amberg, MA, JD, to the PHS team. Coming to us from Ewald Consulting, where he served as a government relations attorney and public relations consultant the past six years, Amberg brings an immense amount of political knowledge and passion for our industry. He will serve as liaison for local government, state congressional and executive branch relations in his new position with PHS, and we’re thrilled to have him.
“After three years of independently representing Pediatric Home Service with Ewald, I couldn’t be more eager to join the team full time,” says Amberg. “I look forward to dedicating my time to representing the interests of our patients, our patients’ families and our Pediatric Home Service family.”
Kids heal best at home, and PHS will always work to ensure your children have the chance to thrive at home by ensuring your voice is heard with our state governments.
Steve with his wife Misci at celebratory graduation dinner
Pediatric Home Service is excited announce that Steve Roberts, Director of Operations, has completed the Carlson School of Management Minnesota Executive Program.
Designed to enhance business knowledge and skills, this strategy and leadership development program addresses topics such as marketing, strategic innovation, finance, operations and ethics among others.
“At PHS, continued education and opportunities for employees to expand their knowledge base are always encouraged,” said Pediatric Home Service President Mark Hamman. “This program provides an immense amount of leadership and skill development, and we look forward to Steve being able to apply the valuable insights he took away.”
Roberts, who supervises the biomedical department as well as purchasing, shipping and receiving, was one of 18 people admitted to the 2012 program. Participants were recognized for their completion of the course during a dinner held by the Carlson School of Management in Chaska, Minn., on December 13, 2012
PHS understands that you are very busy so we work hard to ensure we’re efficient and clear in all of our communications. As more and more people turn to email as their primary method of communication we want to stay on top of the best way to keep in contact with our families.
We respect your privacy and hate spam just as much as you do. We will not lend, sell, or rent your email address to anyone, so you never have to worry that your e-mail address would ever be used outside of our business.
Call PHS anytime over the next three months with your child’s name and your email address and we’ll enter you into a monthly drawing for a $100.00 visa gift card as our way of saying thank you for keeping our database up-to-date.
PHS is excited to announce that our Medical Director Roy Maynard, M.D., has joined the Spare Key Board of Directors. Dr. Maynard will provide insight and guidance to the nonprofit organization as it continues to assist families and expand its network.
Spare Key has been helping the community for the past 16 years by providing mortgage payments for families who have seriously ill or critically injured children in the hospital, to better ensure parents will be able to remain present and active in their children’s care.
With the parallels in mission, the partnership between Pediatric Home Service and Spare Key that has existed for 3 years will be made stronger with Dr. Maynard joining the board. PHS’s Sharing Care community outreach program has partnered with Spare Key through monetary donations, participation in their annual fundraiser, The Groove, and earlier this year with the fun and unique experience to ‘Pedal to the Max‘, pedaling a 10 man bike for 24 hours straight.
“PHS and Spare Key have always had a natural connection through their common goal – keeping families together,” said Dr. Maynard. “As more patients are receiving their medical care at home, I look forward to collaborating with other members of the board to expand the opportunities Spare Key has to serve families in the area.”
As the organization moves forward, and with the input of Dr. Maynard, it plans to adjust the eligibility guidelines to include patients who are being treated through homecare as well as those who are in the hospital.
It can be easy to get caught up in the festivities and excitement centered around this time of year. All of the countless errands, the parties, the cookies, and the presents to buy. But ultimately all of that leads to the most important part of the holiday season, spending time with your loved ones.
Thinking about our jobs here at Pediatric Home Service I am overcome with gratitude. I am grateful for the role we get to play in our families lives. Every single person in PHS from the warehouse, to the pharmacy, the administrative team, to the billers, play a role in safely getting medically-complex children out of the hospitals and at home with their family. This transition from hospital to home is a miracle every time that it happens, but I believe the holidays give everyone around here that little extra boost of motivation to get kids home in time for the special day. There is nothing like having everyone at home celebrating and making lifelong memories.
We understand this transition can be scary and overwhelming for our families and we want to thank you for putting your trust in PHS to be a part of your extended family on this journey. We recognize how special it is to have your child at home with you. And we feel blessed to be a part of that. Enjoy your holidays and know that your child’s safety and comfort is our #1 goal and we are never more than a phone call away. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
I know I speak for everyone at PHS when I say Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a very blessed New Year to each and everyone of you.
Ok no, we’re not talking talking about a farmer, or a dog, but we are talking about four lucky PHS employees who got to go on a field trip to Children’s Hospitals and Clinics in Minneapolis this past Monday to do what we do best (other than caring for medically-complex kiddos), volunteering. We were there with one purpose in mind, to play some bingo with “The Dude” and all the patients at Children’s Hospitals and Clinics through their closed circuit TV program.
Over the course of one hour we played 3 games of bingo and had 10 prize winners! Congrats to all the amazing patients who won prizes. I know we had a blast and will most definitely be back for more. Hanging out with The Dude, playing bingo and dancing every time someone wins, is just too much fun to pass up!
Check out this short video compilation of how much fun we had dancing once a bingo was won! You can also check out the full show (with the fun green screen animations) by clicking here.
PHS had the honor of supporting one local charity throughout the month of November by participating in NovemBEAR. Beginning November 1st PHS employees brought our bear, Harold, on different adventures throughout the Twin Cities. The bear is a symbol of support recognizing families of children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions. It is also meant to spark conversation and bring awareness to Children’s Lighthouse of MN. When anyone would ask us why, as grown adults, we were carrying a teddy bear, we were able to share information about the need for a hospice home directly focused on children in the Twin Cities. In fact, there are currently not any children’s respite home in the Midwest and only three the United States. Children’s Lighthouse of Minnesota is dedicated changing that and building an independent home that will provide short respite breaks for children with life-limiting conditions and families, and an option beyond the hospital or home environment for compassionate hospice care at the end of life.
PHS employees had a great time raising awareness and toting Harold around with us for such a great cause. Harold’s social life could have rivaled that of any celebrity with the number of events we had him going to. He went to a waterpark, a cystic fibrosis conference, volunteered at the Hunger Mission for Union Gospel Mission, a hockey tournament in Brainerd, sledding up in East Bethel, raised money for cancer research on Be Bold, Be Bald day, played on an ATV, dressed up as a super hero for Halloween, and pedaled for almost 10 hours straight to raise money for Spare Key. I’d say he’s the most philanthropic teddy bear around, wouldn’t you?
Did you carry a bear? If so, what was your experience? We’d love to hear from you. So would Harold.
Pediatric Home Service has always lived by the mission of ‘taking care of the child‘, we have made it our goal to always provide the best care for our patients and their families, every single day. In our new monthly Patient Spotlight segment you’ll read stories and see pictures of some very special kiddos and their families. PHS kids truly do thrive and we’re excited to be able to share their stories.
A little background
Noah is and active and fun 16 year old who has been diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy (CP), epilepsy and has a history of recurrent pneumonia. Pediatric Home Service provides Noah with his in-home nursing care and infusion therapy treatments and we’re glad to be able to help keep Noah safe and at home where he belongs. Despite Noah’s medical complications, nothing is holding this young man back, Noah is all boy (as you can see from the pictures below)! He loves being outside, playing with animals and riding through the woods on the hay truck. In early October, Noah was granted a wish from Wishes & More making it possible for he and his family to visit Confidence Learning Center for a weekend of fun.
A glimpse into the fun
Noah’s favorite part about his trip was….everything! He loved the slipper slide, the glass-bottom boat, and the many hay rides. He pet bunnies, laughed hysterically over the grunts and “burps” of Frankie the pig, fed deer out of his hand, was kissed by a deer on the forehead, screamed in joy as we went bumping down the hills in the hay truck, loved playing in a pile of leaves, and loved giving hugs to everyone he knows and loves.
PHS is thankful for organizations like Wishes & More and Confidence Learning Center for making it possible for our patients to get out and thrive in the community. In addition to these two organizations we want to give thanks to Noah’s parents and all of the parents of medically-complex kiddos. Your role is never ending and you deserve recognition for all you do for your children.
The holidays should be a time for joy, celebration, family and fun, but for some, the holidays can be a very stressful time of the year. Although everyone dreams of giving their children a magical morning filled with toys and games from Santa and a family meal fit for a king, those dream can be financially straining. PHS wants to help families in need locate the resources they need to help those dream become a reality this holiday season. PHS Medical Social Worker, Monica Handlos has compiled a list of local resources that are available to help provide toys and holiday meals for families in need.
***If this list doesn’t cover your area please call United Way First Call for Help at 651-291-0211 or 1-800-543-7709 and ask them for agencies that are helping with Holiday Assistance. They will ask for your zip code and give you a list of local agencies that might be able to help you out.
Toy Programs:
Salvation Army
To register for Toy Shop you can do so online here or call 651.746.3595 Monday-Friday 9:00am-4:00pm. Registration for The Salvation Army’s 2011 Toy Shop will be open until December 8.
Toy Shop is a collaboration of churches and agencies who work together to register families for Christmas resources. When you complete the form, your information will be assigned and given to an agency that can serve you. They will be responsible for instructing you on how to pick up toys.
In order to complete the registration, you must meet all of the following guidelines:
You must live in the 10 county metro area of the Twin Cities (Minnesota).
You must have a child or children up to age 14.
You must have an active email address (for online registration).
You must have a home address and receive mail there.
You have not registered for Christmas assistance anywhere else.
You must show proof of address and identification for every child when you pick up your toys.
Toys for Tots
Toys for Tots is a United States Marine Corp Reserve non-profit organization. Toys for Tots collects new toys for children whose parents cannot afford Christmas gifts. If you need to register to receive toys for your children the process is simple.
In order to request toys you will have to go online and hit the request toys tab. Find an agency close to you and contact them. They will submit a request to Toys for Tots for your toys.
For those of you looking to donate toys this year keep in mind that the PHS building is a drop off site. You can send toys with drivers or clinicians in the home or feel free to bring donations into the office for donation through Wednesday, December 12th.
Neighbors, Inc. Holiday Program
To qualify you must live in Inver Grove Heights, Lilydale, Mendota, Mendota Heights, South St Paul, Sunfish Lake or West St Paul.
Apply in person at 222 Grand Avenue South, South St Paul, MN 55075. To learn more, call the Information Hotline 651.306.2156 (for Spanish call 651.306.2159). Registration open through mid December.
Community Emergency Assistance Program, Inc. (CEAP)
CEAP’s Holiday Program is open to residents of Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park or East Champlin who have children in the household aged 18 or younger.
Call for an appointment to register. Leave a message on the Holiday Line at 763.450.3670.
St. Louis Park Emergency Program (STEP)
Open to St. Louis Park residents.
Register in person Monday-Thursday 1:00pm-2:00pm and Tuesday 6:00-7:00pm. If there are questions about registration, please call 952.925.4899. Registration for the Holiday Toy Program ends December 13th.
Volunteers Enlisted to Assist People, Inc. (VEAP)
Open to residents of Bloomington, Edina, Richfield and part of south Minneapolis (south of 50th Street, west of Cedar Avenue).
Register by phone at 952.888.9616.
Friends in Need Food Shelf
Friends in Need Food Shelf is providing toy assistance for Christmas. This program is open to residents of Cottage Grove, Newport, St. Paul Park, and Grey Cloud Island.
Please call on Tuesday for an appointment from 9:00am-6:00pm: 651.458.0730. You will need to bring your picture ID with a current bill for proof of address.
St. Paul Area Association of Realtors (SPAAR)
Toys for Joy Christmas Program provides gifts for low-income families in Anoka County.
Pick up application in November at your local food shelf, WIC/NAP site, Anoka county Income Maintenance, or at home helping agencies at the Anoka County Human Services Center in Blaine.
CAP Agency
Serves Scott and Carver Counties.
Call 952.496.2125 Monday- Friday 8:00am-5:00pm to set up an appointment with an outreach coordinator for application. Must have: ID, proof of address, children’s ages, and family size.
Christmas Anonymous
Serves residents of Olmsted County with children under 18 years old. One Saturday a year before Christmas toys are set up as a shopping experience for eligible families.
You must currently participate in WIC, CAP or channel 1 food shelf. Call 507.285.3940. Leave a message for registration information. Machine checked weekly.
Church of St. Stephen
Serves low income families in Anoka County.
Call 763.712.7441 for more information Monday-Thursday 8:30am- 8:00pm and Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm.
Hospitality House Youth Development
Christmas with dignity serves the city of Minneapolis and suburban Minneapolis.
Call 763.712.7441 Monday-Friday 9:00am-4:00pm for pre-registration and more information. Registrant must have current picture ID, and utility bill with address.
This sale gives a hand up to families in need by providing an opportunity to buy new gifts at a fraction of the original cost.
Neighbors, Inc.
Serves families in Inver Grove Heights, South and West St. Paul, Mendota Heights, Mendota, Sunfish Lake and Lilydale.
Call 651.455.1508 Monday-Friday 8:15am-4:30pm for registration and more information. Registrant must have current picture ID, utility bill with address, proof of family size and children’s ages.
Designed to help people who are financially unable to provide holiday gifts for their immediate family.
People Responding in Social Ministry (PRISM)
Serves families low income families.
Call 763.529.1350 to make an appointment. Registrant must have proof of address and ID cards for children.
Parents may come and choose holiday presents for each of their children approximately two weeks before the holidays. Holiday wrapping paper and other supplies may also be available.
Resource West
Serves families in Deephaven, Excelsior, Greenwood, Hopkins, Minnetonka, Shorewood and Woodland.
Call 952.988.5350 Monday- Friday from 9:00am-4:30pm to see if you’re eligible and register.
Families pick out one large items, 2 small items and stocking stuffers for each child.
PHS has partnered with Children’s Lighthouse of MN for the past 3 years. We’ve sponsored their annual festival, participated in NovemBEAR and helped to spread the word of their amazing cause. So when we were approached to participate in their first Gala, we jumped at the opportunity. The event took place on January 18, 2013 at the McNamera Alumni Center on the University of Minnesota Campus. The event was MC’d by Brian “BT” Turner of K-TWIN radio (96.3) and there were performances of some scenes from the Ashland Productions “Damn Yankees” that is currently performing at the Maplewood Community Center as well as great jazz music performed by The Reid Kennedy Trio.
What to eat for dinner is quite possibly the last thing on your mind when you have a sick child in the hospital. For that very reason PHS has been partnering with Ronald McDonald House to purchase food, prepare and serve dinner to the families staying at the Ronald McDonald House Minneapolis- inside Children’s Hospital. On January 25th ten PHS volunteers had a great time serving breakfast for dinner again at the Ronald McDonald House in Minneapolis on January 25th. Over 60 mom’s, dad’s, brother’s, sister’s and grandma’ and grandpa’s filled up their plates with pancakes, fruit salad, scrambled eggs, bacon and sausage. We made sure no one went hungry and look forward to our next time at RMHC in March.
