The Nurses Nook: Local Nurse Helps Oconto Children with Basic Needs
3 min readLocal nurse helps provide students with basic needs and resources
Recently I had the opportunity to speak with Nuala Nowicki – R.N., and school nurse Gillett School district. Nuala started in 2014. During that year she noticed that there were students who were going without basic necessities for health and hygiene. With no budget and taking in-kind donations, Nuala started Nurse’s Nook. According to the Facebook Page, the mission statement for Nuala’s Nook is “Providing students with basic needs & resources which improves health & school attendance. Currently serving all schools in Oconto County, WI.”
Three years ago The Nurse’s Nook started an Adopt a Family Christmas program in partnership with Prevea Health and HSHS St Claire. Along with the Civic Club and other organizations they were able to provide families with needed items for the holidays and presents. In Summer 2017 the HSHS St Clare Memorial Hospital Foundation became a permanent partner with The Nurse’s Nook allowing Nuala to apply for grants and take monetary donations (that are tax deductible, by the way). This has opened so many new doors to funding to get things like shampoo and deodorant for children who, for whatever reasons, the most common being lack of running water, are not able to shower or bathe at home. There are also gas cards and gift cards to Walmart and GoodWill for families to take their children to appointments and help pay for medications or Medical Supplies. Recently, Nurse’s Nook was awarded a $30,000 grant from the Leon H. and Clymene M Bond Foundation which, along with a $5,000 grant from the Wisconsin Medical Society, will take a lot of financial stress off Nuala.
When she was asked what the biggest needs were, Nuala said, “Clothing is a big need. We get a lot of clothing donations for the Elementary school, but many people don’t realize that things happen in the Middle and High School as well that would require a change of clothes. We could really use adult sized clothing and tennis shoes or boots there. Also, shampoo, deodorant and laundry detergent for when clothes need to be washed. Some of the kids will take showers or do laundry here at school.” They will also accept monetary donations to buy what students need.
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In Suring the parent organization helps to organize and inventory the closet Nuala keeps there for the students. If anyone is looking for a volunteer opportunity, there is a need for someone who to organize and keep an inventory of the Nurse’s Nook in Gillett. The Nurse’s Nook also supports events like International Walk and Bike to School Day. If you would like to help please email thenursesnook@gmail.com.
At the end of our conversation, I asked Nuala if there was anything she would like to add that we haven’t covered. She replied, “Myself and the kids are all very appreciative of everything this community does and has done to ensure that every child has access to basic health and hygiene needs.”
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