During Volunteer Appreciation Month, we are grateful for the many people who give their time to support families at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Idaho. Some, like Rose Honeyman, continue that care in a new way by joining our team as an employee. Rose first discovered the Ronald McDonald House Family Room at the Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center (EIRMC) in Idaho Falls in 2025 after a friend encouraged her to stop by. What began as a short visit quickly became something more. She returned again and again, finding joy in the simple but meaningful work of supporting families. “I just fell in love with the Family Room and what it offers to families and their kids,” Rose shared.
As a volunteer, she did a little bit of everything. From baking and organizing to welcoming families and helping with daily tasks, she stepped in wherever she was needed. When a position opened, those around her encouraged her to apply. It felt like a natural next step. Today, Rose continues to serve others, now as a staff member. For her, the most meaningful part of the work is being there for families, especially on their first day. “They’re exhausted, they’re scared, they’re tired, and they just need a happy home to come to,” she said.
She sees the impact every day in small, powerful ways. Families share how the space feels like home. Parents are able to rest while staying close to their children. And when loved ones gather, even for a short time, there is a sense of comfort and connection.
Rose talks about how amazing the access is for families – how it is literally a 2,800 square foot four-bedroom house within EIRMC. You just go through some double doors and you’re in the hospital. For families with babies in the NICU, she explains; it makes breast feeding much easier just to walk down the hall in the middle of the night.
She described the impact the Family Room has: “Watching a family member come in, absolutely exhausted and crying. They come into the family room, just sit down, close their eyes, relax, and then you look at them 20 minutes later: It is a whole new person. All they needed was to go into a home, to sit down, relax and regroup. That is the biggest reward for me – just being there for the parents that truly need us.”
Outside of the Family Room, Rose has worked in ultrasound for more than 20 years, continuing her commitment to caring for others in every part of her life. She enjoys hiking and still volunteers at other places in her free time. She encourages anyone thinking about volunteering to come check out the Family Room at EIRMC. Spend some time, lead with compassion, and be part of something meaningful.
