To Our Children’s Future With Health, Inc.
Title: To Our Children’s Future With Health Summer Achievers
Student Interns:
Hassan Abbas Shenasa
Temple University, Lewis Katz School of Medicine
Academic Preceptor:
Jerome Wright, MSW, LSW
Temple University, Lewis Katz School of Medicine
Community Preceptor:
Charmaine Sudler Milligan
Director of Services, To Our Children’s Future With Health, Inc.
Community Site:
To Our Children’s Future With Health, Inc. (TOCFWH) is a community-driven nonprofit organization founded in 1992 by Dr. Robin Foster-Drain. This organization provides many services revolving around education, community health, and mental health for both youth and adults. In addition to these services, TOCFWH collaborates with other organizations to further develop and maintain the Nicetown-Tioga community.
Team’s Experience:
The Bridging the Gaps student intern worked with teachers and other staff at Kenderton Elementary School as part of a summer educational camp. The first half of each day focused primarily on math, English, and reading, while the second half of the day focused more on artistic activities, social and emotional learning, drama, and GSK Science in the Summer. Additionally, a field trip was scheduled each Friday so students could have fun and connect more with their classmates. As part of the Bridging the Gaps program, the intern provided oral health supplies as well as information on cardiovascular and oral health.
Reflections
“Through the BTG CHIP program, I have gained a lot of experience working with children and finding different ways to explain concepts that they may have difficulty with, which is something I believe will be very helpful when working with pediatric patients. Additionally, through my conversations with the staff at TOCFWH, I have heard firsthand accounts of how COVID and recent governmental policies have negatively impacted the Nicetown-Tioga community, and the educational challenges students face as result of these events. I have gained a better understanding of the Nicetown-Tioga community as well as the barriers families face, which ultimately affects their health and access to care. These are experiences that will stay with me throughout my career in medicine, and I believe it will allow me to provide more mindful care to the communities I serve.”
Hassan Abbas Shenasa