Physician assistant students giving back to the community

Treating children to a day of fun

In late November, physician assistant students from the Class of 2021 participated in a community service activity sponsored by Kindness Acts 20:35.

Kindness Acts 20:35 is a local non-profit organization with the goal of changing lives in the local community. Each year they take children staying at the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission to the Dome Sports Center in Schoolcraft for a carnival-like evening of mentoring and fun. This is the second year that our PA students have participated in this event.

“It’s really inspiring to see these kids, who have so little, be so thankful for even the smallest things," says class president, Keri Heydenburg. "We were all moved by the joy and excitement that they displayed."

The students want to thank Kindness Acts for inviting them to be a part of this wonderful event, and for giving them the opportunity to engage with these kids and the community for a night of fun. This is one of the many opportunities the students have to make a real difference in our community.

Adopt a family

Each year during the holiday season, students, faculty and staff from the Department of Physician Assistant “adopt” a family for Christmas. Catholic Charities Diocese of Kalamazoo matches the department with a worthy local family in need.

This year the family was a single mother and three daughters -- one four-year-old and twin 18-month old girls.

The department was able to supply multiple gifts to each family member. We look forward to this worthwhile event each year!