Shelter From The Storm

Quantum House Executive Director Robi Jurney stands in the foyer of the West Palm Beach facility.

Tucked discreetly in a far off corner on the St. Mary's Medical Center campus is a pleasant looking, low slung building surrounded by tropical, lush landscaping that belies its true purpose. "We provide temporary housing and coordinate support services for families whose children are undergoing treatment for any array of illnesses at St. Mary's Children's Hospital. Most people don't know about us until they need us." Speaking those words is Robi Jurney, who has been at the helm of Quantum House for the past 3 years. The articulate, petite director, who bears a resemblance to actress Heather Locklear, explains the mission of the now 10 year-old facility.

Spearheaded by The Junior League of The Palm Beaches and constructed with a grant from the Quantum Foundation, Quantum House has 10 bedrooms with an additional 2 bedrooms in the hospital for families who wish to be only steps away from their child. A $35 per night donation is suggested, but nobody is turned away because of financial restraints. "People who walk in the door are truly amazed how beautiful it is. For many, it is the nicest place they have ever stayed," Robi extols. One reason the ambiance is so "Palm Beach" is that The Breaker's Hotel helped furnish the rooms. "We're getting another makeover this year courtesy of The Breaker's, " she added.

With the average length of stay 2 weeks, demand for lodging is high and limited, so Quantum House has partnered with hotels in the area for "special rates" for those awaiting space to become available. Robi explained that Quantum House is moving slowly with plans for expansion. "Bigger doesn't always mean better." In addition to the 10 bedrooms there is a large commercial kitchen, laundry room, computer work area, dining and living room areas, and children's playroom.

More than 500 volunteers also play a large roll at Quantum House, as there are only 4 full time staff members. Students from area high schools fulfill their community service hours, as well as garden clubs, football teams, Brownie troops and a host of other organizations wishing to help with a variety of chores. Robi is quick to note one volunteer who deserves special recognition: Ken Wade, the chef/owner of Paddy Mac's in Palm Beach Gardens. "Ken has been our guardian angel from the beginning. He recently stopped by and asked why the back porch/sitting area wasn't screened it. I said to him, Ken, we have a few other priorities. The following day a work crew arrived to screen in the porch, all thanks to Ken. And that's only one example of many contributions he has made."

As the only facility of its kind between Ft. Lauderdale and Orlando, Quantum House is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. As for Robi Jurney and her staff, part of the magic is seeing families sharing a common experience and forming lifetime friendships. "Every single family is precious to us. The experience of working here puts everything in perspective. If you do what you love, it's not a job."

For additional information about Quantum House: http://www.quantumhouse.org