Compassion in Action at Deaconess Nurse Ministry takes Many Forms

At Deaconess Nurse Ministry in St. Louis, compassion isn’t just wellness screenings. It’s about the whole person. One population often served includes U.S. service veterans.

One in five U.S. veterans experience homelessness at some point in their lives. Doc, a 42-year-old U.S. Army veteran and former medic, knows this struggle all too well. Known as “Doc” in the unsheltered community, he regularly visits Deaconess Nurse Ministry’s Meals Program, where he receives nutritious meals, clothing, personal care items, and compassionate support from our nurses.

One day, he shared a heartfelt request with a Deaconess Nurse Ministry nurse: “Will you help me get hearing aids? I want to get a job.” 

She said yes, and together they applied to the Lions Club. When the referral letter finally arrived, Doc’s phone had been stolen, making it hard to reach him. But the Deaconess Nurse Ministry nurse didn’t give up—she posted a simple note on the dry erase board: “Doc to see nurse.” Word spread, and soon he arrived to receive the good news.

As they read the referral letter together, Doc’s eyes filled with gratitude and hope. Overwhelmed, he hugged the nurse, reminded that someone cared and that a brighter future was within reach. A veteran who dedicated his life to serving others now has a tangible step toward stability—hearing aids are just the beginning.

At Deaconess Nurse Ministry, lives like Doc’s are transformed every day.