Physical Therapist Assistant Club
Purpose
We have three purposes upon which our club was founded:
- Education: To enrich and broaden the views and knowledge of current and future PTA students related to the field of Physical Therapy and the role of the PTA in the medical field.
- Community Service: To sponsor community service opportunities related and unrelated to the field of Physical Therapy.
- Awareness: To sponsor community/campus activities which promote awareness of areas which concern physical therapy.
Current Officers:
| President: | Jennifer Blaho |
| Vice President: | Kelli Collier |
| Secretary: | Heather Navis |
| Treasurer: | Doug Reese |
| Club Advisor: | Barbara "BJ" Simmons |
Past and Current Project Descriptions
Habitat for Humanity
Members work on repairs or initial construction of homes for low income or disabled persons. These projects usually take place on weekends.
Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure
The club has taken part in the Race for the Cure for Breast Cancer. We raise money for the organization who helps fund research and also
provides funding assistance to provide mammograms to detect early breast cancer. The race itself can be a true race for those athletes who want
to participate, or a leisurely walk for those who are not athletically inclined. Usually in May.
Elementary School Volunteering
This is a program where studnets go to the school to work with one child for 30 minutes per week. They read to a child, or have the child read
to them, work on math, spelling words, or other areas in which the child needs extra attention.
Safe House Adopt-A-Room
Students raise money and offer time/labor to redecorate rooms in the Battle Creek Safe House. Activities include painting, collecting
furniture, lamps, etc for the room and providing finishing touches.
CIR (Community Inclusive Recreation) Activities
(There may also be some Special Olympics activities available, but the timing of the regular games does not coincide with schedules of the PTA
Program). They have bowling as a local event here in Battle Creek. They also have dances, and other events throughout the year Volunteers
are needed to assist persons with physical impairments with bowling (volunteers bowl as well). You do not have to know anything about bowling
in order to take part.
Thanksgiving and Christmas Baskets
Our members collect food, gifts and clothing for families through the Community Action Agency. Holiday meals and Christmas gifts are presented
to brighten the holiday for others.
Christmas Caroling
The members of this committee go to local nursing homes over the holiday season and spend the evening with residents sharing songs and goodwill
as we carol in the dining room and along the hallways. The clients always enjoy the activity and the students have a great time too.
Shirt Sale
Every Fall we sell T-Shirts, Sweatshirts and Golf Shirts with the KCC PTA logo on them. If you are a past graduate and would like to buy one,
contact BJ Simmons (see bottom of page)
Scholarship Research for PTA Education
Students on this project will do some research to determine types of scholarships available. That list will then be written up as a possible
resource for students in the Program.
Humane Society
Members volunteer time to play with the animals, assist with paperwork, clean kennels, and so on.
Legacy Scholar Career Days
5th graders from area schools come to KCC for a series of career days. There are a number of Fridays in which 6 groups of approximately 20
students rotate through a variety of presentations. We teach them about PTA as a career choice, and get them active with the therapy balls,
skeletons, wheelchairs, etc. FUN!
Donation of Gently Used Items
Right after the Christmas holidays, our students collect gently used items to present to area shelters, Charitable Union, etc. The club votes
each year to determine the recipients.
Care Packages to the Troops
Students provide items to the troops. Those working on the project determine which units/individuals receive the items.
Greeting Card Campaign for Nursing Homes/ Shelters
Students provide cards, postage and well-wishes to persons in facilities (shelters, hospitals, nursing homes, etc) to provide a positive
personal greeting for those individuals.
Recycling Program
Students in this committee will gather ideas then put into action some recycling projects around the department and possibly the campus. Those
who sign up get to determine the extent of the project.
PTA Club Meeting Dates ()
Fall Wednesday, September 16th 12:30
Thursday, September 17th 12:30
Wednesday, September 23rd 12:30
Thursday, September 24th 12:30
Wednesday, October 14th 12:30
Thursday, October 29th, 12:30
Wednesday, November 18th 12:30
Thursday, December 10th 12:30
Who Can Join?
Membership eligibility is provided to all students enrolled in the KCC Physical Therapist Assistant Program AS WELL AS any KCC student
interested in pursuing the Physical Therapist Assistant field.
Many of our projects are purposefully set up so alumni and other area clinicians who wish to join us in our activities may do so and are welcome. For more information about the PTA Club, contact Club Advisor BJ Simmons at KCC. The number is 269.965.3931, ext. 2329 or send e-mail to: simmonsb@kellogg.edu.