Respiratory Therapy students give more than ‘thanks’

During this holiday season of gratitude, SJVC Rancho Cordova’s Respiratory Therapy students and a faculty member put some action behind expressions of good will. On November 25^th sixteen Respiratory Therapy students, along with their instructor Jodilee Prophet and her daughter, joined the Folsom Cordova Community Partnership (FCCP) for their annual Partnership in Thanks tradition of serving a holiday meal to some of those underprivileged in the community.

“This event is a great way for us and our students to connect to the community they serve,” says Ms. Jodilee. “It is also a feel-good event because we are allowed to give back through our volunteer effort in serving a hot Thanksgiving meal with all the trimmings to families who may not know where their next meal is coming from.”

This is the fourth year SJVC has participated in this act of kindness, held this year at the Rancho Cordova Marriott Hotel. Over 40 volunteers from other schools and businesses served several hundred appreciative guests, who would likely have missed a traditional Thanksgiving meal.

This holiday banquet was not at all like most soup kitchen food lines. “They set up a large banquet room with beautiful place settings, silver serving dishes, a wait staff, and the whole nine yards,” says Respiratory Therapy student Miranda Rasband. “They handed out tickets to the event as a way to show the families that they are honored guests. Everyone was sure to be served with dignity and respect.”

Partnership in Thanks is a long-time community outreach event hosted by the FCCP. Many of those served are homeless or barely hanging on to their independence. Many attendees rely on community support programs for day-to-day survival.

“Thankfully, this has never been an issue in my life, as I’ve always had a cozy place to call home and a great meal on the table for Thanksgiving,” says Respiratory Therapy student and volunteer Annie Nersisyan. “I can speak for our cohort that we are thankful to have served an organization where we gained emotional intelligence by having empathy for others and for volunteering our time.”

This volunteer effort provided by Respiratory Therapy students added to their sense of community, as well as professional service. That day left an unforgettable mark on their spirit of giving in a way that impacted their personal lives, as well.

“Seeing all those families dressed up and happy made those of us filling their plates warmer than the apple pie,” says Miranda. “One smile given has created so many more, as I was able to take those memories with me to my family’s table the next day and share my happiness with others.”