Rick's House of Hope founder says goodbye
The Rev. Robyn Plocher is saying goodbye to Rick’s House of Hope, a place where she has helped hundreds of traumatized children rediscover the sweetness of hope.
“We are in the business of creating hope in the lives of kids,” Plocher said. “Almost a year ago, I decided it was time to transition out. I think after 7 ½ years of counseling traumatized children, it’s time to step back.”
People can wish her good luck and welcome new director Denise Tatoian during an open house from 6-7:30 p.m. today at Rick’s House, 4867 Forest Grove Drive, Bettendorf.
Plocher and her husband are ordained ministers in the United Methodist Church, and he has been appointed to a church in Reinbeck, Iowa, a small town about 20 miles southwest of Cedar Falls, Iowa.
She looks forward to taking time to rejuvenate and get serious about writing.
During her time at Rick’s House, she touched the lives of between 1,200 and 1,400 young people dealing with issues ranging from the death of a loved one, a parental separation or divorce, or having a family member diagnosed with a serious illness or mental challenge, she said.
A few children became especially dear to her, such as a small boy who came to the center after losing a playmate.
“When I first met him, he didn’t want to have anything to do with any of the children,” she said, adding now he has friends. “I thought there couldn’t be a more beautiful or reassuring thing for me to hear as I’m in my last days at Rick’s House of Hope.”
Another child who crept into her heart was the victim of a crime that left him paralyzed. “He just amazed me because I know that hope was still alive in him,” she said.
Volunteers play a huge part in running the support groups and programs such as Rainbow Club, Changing Families/Healing Hearts and Camp Good Grief summer day camp. “I have always had phenomenal volunteers. I can’t say enough good about them,” she said.
Rick’s House of Hope is a program of Prairie and River Spiritual Resources, a division of Genesis Medical Center’s Spiritual Care Department.
Tatoian served as principal of All Saints Catholic School from 2004-06 and principal at Sacred Heart Cathedral School, both in Davenport, from 1999-2004 and she taught before that. She holds a master’s degree in education/educational administration from Western Illinois University, Macomb, Ill.
“Rick’s House of Hope is just a wonderful resource. I’ve always wanted to work with children and serve families. That’s who I am,” Tatoian said.
She is involved in the process of immersing herself in her new role. This summer, she will run the center and study for her certification as a trauma and loss specialist through the National Institute for Trauma and Loss in Children in Detroit.
She plans to introduce herself to community organizations and groups and find out what needs should be addressed in serving traumatized children.
“My intention is to uphold the traditions that have been established at Rick’s House of Hope and to continue to look for opportunities for additional programming and services for families,” she said.
Events at the House
Rick’s House of Hope offers programming and special events for grieving and traumatized youngsters. The center was named in honor of the late Rev. Richard Johnson, who served as a chaplain at Genesis Medical Center and the former St. Luke’s Hospital, Davenport. He also founded Prairie and River Spiritual Resources.
For more information about the programs, call (563) 324-9580 or go to www.genesishealth.com and key in “children and grief.”
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