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(ALLENTOWN, PA) – As part of the DeSales Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing, 2nd degree program, DeSales nursing students led six workshops at the Allentown Rescue Mission. The students helped the men in the Transformation Program understand their health needs and gained a better understanding of the homeless community. The nursing students will graduate in August 2021. The work completed at the Allentown Rescue Mission was a requirement of their Community and Public Health Nursing class.
The students started the sessions by asking fun, ice breaker questions to get to know the men and learn what the men felt was essential to their overall health and well-being. During the final two classes, the students made presentations to teach the men how to manage the conditions previously identified.
The Allentown Rescue Mission clients reported high-stress levels from COVID-19 and the restrictions imposed on them due to the pandemic. Using this information, the nursing students split into two groups to make their final presentations. One group presented art and music therapy to reduce stress, and the other group taught the therapeutic effects of physical activity and meditation.
The students used interactive activities to educate the men and to have fun. The men listened to different types of music, participated in adult coloring, exercised, and learned breathing techniques to reduce stress and anxiety. Kyle H., a client enrolled in the Transformation Program, stated, “I think the art class was good. It really helped me focus and relax.”
The sessions also introduced the nursing students to the homeless population. When asked about the experience, all the students agreed that their opinion of the homeless had changed. They mentioned that the Allentown Rescue Mission clients were very welcoming and happy to see them. Additionally, the men acted like a family and seemed to look out for each other.
The Allentown Rescue Mission would like to thank the DeSales Accelerated Nursing, 2nd degree program for educating and supporting its men. And to congratulate the Accelerated Program for its NCLEX pass rate of 100% in 2020. All students who took the Registered Nurse exam after completing the program passed!
The Allentown Rescue Mission, a 501c3, 123 bed non-profit homeless shelter has been providing shelter for homeless men since 1900. In addition to emergency shelter services (365 days a year), the Allentown Rescue Mission offers a residential life skills program, and transitional employment on the Clean Team that’s available for hire to the community. The Clean Team pays the men above PA state minimum wage– helping them save a nest egg to transition back into the community. In a typical year, the Allentown Rescue Mission provides shelter services for over 946 men per year, and serves over 42,000 meals a year to men in need.
To refer someone to the Allentown Rescue Mission for services or to learn ways you can help make a difference please visit www.allentownrescuemission.org
Information provided to TVL by:
Stefanie Appel
Community Relations
Allentown Rescue Mission
www.allentownrescuemission.org
