Akron Children’s new Panda Cares Center of Hope serves as a place of peace and refuge for patients, families and staff.
The mission of Panda Express is to inspire better lives, not only within its company, but within its communities.
Through its charitable arm, Panda Cares, the company strives to inspire hope in future generations by supporting the health and education needs of underserved youth. One of the key ways the company achieves this is through its 16-year partnership with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.
“We believe that it is important to pay it forward to the communities that support Panda every day,” said Nina Osorio, Panda Cares senior manager, Panda Cares, Panda Restaurant Group. “Our partnership with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals allows us to touch the lives of youth across the nation, including the patients at Akron Children’s.”
Through Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, Panda Express has donated nearly $252,000 to Akron Children’s. Recently, the company announced a $589,000 pledge to support the Chaplaincy Services Department at our hospital.
Coming together to support the whole person
Panda Express will raise funds for this multi-year pledge through the generosity of its guests – and its associates’ commitment to serving their communities. It will collect donations year-round in Panda Express locations. Associates can also give back through the Panda Associate Giving Campaign, where they can donate a portion of their paycheck to their local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital.
The dollars will go toward the Panda Cares Center of Hope at Akron Children’s, a new stand-alone spiritual care center on our Akron campus.
“The Center of Hope allows us to provide programs and services designed to give children the courage and strength to thrive by supporting the whole person including their mental, emotional, physical and spiritual needs,” said Nina.
“Our space is intended to serve as a place of peace and refuge for patients, families and staff,” said Matthew Tweddle, director of Chaplaincy Services at Akron Children’s. “The sanctuary side of the center will include quiet spaces for private prayer, meditation and reflection. We will also use that space for small worship and ritual opportunities. The study side will include resources to support one’s own spirituality and learn about others.”
The Spiritual Care Center also includes a children’s section with a library, table and chairs. A design team helped incorporate materials and artwork, including elements of nature, to help visitors feel like they have left the hospital and entered a separate space.
“We understand that hospital stays can be difficult, not only for patients, but also siblings and parents,” said Nina. “We are happy to provide a space where patients can take a break from medical treatment to just be kids and enjoy moments with their loved ones.
