Michigan's AmeriCorps Member Council - Posting #8

My name is LaShauna Horton and I am a member of the Community Health Corps at Cherry Street Health Services in Grand Rapids. The Community Health Corps is an AmeriCorps program based in community health centers and clinics across the country that links medically underserved populations and communities with culturally appropriate primary and preventive health care.

On January 27 my AmeriCorps team helped out at an event called “Project Homeless Connect” held at the Van Andel Arena. This unique event offers several services including housing services, food, pedicures, glaucoma screening, and HIV testing to the homeless of Grand Rapids. There were more than 800 guests in attendance. At the event there were a couple of service areas where AmeriCorps members helped out including dental, optical, diabetes screening, and medication assistance.

The dental area screened 203 guests, handed out service vouchers to 45 people, and pulled 121 teeth. The Michigan Department of Human Services was there to sign guests up for available state services. AmeriCorps members worked with the guests to get their Medicaid applications filled out. Then case workers did on-site interviews and were able to approve many of them for immediate assistance.

At the optical booth AmeriCorps members were doing health histories and a pre-screenings on guests. Those who displayed a need were given a voucher for a free thorough eye exam and a pair of glasses.

AmeriCorps members were also able to assist 60 additional guests by giving out information on the $4 generic prescription programs, some of the online services, and handing out the Kent County Rx discount cards.

Diabetes screening was staffed by a dietician and two AmeriCorps members. They screened 48 guests, and for those that were screened positive they were given free meters and testing supplies.

Prior to Project Homeless Connect, the Community Health Corps AmeriCorps team collected warm clothing to distribute during the event. A member and alumni handed out vouchers for guests to redeem their warm clothes. They handed out 125 coat vouchers and also gave away hats, gloves, blankets, scarves, face mask, sweaters, and socks.

“Anticipate charity by preventing poverty; assist the reduced fellow man, either by a considerable gift or a sum of money or by teaching him a trade or by putting him in the way of business so that he may earn an honest livelihood and not be forced to the dreadful alternative of holding out his hand for charity. This is the highest step and summit of charity's golden ladder.”
-Maimonides

During my first year as an AmeriCorps member I volunteered at this event and as I started my second year I couldn’t wait for this event to occur again. Doing a year of service is way more than just volunteering. You can not only change someone’s life but your own as well. When you commit your time and effort to an organization or a cause you feel strongly about, the feeling of fulfillment can be endless. Don't miss the chance to make a difference in someone's life. Take part in a great opportunity to serve your community!