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An exciting new community partnership
has been made possible between the Friendship Service Center and the Central Connecticut State University Nursing Depatment through a CCSU community engagement grant. The program adds a critical service-learning component to CCSU's nursing course titled Social Justice and Community Health Issues.
This partnership puts nursing students into a real setting to work with homeless individuals challenged by chronic illnesses, like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, pulmonary and kidney disease, as well as mental illness and substance abuse.
"We are thrilled about this new collaboration," said Donna Bergin, the Friendship Center's Director of Programs. "It is a win-win-win," she said. "Most importantly, our shelter residents have more direct access to better health and wellness care; nursing students benefit from a supervised experience of working with the homeless; and the Friendship Center's services and our ongoing relationship with CCSU are enriched."
In addition to the skills and enthusiasm that the student nurses bring to the Friendship Center, the grant provides screening equipment and supplies, health and hygiene products, health education materials, data collection technology and faculty oversight.
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Donors now have another way to contribute to the Friendship Service Center's long-term mission to end homelessness. An additional endowment fund has been established at with Community Foundation of Greater New Britain. 