Stories

Restoring The Feet Of The Homeless

Union College’s Foot Clinic Wins 2008 Compassion and Action Award

By Jimmy Philips

Walking. Running. Tying his shoes. These are all things Henry Curry once gave little thought too. Then, while fixing a house in 2005, Curry fell off a 20-foot scaffolding and was left with a broken back. Paralyzed from the waist down and confined to a wheel chair, taking the little things for granted—like clipping his toenails—was no longer an option.

In the early 1990s two Union College nursing instructors were searching for a community enhancement project as part of their graduate studies. An assessment survey in the Lincoln community showed a specific need for foot care for the homeless. A partnership with the college’s nursing program ensued, and almost two decades later, Union’s foot clinic has gained national recognition and made an international impact.

In addition to students from the nursing program, Union College physician assistant students also regularly participate in the clinic. Although foot care isn’t usually part of physician assistant studies, Mike Huckabee,* physician assistant program director, decided that participating in the clinic is valuable experience for his students. “Going to the clinic gives the students hands-on experience just weeks into the curriculum,” Huckabee said. “Down the road, students will have to take care of patients with cancer or heart disease. It’s not as much about the type of care as it is the social element of forming relationships with people who are going through difficult times.”

Together, the nursing and physician assistant students conduct 16 clinics each year at Matt Talbot Kitchen and Outreach, typically serving 30-35 homeless or near homeless each visit. Not only do the patients have their nails cleaned and feet disinfected, but every six months they are also given a new pair of shoes. Between cleaning supplies, treatments and shoes, operation of the clinic costs thousands of dollars each year.

At the beginning, the Division of Health Science paid the majority of costs associated with the clinic. But as the outreach has expanded, the need to find a steady third-party source of funding has increased. A grant from the Lincoln Community Foundation funded the program for a number of years. Recently, LCF informed the college that although they applauded the effort, the clinic would need to find new channels of funding. At the beginning of this year, they did just that.

In a matter of weeks, the clinic received two major grants. The Nebraska Academy of Physician Assistants awarded a $10,000 grant to Union’s physician assistant program to support the monthly foot clinic. Shortly thereafter, the American Academy of Physician Assistants presented the college with its $5,000 “Healthy Neighborhoods” grant. Combined, the $15,000 will support the clinic for at least two years.

“The NAPA grant will help us continue to build credibility in the state of Nebraska,” Huckabee said. “The AAPA gift takes it to a national level. This recognition will continue to increase the visibility of the service component of PA education.”

Creating the Connection

Although many students are initially timid about participating in the clinic, the experience creates perspective.

“It was really nerve-racking at first, but I feel better knowing that what we’re doing matters,” said Trista Peterson, sophomore nursing major. “If we didn’t do it, who would?”

Senior Jordan Cooper agrees, “It’s a great learning experience that prepares you for providing care to anyone.”

There is no shortage of gratitude from the patients, like Henry Curry, who have discovered the compassionate service displayed by these students every three weeks at Matt Talbot. “I appreciate everything,” Curry said. “After I broke my back, it’s hard to get down to take care of my feet.”

As Charley Gray pondered over his decision, choosing black or brown shoes, he beamed a joyous smile. “I feel great. I never knew someone would take the time to do something like this for me.”

Although students are only required to participate in the clinic once a semester, during their freshman and sophomore years, Jeff Joiner, chair for the Division of Health Science, says it doesn’t always stop there. “Once students get over the fear factor, many go multiple times each semester. We even have juniors and seniors who volunteer even though it’s not required.”

For most, this connection goes beyond foot care. “It makes me feel good that I can help people who don’t have the funds to take care of themselves,” said Nyla Schmidt, sophomore nursing student. “Once you begin to talk, you make a connection on a deeper level. It’s wonderful.”

On March 13, the clinic received another notable acknowledgement of the program’s importance. At its yearly “Feed the Need of the City Gala,” the Matt Talbot Kitchen and Outreach awarded Union College the 2008 Compassion and Action Award.

“I know there’s been times when funding has been down, but this clinic provides such a great service to the homeless of Lincoln,” said Sara Sunderman, Matt Talbot outreach coordinator. “We’d do anything to make sure it continues.”

Beyond Lincoln

Having heard of Union’s foot clinic, Maranatha Volunteers International organized a similar outreach for the homeless in the city of Chiclayo, Peru. For hours, hundreds of high school students washed grimy feet in this developing nation.

What started as a school project and grew into a vital, award winning outreach for the inhabitants of the streets of Lincoln, Nebraska, has made an international impact.

However, to see the real reason for their service, students don’t need to span an ocean or look into an awards display. All the validation needed can be found in the improved quality of life for friends like Henry Curry.

“I love seeing the smiles on everyone’s faces when they get a new pair of shoes,” said Crystal Culp, sophomore nursing major. “It makes me feel good to give them something most people take for granted.”

*Not related to the former Republican presidential candidate