Recently, a group of students in the morning Medical Assistant class from Ross Medical Education Center in Bowling Green, Kentucky visited Evergreen Life Services. They are a local organization whose mission is to serve, provide for, and champion individuals with disabilities. The students were able to interact with the clients of Evergreen by assisting with activities such as decorating mini cakes, making puppets, baking hot pockets, and helping create a jellyfish art project.
According to their website, “Evergreen Life Services first began its mission in 1959 in Northern Louisiana when parents of four young men with developmental and intellectual disabilities dreamed of a place where their children could reach their full potential and become valuable members of their community. Today, Evergreen Life Services has served over 1300 individuals with disabilities and has a presence in a total of eight states.”
The visit allowed the students to have up close interaction with individuals who have special needs. Carrie Lindsey, a Medical Assistant student, said that before her visit she didn’t feel very comfortable working with those with special needs. However, after working with this wonderful group of people, she liked it and would volunteer more. Another student, Laela Phelps said, “I love baking, and this gave me so much joy to bake for them that I want to come back.”
This was a valuable experience for students as many may not have had previous experience helping someone with special needs. It has broadened their knowledge and will help them as they transition to facilities where they will have encounters with Patients who have various disabilities or special needs. The staff with the facility told the Instructor that they would love for the students to came back again soon. They shared with the Instructor that they were impressed with the professionalism and compassion of the students.