Olivet Boys & Girls Club of Reading & Berks County
Title: Building Community Through Youth Engagement and Enrichment
Student Interns:
Adeeb Hossain
Drexel University College of Medicine at Tower Health
Academic Preceptor:
Daniel Schidlow, MD
Drexel University College of Medicine
Community Preceptor:
Kristen Orgera
Olivet Boys & Girls Club of Reading & Berks County
Community Site:
The Olivet Boys & Girls Club is a nonprofit youth development organization serving children and families throughout the Reading, Pennsylvania, community. The club provides a safe, supportive environment where youth participate in academic enrichment, recreational activities, leadership development, arts programming, and mentorship. Through structured programming and community partnerships, the organization promotes positive youth development and provides opportunities that promote lifelong learning, confidence, and healthy relationships.
Team’s Experience:
The Bridging the Gaps intern partnered with the Olivet Boys & Girls Club to support youth programming through mentorship, recreational activities, and educational engagement. Throughout the summer, the intern assisted staff by facilitating games, supervising daily activities, encouraging positive social interactions, and helping create an inclusive environment where children felt supported and engaged. The experience focused on promoting healthy development through relationship-building, teamwork, and active participation, while supporting special events and community outings that expanded opportunities for youth. Through consistent engagement and collaboration with staff, the intern helped create a welcoming environment that encouraged personal growth, confidence, and meaningful experiences for club members.
Reflections
The Bridging the Gaps experience reinforced for me the importance of community engagement in promoting well-being beyond the clinical setting. Working alongside dedicated staff demonstrated that meaningful change often begins by creating safe spaces where children feel valued, encouraged, and connected. Observing the creativity and commitment invested in providing enriching experiences — from everyday mentorship to community outings — highlighted how positive childhood experiences can shape confidence, resilience, and future aspirations. The experience strengthened an appreciation for the role that community organizations play in addressing social determinants of health and emphasized that compassionate service, relationship-building, and sustained community investment are all essential components of becoming a well-rounded physician.
Adeeb Hossain
