Lenfest Center for Community Workforce Partnerships
Title: A New Beginning
Student Interns:
Tivona Baht-Yisrael
Temple University, College of Education and Human Development
Kiran Dhillon
Temple University, School of Pharmacy
Academic Preceptor:
Jerome Wright, MSW, LSW
Temple University, Lewis Katz School of Medicine
Community Preceptor:
Shirley Moy, MSW
Executive Director
Lenfest Center for Community Workforce Partnerships
Community Site:
The Lenfest Center for Community Workforce Partnerships (LCCWP) is part of Temple University’s Office of Community Impact and Civic Engagement. Its mission is to improve community health and well-being through service, education, and advocacy. LCCWP offers programs focused on adult literacy, workforce development, youth development, and community capacity building. The center prioritizes supporting historically underserved populations throughout Philadelphia and across Pennsylvania.
Team’s Experience:
The Bridging the Gaps interns assisted with career development and job readiness by creating and reviewing résumés and helping with job applications. The interns also participated in community outreach events that connected residents with health education and local resources. In addition, the interns developed and delivered educational presentations on cardiovascular health and oral health to increase awareness of disease prevention. Overall, the team’s efforts fostered career development, health education, and community engagement.
Reflections
My BTG CHIP experience at Lenfest opened my eyes in ways I had not imagined. The opportunities available at this site are truly life-changing for individuals committed to improving their quality of life. At Lenfest, I felt immersed in the North Philadelphia community, attending job fairs, healthcare info sessions, and helping people build their résumés. This experience has exposed me to the resilience that the residents have in this neighborhood. It was nice to hear directly from residents and clients in North Philadelphia about how the new job market has changed and how it affects their current employment. I gained a new perspective on how strategic you must be to get what you want out of this world and never take no for an answer, because there is always someone willing to help. And that was us this summer at the Lenfest Center! I learned that it is never too late to start anew in your life, no matter what you’ve been through in the past. Even in your adult years, it takes a village to help you achieve success. As an educator, I also advocate for the betterment of my students, and I am proud to say that these experiences guide me on my journey through life.
Tivona Baht-Yisrael
My BTG CHIP experience at Lenfest has been incredibly meaningful and is something I will always remember. At the beginning of the internship, I never expected to connect with the community in the way that I did. Helping people build résumés, hearing their stories, and working with individuals from all different backgrounds reminded me that everyone has their own unique journey and that even small acts of service can make a meaningful difference. Throughout this experience, I developed a deeper understanding of the challenges many people in the community face, as well as the strength and determination they show every day despite those obstacles. I am thankful for the relationships I built, the stories I had the privilege of hearing, and the lessons I learned along the way. I know these experiences will stay with me and continue to shape both my personal and professional growth.
Kiran Dhillon
