Strengthening Community Health at Wake Urban Ministries Open Door Clinic

This fall, a team of Caldwell Fellows is engaging in hands-on service-learning at the Wake County Urban Ministries Open Door Clinic as part of their Sophomore Seminar. This service partnership, which spans nearly two decades, allows Caldwell Fellows to contribute to the clinic’s mission: “To engage our community to serve and advocate on behalf of those affected by poverty by providing food and nutrition, promoting health and wellness, and laying the foundations of home.” Open since 1981, the Open Door Clinic is an integral part of Urban Ministries, providing essential health services to uninsured adults, including primary care, behavioral health, and certain specialties. You can learn more about the clinic at https://urbanmin.org/about-us/our-story/.

The current service-learning team leaders, Ella Matischak (’25) and Max Nicely (’25), are guiding their peers through diverse roles, ranging from Welcome Coordinator to Pharmacy Technician. Team members, including Lucas Ciscato, Steven Ji, Erin Monteith, Maylan Maxwell, Mesha Strickland, and Claire Siegel (all from the Class of 2027), are learning about the intricacies of healthcare through roles that offer direct patient interaction and logistical support.

I think everybody should experience the change in perspective serving others allows for. This year, I’m learning to be a more effective leader by meeting others where they’re at, and finding ways to give others room for growth and reflection. -Max Nicely

As Welcome Coordinators, Fellows greet and check in patients, ensuring they feel comfortable from the moment they arrive. Case Managers work with patients to schedule appointments for additional care at other medical practices when necessary. Pharmacy Technicians prepare and manage prescriptions, while Lab Data Interns handle lab requests, acting as essential links between the clinic, Duke labs, and patients.

Many students who start at the Open Door Clinic through the Caldwell Fellows program often continue volunteering there after their initial semester, deeply impacted by their experiences. The clinic provides Fellows with a deeper understanding of the barriers to quality healthcare and the complexities of the U.S. healthcare system. This immersive experience not only develops their understanding of community needs but also inspires many toward a lifelong vocation of service and advocacy.

The Sophomore Seminar and its service-learning focus are the cornerstone experiential learning experience for new Caldwell Fellows. Its impact on students’ understanding of service, leadership, and community engagement has a profound, lasting impact. Stay tuned for more stories of service-learning teams in action.