HumanGood – Tioga Presbyterian Apartments
Title: A Community-Centered Approach to Senior Health
Student Interns:
Gayatri Patel
Temple University, School of Podiatric Medicine
Jiwon Yu
Temple University, School of Pharmacy
Academic Preceptor:
Jerome Wright, MSW, LSW
Temple University, Lewis Katz School of Medicine
Community Preceptor:
Jacqueline Harvey, BA, CESC
Social Service Coordinator, HumanGood
Community Site:
Tioga Presbyterian Apartments is a HumanGood affordable housing community located in North Philadelphia’s Tioga-Nicetown neighborhood. The residence provides HUD-subsidized housing for income-eligible adults aged 62 and older, creating a safe and supportive environment where residents can maintain their independence and age with dignity. In addition to affordable apartments, the community offers on-site social services, wellness programs, resident activities, and connections to local resources. By combining stable housing with opportunities for support and social engagement, Tioga Presbyterian Apartments helps older adults feel secure, respected, and connected to their community.
Team’s Experience:
The Bridging the Gaps interns partnered with Tioga Presbyterian Apartments to promote healthy aging through health education, individualized resident support, and community engagement. Throughout the summer, the interns developed and delivered wellness programming on cardiovascular disease prevention, smoking cessation, diabetes management, diabetic foot care, oral hygiene, nutrition, and access to community resources, including the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program. Resources included practical food-swap recommendations, oral health kits, and guidance on daily foot and dental care. The team also organized a water-ice social and an origami activity and assisted with everyday needs, such as contacting insurance companies and providing technology and administrative support. These efforts strengthened relationships with residents while supporting their physical health, emotional well-being, independence, social connection, and overall quality of life.
Reflections
The BTG CHIP experience taught us how important it is to understand people beyond their medical conditions. During our time at Tioga Presbyterian Apartments, we learned that each resident’s health, needs, and perspective are shaped by personal experiences, relationships, available resources, and the community in which they live. Building relationships with the residents showed us that meaningful care begins with listening, respecting individual perspectives, and creating a space where people feel comfortable sharing their concerns. We also gained a deeper understanding of how everyday challenges can affect a person’s health, independence, and ability to access care. As future healthcare professionals in pharmacy and podiatric medicine, we will carry these lessons forward by approaching every patient with compassion, patience, and an appreciation for the individual behind the diagnosis.
Gayatri Patel and Jiwon Yu
