Service Learning Project

Service Learning Project

Angie M Robl
Ferris State University

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Service Learning Project

Ferris State University incorporates academic service learning into many of their programs. The
value of academic service learning is described by Ferris State University as:
enhance[ing] traditional classroom study by supplementing it with community service that is
relevant to the subject material and meaningful to the community. Service-learning also has a civic
learning element, offering students the knowledge, skills, and values they will need for well-rounded
civic engagement, (2014).
This paper explores my experience in service learning done for completion of the RN to BSN program for
Ferris State University. For this project I volunteered my time and knowledge with a community based
group. My goals where to:
1. Identify the role of nurses in community based volunteer work
2. Identify the nursing professional standards in community based health promotion.
3. Reflect on the barriers to health care for this population using the critical thinking and the
nursing process
4. Analyze the role of nurses in providing care for this at risk population.
Agency
For this project I had the privilege of working with Nikia Parker RN, BSN, CMSRN a member of
Progress Village. Progress Village is a subcommittee of the Traverse Bay Poverty Reduction Initiative
(PRI). PRI is a community-driven, collaborative effort to reduce poverty in the Traverse Bay region,
(PRI, 2014). In February of 2004 the Grand Traverse Bay area held a Poverty Summit and 225 people
came together. The Traverse Bay Poverty Reduction Initiative was created from that summit and 10
years later the community is still active in addressing local poverty issues. Poverty Reduction Initiative
consists of representatives from local businesses, public and government agencies, and concerned

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citizens. Working subcommittees focus on five strategic directions: Navigators, Mentoring, Education,
Advocacy, and Communications, (PRI, 2014).
Volunteer Role
Nikia Parker RN, BSN, CMSRN was able to assign me to a specific project for my service learning
experience. My role will was to assist her in research and development of strategies to prevent the
spread of flu in the poverty and homeless community in the Traverse Bay area. For the research part of
the project I assisted in creating a survey for people of the poverty and homeless community and the
agencies that serve them, see appendix A and Appendix B. We then created a list of agencies that
serviced the target population that we wanted to survey with the hope of also getting permission to talk
to their clients. I assisted in collecting data from the agencies that serve the poverty population of this
community and the people that use their services. In addition, we began researching for evidence based
practices to prevent the spread of influenza in this at risk community. This project will continue with the
goal of presenting the information to PRI and a later date with the hope of affecting change before next
years flu season.
Reflection
Initially I was intrigued by this group that strived to help the people living in poverty. I did not
know what to expect or how they could help with such a broad based problem facing so many people.
Grand Traverse County has 9.2% of in population living in poverty (Index Mundi, 2014). I struggled to
understand all the challenges faced for this group of people that live in my community. What I found as
a group of people that cared to try. The Progress Village group is comprised of professionally individuals
and homeless individuals. Some of the professionals involved now had been living in poverty or
homeless at other points in their lives. Progress Village helps by taking on projects to support the
Poverty Reduction Initiative. Nikia Parker explained to me how she has worked with Progress Village to
developed educational presentations either for presentation to the PRI group or for presentation to the

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community. She uses her background in nursing to identify needs and bring evidence based solutions to
the community.
For this project I was to help gather data to identify a community need related to influenza
prevention. To gather this information we had to identify the organizations that serve this part of the
population. While we were outlining the agencies that we wanted to contact I found that there are
many resources available in my community that I did not know about. I have attached the community
resource guide we used as appendix D.
When we went out into the community to get information I was surprised by the initial
hesitation of the people that worked for or ran the agencies that we approached. Some people even
appeared defensive when answering our question and where very protective of the population they
serve. The Salvation Army, for example, was not willing to permit us to talk to the people that attended
their community meals telling us that much of their clients lives are surveys and government forms for
assistance. They wanted to protect their environment of offering a warm meal and companionship.
Others where more receptive to answering our questions, allowing us to talk to their customers and
where helpful in pointing us in the right direction to find more people to survey.
The most interesting thing for me was talking to the people. For example, one of the
community meals I surveyed many of the people were happy to answer my question and had just as
many questions for me. Some, however, made a point to give me the cold shoulder. It was interesting
walking the line between collecting data and taking care not offending people that come for the
community meal and companionship.
Though I had my doubts to begin with about the value of this project, now I do see how this
experience encourages civic evolvement. As described by Fleten and Clayton, Service learning is:
a course-based, credit-bearing educational experience in which students (a) participate in an
organized service activity that meets identied community needs and (b) reect on the service

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activity in such a way as to gain further understanding of course content, a broader appreciation
of the discipline, and an enhanced sense of personal values and civic responsibility, (2011).
I had thought for years that I should volunteer at the local free clinic as I had needed their services when
I was a young with no insurance and living on tips. However, I never seem to make the effort to commit
my free time. This project showed me that making the effort to be involved can have its own rewards.
Literature also shows that after participating in a program that includes service learning leads to,
political interest and efcacy, a sense of connectedness to community, social responsibility, future
intent to participate in community life, and life skills enhanced civic engagement, (Felten and
Clayton, 2011).
BSN Outcomes
Service learning in relation to the BSN program is used to meet the outcomes outlined for the
program. The BSN outcomes as listed on the Ferris State University website are: collaborative
leadership, theoretical base for practice, generalist nursing practice, scholarship for practice, health care
environment, and professionalism, (2011). My service learning experiences meet these outcomes. The
work I did for Progress Village took me to a health care environment I had never considered by working
within a community organization for the health promotion of the community. The collaboration and
leadership of this group applied basic nursing principles to the community health. Also, evidenced
based practices was sought to improve the health of the community. The professionalism of the group
and myself was illustrated in the way we worked with the community agencies to work within their
ethical frame work and by respecting their clients.
Conclusion
Working with PRI and Progress Village for my service learning project has been an enlightening
experience. The use of service learning in this program exposed me to new experiences and different
opportunities showing me new ways to help affect change on the health of my community. As noted by

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Felten and Clayton, transformative learning occurs when learners change their frames of reference
by critically reecting on their assumptions, beliefs, and understanding of the world, (2011).

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References
Felten, P., Clayton, P. H. (2011) Service Learning. Wiley Periodicals, Inc. New Directions for Teaching and
Learning (pp75-84). DOI: 10.1002/tl
Ferris State University. (2011). BSN Program Outcomes. Retrieved from
http://www.ferris.edu/colleges/alliedhe/Nursing/BSN-program-outcomes.htm
Ferris State University. (2014). Purpose of Academic Service Learning. Retrieved from
http://www.ferris.edu/asl/
Index Mundi. (20140. Michigan Poverty Rate by County: People of all ages in poverty Percent 2006
-2010. Retrieved from http://www.indexmundi.com/facts/united-states/quickfacts/michigan/percent-of-people-of-all-ages-in-poverty#map
Poverty Reduction Initiative. (2014). About Us. Networks Northwest. Retrieved from
http://www.networksnorthwest.org/community/poverty-reduction/traverse-bay-pri/traverse
-bay-pri.html#sthash.drAamcGz.dpuf

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Appendix A

Clients
Male___

Female___

Age:
____under 18 ____18-25 ____25-35

____ 35-45

_____45-55 ____ 55-65 ____over 65

Did you get a flu vaccine last year? ____ yes ___ no
Are you planning on getting a flu vaccine this year? ___yes ___no
If you are not planning on getting a flu vaccine why not?
a.

Cost of vaccine.

b. Do not know here to get vaccine.

c.

Do not have transportation to go get vaccine.

d. Do not trust vaccine

e. Other ___________________________
If you are sick where will you go for medical care?
a.

Health Department

b. Walk in clinic
c.

Emergency Room

d. Other _________________________________
If you are sick will you go to work? ____yes ___no
What are the reasons you cannot stay home from work when sick.

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Appendix B
Agencies
What kind of communicable disease training does your front line staff have?
How do you prevent the spread of illness in the population you serve?
What do you do when client appears ill so that you can safely serve them and prevent them
from spreading illness to others?

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Appendix D
06/07/13

COMMUNITY RESOURCE GUIDE Grand Traverse County Area

If You Need:

Contact:

Address / Phone

Shelter
Domestic Violence only:
Youth/Teens only:

Women's Resource Center

Petes Place / Third Level Street Outreach Services
Catholic Human Services Host Homes
Goodwill Inn
Safe Harbor (contact Goodwill Inn for List)

720 South Elmwood / 231-941-1210

2943 Keystone Rd. / 922-4800 / 1-800-442-7315
231-929-7070 ext. 23
2943 Keystone Rd./ 231-922-4890
Winter months only (rotating schedule)

Outreach

Street Outreach
Jubilee House (Grace Episcopal Church)

231-995-7721
325 Washington Street / 231-947-2330

Food (Groceries)

Contact Love, Inc. / They will refer you to a food pantry Father Fred
Foundation/Tues. Thurs & Fri 10-2pm & Weds.
10-7:30pm
WIC (women and children)
Acme Christian Thrift Store (ACTS)
Kingsley Resource Center
Ressurection Life Church Mobile Pantry (Monthly)

231-941-5683 10am-2pm Mon.-Thurs.

826 Hastings St / 231-947-2055

Sunday, 1 p.m.

341 Washington
231-947-2330 1003
Maple St
231-946-2720 1239 Barlo
Street
231-946-4644
206 South Oak Street (5th and Oak) 231-947-3117
1023 S. Division
231-947-5445
1239 Barlow Street
231-946-4644
3686 South Airport
231-946-4074
222 Cass St
231-946-5191
1139 E Front St
231-947-7082
341 Washington St
231-947-2330 1
Barlow St
231-946-4644
720 Wayne St
231-947-3792
123 E 11th St
231-946-8038

Others:

Food (A Hot Meal)

Sunday, 5:00 p.m.

Monday, Noon
Tuesday, 11:30 a.m.
Tuesday, 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Noon
Wednesday, 5 - 6:30
Thursday, Noon
Thursday, 5:30 p.m.
Friday, Noon
Friday, Noon
Friday, 5 6:00pm
Saturday, Noon

Sojourn Church @ Grace Episcopal

Trinity Lutheran
Salvation Army
The Friends Church
First Church of the Nazarene
Salvation Army
First Christian Church (Oct- Ap)
Central United
Faith Reformed Church
Grace Episcopal
Salvation Army
Bayview Wesleyan Church
St.Francis High School Cafeteria

2325 Garfield / 922-2720 Eng. / 922-2721 Sp.

5700 US 31 North, Acme / 231-938-2990
231-263-5161 / ext. 232
2nd Tuesday 3 pm / E. Commerce Dr / Grawn

Health/Dental Care

Traverse Health Clinic By appt

Traverse Health Clinic (CHAP)
Teen Health & Wellness Center (M-F 8:30am - 4 pm)
HIV/AIDS Services / Thomas Judd Care Center
GT Co. Health Department / WomenCare
Dental Clinics North (Mon-Fri. 8-4:30pm)
Grapevine Dentures / Dr. Jack Ross (dentures)
Medicaid/ State Medical (DHS)
MI Child
Physician Referral Service
Loan Closet (wheelchairs, other medical supplies) Goodwill
Optical

3147 Logan Valley Rd TC / 231-935-0799

3183 Logan Valley Rd / 231-935-0799
880 Parsons Road / 231-922-6416 (Ages 10-21)
1221 6th St, Suite 206 / 231-935-5085
2650 Lafranier Rd. TC/ 231-922-4831
2600 Lafranier Rd. Suite B TC 231-932-7316
231-943-8401
231-943-8409
701 S. Elmwood / 231-941-3900
231-922-4831 / ext. 4
231-935-5886
2279 S. Airport Rd. West TC / 231-932-1520

Counseling

Catholic Human Services

Child and Family Services
Childrens Advocacy Center
Childrens Crisis Team
Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services Northern Lakes
Community Mental Health
Wedgewood Christian Counseling
Third Level Crisis Intervention Center
Womens Resource Center (WRC)

1000 Hastings / 231-947-8110

3785 Veterans Dr / 231-946-8975
121 East Front St/ 231-929-4250/ 877-929-4250
1-800-442-7315 / 231-922-4800
1050 Silver Drive / 231-947-2255
105 Hall Street / 231-922-4850
3180 Racquet Club Dr / 231-922-1875
1022 E. Front / 231-922-4800
720 S. Elmwood / 231-941-1210

Legal Aid

Legal Aid Clinic (Tuesdays: Sign in 5:00pm; return at 7:00pm)

Conflict Resolution Services
Legal Services of Northern Michigan
Traverse Attorney Referral Service

1022 E. Front / 231-922-4800

1022 E. Front / 231-941-5835
207 Grandview Pkwy / 231-941-0771 231-922-4715

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For additional information, please contact the Goodwill Inn at 231-922-4890. Thank you

06/07/13

COMMUNITY RESOURCE GUIDE Grand Traverse County Area

If You Need

Contact:

Address / Phone

HELPLINK: Food, housing,

financial resources, counseling

Tuesdays & Thursdays 10am 3pm

1105 East Front St. TC

Corner of Garfield & Front St / 231-946-6278

Utilities/Security
Deposit/Rent

Department of Human Services (DHS)

NW Michigan Community Action Agency (NMCAA)
TrueNorth Rural Heat & Energy Solutions

701 S. Elmwood / 231-941-3900

3963 Three Mile Rd. / 231-947-3780
1-855-300-8013

Transportation

BATA/ Cherriot/ City Ride/ County Ride

Greyhound/Indian Trails
Health Ride
Workers on Wheels Program (WOW)

231-941-2324 231-946-5180
231-941-2386
231-995-7718 ext.218

Housing Assistance
Budgeting/Credit Repair
Section 8 Housing Choice
Voucher Applications, LowIncome
Apartment Applications

NW Michigan Community Action Agency (NMCAA)

Goodwill Inn
Womens Resource Center (WRC)
Traverse City Housing Commission
Tip of the Mitt Housing (formerly See-Con) Fair
Housing Center of West Michigan

3963 Three Mile Rd. / 231-947-3780

2943 Keystone Rd. / 231-922-4890
720 South Elmwood / 231-941-1210
150 Pine Street TC / 231-922-4915
231-377-7155 616-451-2980

Home Ownership

NMCAA (also foreclosure prevention)

Habitat for Humanity
HomeStretch
Leelanau REACH

3963 Three Mile / 947-3780

P. O. Box 5412 TC/ 231-941-4663
3104 Logan Valley Rd. TC / 231-947-6001
113 S. Grand Ave./PO Box 546 Leland, 231-256-9812

Community Assistance

St. Vincent DePaul

RED CROSS

1207 Woodmere Ave./ 231-947-8466

735 S. Garfield Ave. B100 / 231-947-7286

If You are:

Contact:

Address / Phone

Runaway youth/teen

Third Level Crisis Intervention

STEP Program, TCAPS
Catholic Human Services Host Homes

1022 E. Front St / 231-922-4800

231-933-8991
231-929-7070 ext. 23

In crisis

Third Level Crisis Intervention

1022 E. Front / 922-4800 / 1-800-442-7315

Elderly

Area Agency on Aging

Commission on Aging
Catholic Human Services Gerontological Service

1609 Park Drive / 231-947-8920

520 W. Front St, Ste. B / 231-922-4688 231-947-7070

Pregnant

Child and Family Services

Pregnancy Care Center
Doula Teen Program
WIC - 231-922-2721 Espanol
Grand Traverse Co. Health Department
Car Seats-Child Passenger Safety Technician
Grand Traverse Baby Pantry
MSU Extension
Bethany Christian Services
Planned Parenthood

3785 Veterans Drive / 231-946-8975

121 S. Garfield, Suite C / 231-929-3488
720 S. Elmwood / 941-3900
2325 Garfield Rd, N / 231-922-2720 English
2650 Lafranier Rd./ 231-922-4831
MSU Extension Services / 231-922-4633
1050 Peninsula Dr / 10 - 4:00pm, (2nd & 4th Tuesdays)
231-922-4633
231-995-0870
1135 E. 8th Street / 231-929-1844

A Veteran

Grand Traverse County Veteran Affairs

Employment Assistance for Vets Michigan Works
VA Regional Office

2650 LaFranier Road / 231-995-6070

1209 S. Garfield Avenue / 231- 922-3700
1-800-827-1000

A seasonal farm worker

Michigan Migrant Project

Telamon Corporation
WIC 231-922-2721 Espanol
Bureau of Workforce Programs, Michigan Works

701 S. Elmwood / 231-946-6660

3301 Veterans Dr. TC / 231-941-5300
GT Co/2325 Garfield Rd, N / 922-2720 Eng.
1209 S. Garfield Avenue, Suite C / 922-3700

Have been physically or sexually

assaulted

Women's Resource Center (WRC) Emergency

Dispatch

720 South Elmwood / 231-941-1210

911

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In need of drug or alcohol
treatment

Alcohol and Drug Services / Catholic Human Services

Munson Behavioral Health
AA/ NA
NMSAS (Substance Abuse Assessment) Addiction
Treatment Services (ATS)

1000 Hastings Street / 231-947-8110

1105 6th St./935-6382 /1-800-662-6766
AA: 231-946-8823 / NA: 231-941-9062
1-800-686-0749
940 E. 8th St. / 231-922-4810

In financial need

Department of Human Services

Apply online for DHS benefits Social

Security Office

701 S. Elmwood / 231-941-3900

855-444-3911(Toll Free Number)
616-977-1154 (FAX) or 616-977-1158 (FAX) DHS-CPSCIGroup@michigan.gov www.michigan.gov/mibridges
1329 S. Division TC/1-866-739-4802 (Local)
231-946-6053 TTY

Disability Network/ Northern Michigan

415 E. Eighth Street / 231-922-0903

Disabled