Giving thanks started a little early this season at the Sanders IMPACT Practice Center. For the second year in a row, the IPC held a client appreciation event during November, the month when we traditionally give thanks. Students and faculty who work with the clients who come to the IPC for speech therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and nursing services were on hand to show their appreciation for those who help the students learn. 

Sponsored by Tedy’s Team Center of Excellence in Stroke Recovery and developed by Gwen Larsen, Education/Community Outreach Coordinator for Tedy’s Team Center, and Pauline Fiorello, Clinical and Lab Instructor in the Occupational Therapy program, the event was designed to give attendees the chance to interact and create opportunities for clients to share their accomplishments this semester. 

“Many clients who receive services at the IPC are stroke survivors,” explained Larsen. “We know that social and community participation is linked to improved quality of life after stroke, so we see this as a meaningful opportunity to support survivors in their recovery journey.” 

There was food and activities such as winter bingo and word searches. 

“It is important to create a supportive space for our clients to socialize,” said Fiorello. “Being able to socialize is so important for our mental health. Many of our clients have developed friendships over the years because of our pro bono centers. This type of social gathering allows these clients to just enjoy one another and have fun!” 

In one corner of the room, Post-its were placed in the shape of a large heart on a poster board, which each carrying a message from a student thanking the clients for helping them learn. One read, “I am so grateful to have learned from you all! The ability to learn from real people with real stories are things I will never forget and help me grow as a therapist.” Another from a DPT student said, “Thank you for your time and patience/ Your strength doesn’t go unnoticed and we appreciate you.”