Children First
Title: Reconnecting and Reorganizing: Enhancing Coalition Communication and Outreach for Children First’s Lead-Free Promise Project
Student Interns:
Stephanie Ruiz-Torres
University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine
Academic Preceptor:
Abby Quinn Peterson, DMD, MPH
University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine
Elizabeth Powell, DDS, MPH
University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine
Community Preceptor:
Kaanan Raja, MPH
Health Policy Associate, Children First
Community Site:
Children First, formerly known as Public Citizens for Children and Youth (PCCY), serves as the leading child advocacy organization working to improve the lives and life chances of children in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Children First works to improve the lives of the region’s children by developing initiatives and advocating for quality healthcare, childcare, public education, and family stability. The tough challenges children face today do not lend themselves to simple solutions. With a strong reputation and history as a unique organization advocating across a range of children’s issues, Children First leverages the power of community-based coalitions to pressure government officials, legislators, and policymakers to take necessary action to give every child the opportunity to thrive. The organization’s policy work is focused on four main areas: early childhood education/childcare, public education (K-12), health and behavioral healthcare, and system-involved youth (juvenile justice and foster care). Children First is a leader in family inclusion and places parent/caregiver voice at the heart of its advocacy through the Parents Empowered for Change program.
Team’s Experience:
The Bridging the Gaps student intern focused on reengaging more than 400 members of the Lead-Free Promise Project (LFPP) coalition who had previously participated in advocacy or outreach efforts. The intern led outreach efforts by contacting each member via phone or email to confirm or update their information and introduce a new membership tier system, then reorganized the coalition spreadsheet to include fields indicating the date of last contact and confirmation, enhancing its accuracy and usability. In addition, the intern conducted literature research on two key topics: the correlation between lead exposure and oral health, used to create a fact sheet for community outreach, and the use of filter paper as a method for testing lead exposure in children. The latter research was compiled into a literature review to be shared with the LFPP screening committee for analysis. The intern also reviewed and updated a resource guide for care management of a child who presents with elevated blood lead levels, calling the listed organizations to verify the accuracy of grant information, contact names, websites, and phone numbers to ensure that families receive the most up-to-date support and information. Throughout the summer, the intern also assisted Children First staff during meetings, tabling events, and with daily organizational needs. Final products included a streamlined coalition contact system and two educational resources to support outreach and screening efforts.
Reflections
“Being a Bridging the Gaps intern this summer and having the opportunity to work with Children First has been a deeply meaningful and transformative experience that I will take with me on my personal and professional journey. Entering the program, I had little knowledge about lead poisoning and its devastating impact on families across Pennsylvania, particularly in communities of color. Through this experience, I not only learned about the issue itself but gained insight into the systems and advocacy efforts working to combat it. Reaching out to coalition members by phone or email was both rewarding and humbling. Each interaction reminded me that I was representing a trusted organization, and it pushed me to be attentive, empathetic, and professional, always striving to offer a voice that was kind, respectful, and informed. I also cherished the sense of community within the Children First team; their warmth, dedication, and mentorship made me feel welcomed and supported every step of the way. I am truly grateful for this experience, which has strengthened my commitment to public health, advocacy, and community engagement.”
Stephanie Ruiz-Torres