Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (RMUoHP) hosted the annual Student Day of Service on Saturday, November 9, 2019. Over 40 students from the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS), and Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS SLP) programs participated in the event. The students assisted in the necessary steps of preparing a local property for a tiny house with the direction of FreshStart. Fresh Start, an organization co-owned by a husband and wife team, builds housing for individuals transitioning out of incarceration or who are victims of domestic violence.
The FreshStart Transition Program “focuses on enabling individuals to create a successful life emotionally, spiritually, socially, physically, and financially through REAL Transition. Each year [they] provide hope, training, and support to previously incarcerated men and women allowing them to redirect their lives and become contributing members of our community and their families” (FreshStartVentures.org).
The great turnout of student volunteers ensured that there were plenty of helping hands to accomplish the work, which included digging two 12 foot deep trenches for a sewage line and gas and electric lines. In addition to working on the trenches, students also fixed a wooden fence, raked leaves, and took all of the scrap materials to the local dump.
Javin Miller, an MS SLP student with some construction experience, enjoyed the opportunity to serve the local community. Miller stated, ” It means a lot to me when I can help a fellow human being become a better person by helping them in the way they need. Getting to participate with this project was a great way to serve the community and help those that need it.”
Student Affairs Manager Jeanine Farmer, along with Student Affairs Administrative Assistant Dailie Todd, worked with FreshStart on all of the logistics and planning for this project. Farmer stated, “I felt that this organization would resonate well with our student population of future health-care providers, and it did. We had over 100 students initially signed up to volunteer, but due to unforeseen circumstances with the construction crew, the event had to be postponed a week. Despite the last-minute changes, we still had a great turnout!”
The students enjoyed the opportunity to work alongside their peers outside of the classroom. Miller stated, “Creating an even greater bond working together as cohorts will only strengthen the relationship we have as a school.” Doctor of Physical Therapy student Kristen Schoonover added, “I think it is vital to give of yourself in order to grow. Service is a huge part of why we enter the health field, so it’s awesome to exercise that now while in school!”
Service is a core value for RMUoHP and the University is proud to have students who not only strive to reach high within their education but who also seek to reach out and serve the community.
Author Talia Blatter
