Graduate students in Elon University's physical therapy program secured a grant from the North Carolina chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association to help support their vision for the new initiative.
An Elon University student-managed physical therapy clinic that provides free services to uninsured or underinsured clients has opened a food pantry inside a Burlington community center.
Graduate students, faculty and staff involved with the Health Outreach Program of Elon, known as the HOPE Clinic, celebrated the official launch of the “Food with HOPE” pantry with a March 27 ribbon-cutting at the CityGate Dream Center on North Church Street.
Efforts to establish the pantry were led by Sixela Caballero G’26 and Sadie Thompson G’26, who secured a $1,500 community service grant from the North Carolina chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association.
Since its inception in 2013, HOPE has served over 2,100 clients and saved the community more than $300,000 while giving graduate students in the Department of Physical Therapy Education opportunities to work hands-on with real patients.
The clinic operates from the Francis Center at Elon University and, since 2022, from the CityGate Dream Center near downtown Burlington, North Carolina.
The HOPE Clinic conducted a comprehensive assessment last year to better identify client needs. Recognizing that medical care accounts for only 10-20% of a person’s health outcomes, HOPE sought to address broader health determinants.
The assessment found that food, transportation and healthcare were the most prevalent concerns, with over 40% of clients expressing decreased access to sustainable food sources.
“From taking the first psychosocial class in the beginning of last year, Elon has really emphasized multidimensional health,” Caballero said. “Being a part of the HOPE Clinic is such a blessing, being able to see change in the community through physical therapy, but other things can be going on in clients’ lives that affect their ability to get better.”
Faculty mentors praised both students for their leadership in addressing a community need.
“I am incredibly proud of the HOPE Clinic students for recognizing a crucial need in the community and taking meaningful action,” said Crystal Ramsey, associate professor of physical therapy and the clinic’s faculty advisor. “Their commitment to writing a grant, researching ways to make it culturally appropriate and thoughtfully considering how to ensure those facing food insecurity are treated with dignity is truly inspiring. Their dedication not only addresses immediate needs but also promotes respect and compassion for every individual.”
The HOPE Clinic also employs certified Spanish interpreters to assist clients and create Spanish-language flyers to increase awareness. People will choose their own foods and pay with points that are allotted based on need, which students described as a more dignified experience.
“The goal of Food with HOPE is to ensure that everyone in our community has access to nutritious food that honors their dietary needs and their cultural traditions,” said Charity Johansson, chair and program director in the Department of Physical Therapy Education. “High quality food is not only a basic necessity, it’s a powerful connector that brings people together—not just those who are here now but those who came before us and will come after.”
Donations to the HOPE Clinic and the Food with HOPE pantry can be made through Elon University’s Office of University Advancement.