A Lifeline on the Streets: Honoring APRNs During Free & Charitable Clinic Month

Each day, whether on sidewalks, under viaducts, and in shelters, The Night Ministry's Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) are on the frontlines, providing health care and other vital services to some of Chicago's most vulnerable residents. In honor of Illinois Association for Free & Charitable Clinic Month, we celebrate them for their unparalleled compassion, dedication, and service.

"These APRNs aren't just providers, they're lifelines for many people in need in our community," said David Wywialowski, Director of Outreach and Health Ministry. "They meet our clients exactly where they are, physically and emotionally, and provide care that says, 'You matter. You are not forgotten.'"

For many experiencing homelessness or extreme poverty, The Night Ministry's APRNs are the only consistent connection to medical care. Their work extends far beyond stethoscopes and blood pressure cuffs. They remember names, track down clients in encampments, and follow up when no phone number or address exists. This is intentional, relational healthcare at its most human level.

What sets them apart isn't only their clinical excellence but also their presence. They understand the power of dignity and treat every encounter as an opportunity for healing.

Wywialowski added, "Our APRNs are deeply attuned to our clients' needs. Their empathy, skill, and consistency help bridge the gap between survival and wellness. They embody the spirit of our mission of delivering not just healthcare, but humanity."