Welcome Matthew Eldridge, our new Evening House Manager at the Atlanta Ronald McDonald House near Egleston, who is transitioning from a guest to a member of our staff. Matthew is a graduate of the University of Central Florida with a bachelor of social work degree. He recently graduated from Full Sail University with top honors and a M.F.A. in creative writing.

Matthew and his wife were guests at our Atlanta Ronald McDonald House near Scottish Rite for two months while their son, Dawson, underwent three open-heart surgeries after he was born. Matthew got to know the staff and operations well during his time at the House, so when the position opened he knew it would be a great fit.

Matthew was drawn to Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities because of the wonderful, caring staff and its familial atmosphere. Before Matthew joined Atlanta RMHC, he spent time leading worship and working in the film industry, but found the film industry to be too taxing on his family especially with Dawson’s medical needs.

“I am mission-minded. I want to give families comfort and assure them that they’re cared for. I want to make them feel invited in times of need,” Matthew says.  He hopes his empathy and compassion will help him connect with the families and volunteers he meets.

Matthew is most excited to “put smiles on the faces of parents going through difficult times and reassure them that we are 100 percent supporting them at Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities,” he says.

He wants to make others feel as cared for as his family did during their time at our House. Dawson is now doing great and Matthew has relocated his family from Macon to Atlanta, so they can be close to the hospital for Dawson’s medical needs.