North Kingstown URI nursing graduate
honored for work with poor
Lauded for volunteer care provided
to guests of Providence soup kitchen
KINGSTON, R.I. — December 20, 2002 — A North Kingstown woman who earned her graduate nurse-practitioner degree last May from the University of Rhode Island was recently honored by the University’s College of Nursing and its Feinstein Center for Service Learning.
Christi Poore, who also earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from URI, was honored during ceremonies at the annual URI Friends of the College of Nursing recognition dinner.
In addition, The Rev. Mary Craven of Providence, associate pastor of Providence Foursquare Gospel Church/Second Chance Ministries was recognized for her work on behalf of the poor and hungry. The Second Chance distributes up to 500 meals a week and provides clothing for those in need as well.
Working with Craven, Poore established a monthly health screening and an early identification program at Second Chance Ministries. The project is funded by a $750 grant from the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.
While studying for her master’s degree, she participated in a Feinsten Service Learning Project, which provided her with primary care experiences in several sites around South Providence, including the Rhode Island Free Clinic, the Acts II Health Care Ministry and the Second Chance Ministries Soup Kitchen.
Her mentor and supervisor for the clinical experiences was Diane Gerzevitz, clinical assistant professor of nursing. Gerzevitz established the Acts II clinic.
“It was through my work at Acts II that I began working at Second Chance,” Poore said. “Once a month I volunteer on Sunday afternoons and provide health screenings. I spent a few months getting established and getting to know the clients so they would be comfortable.”
“Christi is just a delight,” Gerzevitz said. “She performs at the highest level and has an excellent rapport with the clients. I wasn’t surprised though because she fit right in at Acts II and had the confidence to help people in very difficult circumstances.”
While doing her work in South Providence, she developed an interest in nutritional needs and health disparities among the needy. She used the URI Feinstein Center for a Hunger Free America to access data in regards to what constitutes a nutritional diet and its relationship to health. In March she submitted a proposal to Sigma Theta Tau to fund continuing research and care on a regular basis.
“Christi has shown a deep commitment to the needs of the poor and spent some time in Haiti working among residents during her undergraduate studies,” said Jayne Richmond, dean of URI’s University College, which oversees the Feinstein Service Learning Program.
Inspired by Poore’s involvement, Craven has enrolled in the Feinstein hunger program. “Mary has established herself as a committed volunteer devoting time to screen and teach the guests of the soup kitchen and hopefully will involve more URI students,” Richmond added.
“Christi’s work is critical for the people who come through our doors, because they are high risk for health problems,” Craven said
Poore, a married mother of six who works part-time for her physician husband, Bob Trivett, also works at Family Resource Action in Woonsocket.
“I think I have always had a focus on those in need,” Poore said. “I have worked at community health clinics for nine years, and that’s what motivated me to get my nurse-practitioner degree.
“Volunteering is so rewarding because people are so grateful for what you do.”
For a digital image, please contact Nancy Gillespie at 874-2116.