Ryan House, an Arizona-based nonprofit that provides a loving community where children can truly be themselves and live their lives to the fullest in a safe, homelike environment, has been awarded a Mercy C.A.R.E.S. Community Reinvestment Grant in the amount of $56,400. The grant will fund the organization’s Support-A-Stay program, which enables families to take a break from 24/7 caregiving of their child with life-limiting conditions through respite stays at Ryan House.

“Support-A-Stay provides respite, palliative, and end-of-life care for those families with a child 17 years or younger, diagnosed with a life-threatening condition and who could benefit from an overnight short-term respite stay in Phoenix,” said Trisha Stuart, community relations director of Mercy Care. “This Mercy C.A.R.E.S. grant supports the program so that families are never charged a fee to utilize the service.”

“Thanks to this funding, our parents and caregivers will have the ability to take much-needed breaks from around-the-clock-care of their children without fearing for unskilled or untrained care in their place,” said Ryan House executive director Tracy Leonard-Warner. “That time is truly priceless for the families we serve. Thank you for showing us just how much Mercy Care truly cares for our community.”

Mercy C.A.R.E.S., which stands for Community Action Resources Education and Service, is Mercy Care’s community giving initiative. Through grant funding, sponsorships, volunteer efforts and board participation, Mercy C.A.R.E.S. supports AHCCCS’ Whole Person Care Initiative, which addresses Social Risk Factors to improve health outcomes.

“As an organization dedicated to improving the health and well-being of all Arizonans, and particularly those who are underserved with complex health needs, we are happy to partner with Ryan House in making a positive impact on our community,” said Stuart.

About Ryan House
Ryan House enriches the quality of life and creates cherished memories for children and their families, providing a much-needed break from 24/7 caregiving, as they navigate life-limiting or end-of-life journeys. Ryan House is the only facility of its kind in the state and only one of three in the country. For more information visit ryanhouse.org. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram and join us on Facebook.

About Mercy Care
Mercy Care is a not-for-profit Medicaid managed-care health plan, serving AHCCCS members in Arizona since 1985. Mercy Care is a local company sponsored by Dignity Health and Ascension Health. Mercy Care provides access to physical and behavioral health care services for Medicaid-eligible families, children, seniors, and individuals with developmental/cognitive disabilities. Learn more at http://www.MercyCareAZ.org.