GSDM Students Volunteer at St. Francis House

On May 10 and 16, 2015, the Office of Global & Population Health at Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (GSDM), in collaboration with the BU student chapter of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), volunteered to prepare and serve food for those in need at the St. Francis House, a homeless shelter in Boston.

For more than 30 years, St. Francis House has welcomed poor and homeless men and women. It provides services, support, and a glimpse of what their lives can become: productive, healthy, and fulfilling. It believes in the worth of every human being and that when people have the right tools, change can happen. The House provides guests with everything they need to reclaim their dignity and rebuild their lives: nutritious meals, clothing, access to medical care, counseling, vocational rehabilitation, and housing.

Student chapters from GSDM, Harvard University, and Tufts University volunteered at the shelter. “Volunteering at the St. Francis House offers an incredible opportunity for our students to gain a holistic view of issues faced by men and women who are in need of the services of St. Francis House,” said Oral Health Promotion Director Ms. Kathy Lituri. She continued, “St. Francis House is our neighbor and is a vital part of our surrounding community. Thank you to the students who took time from their busy schedules to help us give back to our community.”

“I am so pleased to see our students volunteer at the St. Francis House,” said Dean Jeffrey W. Hutter. “Giving back to the community is an important part of our mission and it is truly gratifying to know that our students are regularly engaged in our community.”

May 10 volunteers included: Selena Francis DMD 18; Matthew Jones DMD 18; Jenny Kye DMD 16; Jinjoo Lee DMD 16; and Sasha Manchanda DMD 18.

May 16 volunteers included: Wonsuk Joo DMD 16; Neemi Sherpa AS 16; Smriti Singh AS 16; Vanessa Thai DMD 16; Kevin Treger DMD 16; and Kevin Campbell Tufts DMD 18.