McMaster Student Outreach Clinic: A program of compassion and community impact

How McMaster’s School of Nursing students transformed community outreach in Hamilton

In the late 1990s, McMaster School of Nursing (SON) students Greg Reilly and Patrick Mahoney identified a pressing need for street-level outreach in downtown Hamilton. With the support of SON faculty members Carolyn Byrne, Dyanne Semogas, and Helen Thomas, they established the McMaster Student Outreach Clinic (MacSOC). This initiative aimed to address the needs of individuals experiencing poverty and homelessness. However, it evolved into a transformative program that left a lasting impact on the community. 

A Grassroots Beginning 

“For decades, Hamilton has been a city with many marginalized people. Nursing students from McMaster saw the need and decided to help. In the late 1990s, they began handing out sandwiches in a parking lot,” recalled Pastor Dani of Trinity Lutheran Church.

The initial outreach efforts involved distributing clothing and sandwiches every Wednesday evening, regardless of the weather. Volunteers from across the university joined the initiative, forming a strong bond with the Salvation Army soup truck team. This collaboration allowed MacSOC to reach various locations throughout downtown Hamilton, learning about the lived experiences of those they served.

Building Partnerships and Expanding Services 

During a particularly harsh winter, St. John’s Church, now known as Trinity Lutheran, opened its doors to MacSOC. This partnership lasted over 20 years, providing a warm and welcoming space for weekly outreach activities. Pastor Dani noted, “from mid-October to mid-April, students, faculty, staff, and church volunteers provided hot chocolate, tea, sandwiches, fruits, and veggies for the approximately 70+ weekly guests. Building relationships and providing a listening ear for their stories and needs was an important part of the program.” 

As word spread about MacSOC’s efforts, the demand for their services grew. An executive council comprising of interdisciplinary students, faculty, and staff was formed to provide strategic direction and coordinate various initiatives, including clothing, food, transportation, and fundraising.

Community Engagement and Fundraising 

MacSOC’s fundraising efforts included silent auctions with donations from businesses in Hamilton and the Greater Toronto Area, as well as cut-a-thons hosted by Albert Snow Hair Design. These events attracted hundreds of attendees, including notable figures such as the late Honourable Jack Layton and award-winning author André Picard. 

One of the most popular events was the annual Operation Shoebox, held every December. Community members, students, staff, and faculty contributed to filling shoeboxes with toiletries, gift cards, undergarments, socks, chocolates, and other treats. More than 300 boxes were distributed each year to individuals in need.

Educational Impact and Program Expansion 

MacSOC’s influence extended beyond community outreach. The program inspired the creation of a foot care clinic and an undergraduate credit course, Poverty and Homelessness, designed by Dyanne Semogas, Kristin Cleverly, and Patrick Mahoney. This course quickly became a student favorite, offering valuable insights into the challenges faced by marginalized populations. 

A service-learning course for first- and second-year nursing students was also developed, with MacSOC as one of the placement options. Second-year students mentored first-year students, fostering a sense of community and continuity within the program. In 2007, MacSOC expanded further with the opening of MacDoor, a safe space for youth experiencing poverty and homelessness.

A Lasting Legacy 

“My memories include participating initially as a post-diploma RN student, transporting students and sandwiches in my Firebird to various locations. The younger students got to experience the determinants of health firsthand. My career goal was to become an NP working downtown. Now I’m celebrating 20 years doing so this year,” shared Jo Savelli, McMaster BScN 2000 graduate and NP graduate 2004.

The impact of MacSOC on its volunteers was profound. Many students continued to support the program even after entering the workforce. The program’s mission and vision remained intact, fostering a sense of community and belonging among volunteers and those they served.

Adapting to Challenges

Due to health and safety concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic, MacSOC had to suspend its usual operations. However, Dyanne Semogas proposed a new initiative: making masks for workers in community care and acute care settings. The “Buy 1, Give 1” mask drive was a resounding success, with over 1,000 masks distributed to non-profit organizations such as Indwell, Mission Services, the Neighbour-to-Neighbour Centre, and Welcome Inn.

“MacSOC was a significant part of my experience as a student, offering not only a sense of community but also an opportunity to make a difference. One memorable moment was when I helped distribute masks during COVID-19. Despite MacSOC’s sudden closure from the pandemic, its impact will always remain with me,” said Christine Siu, McMaster BScN 2023 graduate.

Looking Ahead 

Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the legacy of MacSOC endures. The connections made over the past two decades remain strong, and the need for such a program continues to grow. Pastor Dani of Trinity Lutheran Church emphasized, “for all volunteers, it was a very rewarding and eye-opening experience. It was a beloved program, and the guests at current church programs ask when MacSOC will start again.” 

As the story of MacSOC demonstrates, the spirit of compassion and community engagement can create lasting change. While the program may have faced obstacles, its impact on the lives of countless individuals and the broader community is immeasurable. The legacy of MacSOC serves as a testament to the power of grassroots initiatives and the enduring importance of addressing the needs of marginalized populations.