Lewis University’s Nursing Workforce Diversity (NWD) Program, supported by Dr. Daisy Sherry and Dr. Tina Bobo, recently spent time with the senior program at Community Lifeline Ministries (CLM) in Joliet. The senior initiative brings older adults in the neighborhood
together each month for learning, a meal, and community building.
Faculty from the program presented to senior citizens about heart-related health concerns, while students were able to engage with participants directly, sharing a meal and getting to know them. This is the beginning of what is hoped to be a long partnership between CLM and the NWD program, as students will be able to engage and support seniors even more as they grow their nursing skill sets in upcoming years.
According to Dr. Bobo,” in July 2021, Lewis University received $2.1 million dollars from the Human Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) for the Nursing Workforce Diversity Program. The purpose of the NWD Program is to increase nursing educational opportunities for people from disadvantaged backgrounds, including racial and ethnic minorities [that are] underrepresented among registered nurses.” Twenty Lewis University scholars were selected to receive the 4-year scholarship and participate in the program.
The Office of Community Engaged Learning staff are excited to support this collaboration and the great work of both CLM and the NWD Program!