About RedTreehouse.org
Our Purpose
Redtreehouse.org supports families and children with challenges, disabilities, and health care needs by helping them find the resources they need to thrive.
Curated resource pathways allow individuals to browse our collection of 5000+ verified listings by medical condition or specific need, while Parent & Pro Picks offer information and groupings of resources on a variety of useful topics. The information families can find on RedTreehouse.org includes:
organizations and professionals that can provide guidance and services
steps to take if your child or young adult is diagnosed with a disability or chronic illness
access to community-based health, social services and education
balancing needs of family members
growth and development
coping with stress
partnering with and influencing decision makers
RedTreehouse.org also provides a robust platform for professionals to list services or help find additional support for the families they serve.
What Families Are Saying About RedTreehouse.Org
“Magically it appears to be right on target for my child’s age group and current issues.”
“Makes my life a little easier than taking hours looking for organizations.”
”Love this website. There's a feeling of hope when I click through the pages. Thanks for having this site, it's been heaven sent to our family.”
What Professionals Say
“One stop shopping for information, resources.”
“A great resource for professionals to use in partnership with parents, whether they are new to challenges or experienced.
“I refer my clients to your website all the time--it's an invaluable tool.”
Red Treehouse is a program of Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Northeast Ohio, Inc. (RMHC NEO).
RMHC® NEO, a nonprofit organization, enhances the healthcare experience for families and children through comfort, care and supportive services.
Our Ronald McDonald House® (RMH) and hospital-based Ronald McDonald Family Room® programs help families stay near the care their sick or injured children need. Our STAR Center and Care Mobile® improve access to outpatient treatment and preventive care, and Redtreehouse.org provides resources and information to support family health and well-being.
Our History
2004
In 2004, RMH of Cleveland collaborated with Northeast Ohio organizations and families to establish Tools for Today and Tomorrow -- a program to help families and professionals caring for children with chronic illnesses and/or disabilities access needed information, resources, and support.
2011
In 2011, we combined efforts with Ohio Family and Children First (OFCF), a partnership of state and local government, communities and families that enhances the well-being of Ohio’s children and families. This resulted in Red Treehouse, a broader, statewide resource for families, young adults, and professionals. OCFC helped fund RedTreehouse until December 2017 and remains involved today.
2018
In January 2018, Red Treehouse was redesigned to utilize new technology and was officially recognized as the Ronald McDonald Family Resource Link.
2020
In 2020, through collaboration with Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Pittsburgh and Morgantown, Red Treehouse expanded to add resources for Pennsylvania and West Virginia. This expansion is made possible by a 2019 RMHC® Remarkable Impact Grant, with support from AbbVie.
To better serve families, in July of 2020 the four Ronald McDonald House® organizations serving Northeast Ohio (Ronald McDonald House of Akron, Ronald McDonald House of Cleveland, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northeastern Ohio, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Mahoning Valley and Western Pennsylvania) united to form the current organization, RMHC NEO.
The Story Behind the Name: RedTreehouse.org
When RMH and OFCF were rebranding and expanding the program into a statewide resource, the steering committee chose the name RedTreehouse, stating:
“RedTreehouse was chosen to convey a welcoming, personal place – a place to explore, discover and see beyond immediate surroundings. It is a place to see new possibilities, to gather for children and young adults to help them meet needs, overcome challenges and develop to their fullest potential.
A tree house doesn’t stand alone. It is anchored by and interacts with surrounding branches. Our strength and resiliency as individuals and as a community are enhanced by those branches, by our connections to others. No one has to do it alone. There is a network of community members to support us. Our website, RedTreehouse.org, is designed to help make those connections.
Our tree house is red, the color of love, energy, power, passion, life, and vitality. By recognizing and building on existing strengths within families and communities, we can help our children and young adults achieve positive outcomes and well-being.”
