Mercy Neighborhood Ministries
Title: Expanding Health Education Through Creative Play at Mercy Neighborhood Ministries in North Philadelphia
Student Interns:
Cheyenne Frank
Thomas Jefferson University, Sidney Kimmel Medical College
Oluwapelumi Osunkoya
Thomas Jefferson University, Sidney Kimmel Medical College
Academic Preceptor:
Zoë Van Orsdol, MA, MPH
Thomas Jefferson University, College of Population Health
Community Preceptor:
Barbara Coleman
Director of Programs, Mercy Neighborhood Ministries
Community Site:
The mission of Mercy Neighborhood Ministries is to improve quality of life for the people of Philadelphia through intergenerational programming in early education and youth development, adult education and workforce development, and adult day care. Mercy serves about 300 children, adults, and seniors daily in the 19140 and 19144 zip codes of the Tioga-Nicetown and Germantown areas of Philadelphia.
Team’s Experience:
The Bridging the Gaps student interns focused on giving Mercy students a series of health- and safety-related lessons. They also facilitated gameplay, the completion of school assignments, and participation in field trips around Philadelphia. Their goal was to create a fun and engaging environment for students to learn more about personal health. One lesson comprised a series of games about germs and hand hygiene, another was an oral health Bingo game, and a nutrition game was designed with the goal of building the healthiest and most balanced meal.
Reflections
“My experience this summer with BTG was so fulfilling. Working at Mercy emphasized the importance of teamwork and community in addressing the diverse needs of underserved populations. Through its early education and youth development programming, I saw how the well-being of the students extends beyond the clinical setting. The relationships I built with the teachers and staff and lessons learned this summer have laid the foundation for a collaborative mindset I hope to carry throughout my medical career!”
Cheyenne Frank
“I couldn’t be happier with my experience at Mercy Neighborhood Ministries this summer. Over the course of the seven weeks, I had the pleasure of getting to know the staff and many of the students. I learned how much heart is in this community. Each staff member is extremely committed to their work there, every day putting their all into creating the best environment for every child. The students are collaborative, bright, funny, and eager to learn. Watching them work together, encourage one another, and comfort each other when they’re feeling down has left a lasting impression on me. Mercy feels a lot like a family. I feel incredibly lucky to have been a small part of this organization this summer. To share in their joy and laughter, celebrate their accomplishments and birthdays, and witness some sad goodbyes has been deeply moving. I look forward to continuing my work with Mercy in the future.”
Oluwapelumi Osunkoya
Partners
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