Alvin M. Keeling 
GRCC – Sydney Murphy encouraged people to Ministry of the House of Matthew get up and do exercises that help the lymphatic system flush out toxins.
Following Murphy’s instructions, several people who had come to the Northwest Grand Rapids nonprofit for a free lunch and a session led by GRCC students Occupational therapy assistant Program rose from their seats, rubbed and patted his neck, chest, hips, backs of knees, and wiggled his arms and torso.
“You might be tired, nauseous, have migraines, stiff joints,” Murphy explained. “This is a technique to wake up your lymphatic system by tapping on the major lymph nodes in your body. Overall, this can keep your entire body safe from toxins that make you sick or feel foggy. “
Since September, as part of the fieldwork to become occupational therapy assistants, GRCC students have connected with people who are homeless and who use Matthew’s House programs and services. Students serve meals – a recent Tuesday menu that included chicken, ham, mashed potatoes, and all toppings – before class begins, participants might find value.
Murphy and other GRCC students Tanya Dyer, Taylor Barr and Rachel Hill led “Self-care Bingo,” with spaces on the map indicating healthy living practices such as “stretching,” “doing a compliment ”and“ exercise ”.
They also practiced mindfulness through breathing techniques and got to know each other by sharing funny personal facts: “Strawberry Fields by The Beatles” replied to a man about his favorite song. “I’m a mechanic,” another man explained. “I work at the VanAndel Arena,” shared another. “I like to walk because I can’t drive a car without having an accident,” said Mike Baxter with a laugh.
After finishing his meal, Baxter said he enjoyed attending sessions with students while having a free dinner. They focused on nutrition, IT and job skills, and where to find resources. Baxter contributed to a resource guide they created.
“They talk about personal health, where to shop, how to save money on your shopping. They do price comparisons and everything…. They seem to get more detailed every week, ”he said.
Murphy sees the value of working with the group as part of his training.
“You meet a lot of different people in so many walks of life, and that broadens your horizons,” she said.
“It’s a lot to get to know people and where they’re from. Everyone is different and needs different things, so it’s about really getting to know them on a personal level.
“A diversity of experiences”
The partnership allows students to meet the demands of the program, but also offers rich experiences with people they might not otherwise have the opportunity to know, said Robin Pegg, assistant professor and academic work coordinator. in the field for the occupational therapy assistant program.
“Occupational therapy works throughout life. That’s why we try to provide a variety of experiences for students, ”said Pegg. “It’s really exciting that the GRCC is supporting these types of community partnerships and encouraging us to do so as a teacher. “
Occupational therapy assistants work with all ages and demographics, and work under the supervision of registered occupational therapists. They offer services and interventions to people who have physical, developmental, social or emotional deficits and who need specialized assistance.
The two-year program, offered by the Workforce Development School, includes two semesters of fieldwork. Upon completion of the program, students have an associate’s degree in applied science and are ready to take the National Council exam to become certified and ready to practice.
“It’s a lot to get to know people and where they’re from. Everyone is different and needs different things, so it’s about really getting to know them on a personal level.
– GRCC Student Sydney Murphy
During their visits, GRCC students help Matthew’s House attendees learn basic and pre-employment computer skills, such as resume writing. They offered a resource course on where to find free clothes and meals, information they gathered through a series of interviews with people from the homeless population.
Nutrition was another goal. Students shared information about how much sugar is in certain foods, how to make good choices, and how to choose healthy foods from pantries. They gave a lesson, “Cooking without a kitchen”, for the participants who live on the streets.
“The students learn and the community benefits,” said Pegg.
Reggie Lott, deputy director of Matthew’s House, said GRCC students help participants master computer skills and help them learn other skills, such as budgeting. The ministry serves as a communications hub and provides transitional housing and other resources.
“I think it also helps students become better speakers and hone their skills when it comes to dealing with audiences,” Lott said.
At first, some students were nervous about working with the people of Matthew’s House, but that quickly changed, she said. “Those same students who were scared to death to walk through that door, now only three weeks after it started, you come in and watch them sit down, (saying) ‘Hey Lou, how are you today? is your week gone? ‘”
As a college student, Hill said she enjoyed the sessions.
“I entered occupational therapy because I have a passion for helping people. I love to see people flourish in their life and enjoy their lifestyle. I love working with all ages of the population, from children to geriatrics, ”she said.
Hill learns what topics and information works with different groups of people, like those at Matthew’s House. “I think it gives us the experience of interacting with people and being able to stay focused on them and on what they want and need.”
Students also join forces Ready for Life Academy, which provides post-secondary educational experiences for college-aged people diagnosed with a developmental disability. GRCC students partner with those at Ready for Life to help them access the college program and learn life skills, such as cooking, grocery shopping, job skills and other management tasks. the House.
