PTs in the Community

The mission of "PT in the Community" is to impact the lives of locals living in the community that we visit for National PT Conferences, with an emphasis in school-aged children and the homeless population. 

The idea of “PT in the Community” came about in New Orleans, 2018, during CSM. A few of PT's decided to leave the conference center, the area of town all together, and went to a local school fundraiser. They spent time in the community, broke bread with them, danced with them, and donated to their cause. They then realized something that most of us probably already knew, but thought little about. And that is that thousands of us, upwards of 17 thousand, descend upon a city for a few days, but do little for the folks that actually live there. Yes, there have been a couple events geared towards donating money to a local cause, but nothing that facilitated real face-to-face interactions.

​2019 was different. A spark was hit and a flame of passion was lit. A handful of PT's decided to pitch in and get supplies to distribute to the homeless of DC. Grabbing others along the way, they put together care packages containing soap, toilet paper, socks, gloves, protein bars, peanuts, sanitary wipes, bananas, oranges, and bottled water. A total of 36 bags were made and distributed, while also getting to learn a little from those that would share.

For CSM 2020, the plan is to do it again! With the help of the Colorado Chapter of APTA, this time the initiative is two-fold, educating school-aged children and helping the homeless population.

Educating Kids on Health & Movement
In collaboration with the Colorado Chapter of APTA and the Denver Public Schools, educational assemblies will be held at multiple school locations the afternoon of WEDNESDAY (February 12th) of CSM. The educational material will consist of information on healthier living, the importance of movement & safe physical activity, as well as break out sessions to “MOVE.” We will also be educating on the Physical Therapy profession!

Helping the Homeless
In collaboration with Father Woody's Haven of Hope (a Denver Homeless Shelter), we will be helping to put together care packages and also helping with other hands-on opportunities, such as serving meals!

As you could image, both parts of this initiative will require volunteered time and donated funds to pull it off. We are offering opportunities to present at the school assemblies and serve the undeserved. Donated funds will be used to purchase equipment (such as exercise bands and balance pads) for the schools and items for the homeless care packages. Whether you plan to be in Denver or not, we hope for your support!

Click Here to Donate Your Time!

Click Here to Donate Financially!