October is always a meaningful month for the Therapeutic Associates Physical Therapy teams across the Pacific Northwest. As National PT Month, it is an opportunity for us to honor, celebrate and promote the profession while also acknowledging the far-reaching impact our own physical therapists and PT aides and assistants have on the lives of people throughout their communities.
Each year, PT Month is made extra meaningful as our teammates come together armed with enthusiasm and heart, ready to make a significant impact during Global PT Day of Service (PTDOS). This year, Therapeutic Associates ambassadors orchestrated 12 service projects spanning 9 regions, showcasing our collective commitment to making a difference. From hosting adaptive toy car builds with Go Baby Go to participating in various cleanup efforts and addressing food insecurity, TAI teams proved that when it comes to community service, we mean business.
Breaking down mobility barriers for kids
At two of our clinics over two weekends, 42 volunteers assembled 15 adaptive ride-on toy cars for children with disabilities, enough to provide for every child on Go Baby Go’s waiting list.
The clinics were transformed into workshops as volunteers were bustling about on their mission. As they used their creativity and teamwork, conversation buzzed. Belief in the cause – to help kids with unique mobility challenges feel the freedom of movement – was palpable. Service ambassador Bailey Ouellette — physical therapist and South Hillsboro clinic director — was moved by the energy and enthusiasm of her teammates.
Cleaning up our communities
While some of our teammates were busy building, others rolled up their sleeves and dove into the nitty-gritty of community care. In Seattle, 10 teammates from various clinics around the region spent a weekend morning with Green Lake Litter Patrol, turning a park cleanup into a collective act of environmental stewardship.
In Southern California, seven additional teammates picked up trash around the Providence St. Joseph’s campus that houses our outpatient clinics, proving that making a difference starts right in our own backyards.
And let’s not forget the 11 teammates who traded the cityscape for the seaside, joining the Ocean Blue Project for an Oregon beach cleanup in Seaside.
Tackling hunger
From Washington to Oregon, our teams rallied against food insecurity. Whether it was repackaging frozen chopped potatoes at Food Lifeline, collecting hundreds of pounds of supplies for Selah Naches Food Bank, supporting Marion Polk Food Share, or gleaning 1,500 lbs. of apples with Spokane Edible Tree Project, each project supported the efforts of local organizations fighting hunger.
Helping families in need
In the Tri Cities, volunteers embodied the spirit of compassion and generosity as they packed 105 bags of household and personal care items for families in need, supporting the efforts of local nonprofit Martha’s Cupboard.
Embracing service
This year’s PT Day Of Service has been another demonstration of the impact we can have when we come together in our local communities. Officially, PTDOS is complete for 2023, but that doesn’t mean our Therapeutic Associates teammates wait an entire year to participate in community service acts again. There are several projects happening through the remainder of the month the rest of the year and beyond. Be on the lookout for ways to participate in future opportunities with your local clinic.
Join the Therapeutic Associates Family
If you’re looking for an opportunity to join a company that is committed to a collaborative culture of growth, inclusion and fulfillment, supported by resources that make a difference in your life, the life of your patients, your local communities and the world, consider a career with Therapeutic Associates Physical Therapy. With clinics throughout Oregon, Washington, Idaho and California, we are always on the lookout for exceptional people who would be a great fit for our team!