For the youth at Lutherwood, care goes beyond routine checkups.
Every week, LCFS welcomes Dr. R, a dedicated family nurse practitioner who brings compassionate care directly to the youth at Lutherwood. From initial intakes to annual well visits, she makes sure each young person is healthy and supported. Beyond that, she also sees them for any other issues, such as illness or injury.
But recently, she’s gone even further.
After noticing that many of the youth were struggling with acne and other skin concerns, she recognized a deeper issue. For many of these young people, no one had ever taught them how to care for their skin. Coming from backgrounds that may include homelessness, human trafficking, or unstable family environments, they often miss out on everyday life skills many of us take for granted.
Dr. R was quick to take action.
She launched a new program focused on building confidence and self-care skills. In its first week, she brought in a licensed esthetician to teach the youth how to properly care for their skin, giving them both practical tools and a boost of confidence.
Her goal, she said, was to “create something new and innovative so we can fill the gaps for some of the things the girls are not getting.”
Next, she plans to bring in a gynecologist to talk with the youth, answer questions, and help them better understand their bodies and health.
More than anything, she’s become a steady, supportive presence at Lutherwood by encouraging the youth not just to show up physically, but mentally, too.
Her passion for care began in her childhood in Mississippi, where she saw how far her grandmother had to travel to access quality medical care. Witnessing that kind of medical desert inspired her to dedicate her life to serving communities with limited access.
In addition to her work at Lutherwood, she runs her own practice, Premier Wellness, where she focuses on a holistic approach to care.
And the impact she’s making is clear.
The youth at Lutherwood consistently share how much they appreciate her openness, her listening ear, and the way she makes them feel heard. As she puts it:
“When it comes to their health, they need to be open and honest about their issues. I try to encourage them in any interaction to show up both physically and mentally. I always remind them, you are not what you’ve been through.”
