dREXEL READING
2025 projects
Helping Harvest Fresh Food Bank
Bridging the Gaps at Helping Harvest
Student Intern:
Gautham Ramachandran, Drexel University College of Medicine at Tower Health
Academic Preceptor:
Holly Metzgar, DO, FACOG, NCMP, Drexel University College of Medicine at Tower Health
Community Preceptors:
Alexis Fick, Helping Harvest Fresh Food Bank
Alyssa Messner, Helping Harvest Fresh Food Bank
Jess Umbenhauer, Helping Harvest Fresh Food Bank
Community Site:
Helping Harvest Fresh Food Bank is a nonprofit organization working to reduce food insecurity in Berks and Schuylkill counties. As a regional partner of the national Feeding America network, the organization distributes more than nine million pounds of food each year to over 350 community partners, including food pantries, meal sites, senior centers, and youth programs. One of its key initiatives, the Mobile Market, delivers over 1.7 million pounds of food annually to low-income “neighbors” at 24 different locations across the two counties. For older adults with limited incomes, Helping Harvest operates the Senior Box program which provides a monthly box of shelf-stable food items. Additionally, Helping Harvest runs the Weekender program, which sends a package of food home each week with school-aged children who may not have enough to eat over the weekend. During the academic year, around 4,200 of these packages are distributed weekly across the region. https://helpingharvest.org
Team’s Experience:
The Bridging the Gaps student intern at Helping Harvest contributed to a variety of essential operations across multiple departments. In the warehouse, the intern assisted with packing food orders and performing general logistical tasks to support daily distribution efforts. In the administrative office, responsibilities included completing paperwork, entering data into the organization’s database, and organizing files. The intern also participated in the Mobile Market program, helping with site setup, food distribution, and post-event cleanup. As part of a long-term initiative, the intern also conducted a survey that collected anonymous feedback from community members regarding the quality and variety of foods provided.
Reflections:
Gautham Ramachandran: “My time at Helping Harvest was both eye-opening and deeply meaningful. I was genuinely surprised by the extent of food insecurity in our community, something I hadn’t fully realized until I witnessed it firsthand. It was humbling to see how many individuals and families rely on the services provided by Helping Harvest. What stood out most to me was the dedication of the staff and volunteers, who work tirelessly and compassionately (regardless of the weather) to ensure that the neighbors have access to basic necessities. Being able to contribute to this mission, even in a small way, gave me a sense of purpose and connection to the community. Whether I was packing food in the warehouse, helping distribute items at mobile markets, or collecting feedback from neighbors, I felt that my work was part of something larger. This experience has broadened my perspective on issues of hunger and equity and has inspired me to stay involved in community-based work. I leave this internship with a deeper understanding of both the challenges people face and the power of collective action to create meaningful change.”
Hope Rescue Mission
From Intake to Outreach: Building Trust and Health at Hope Rescue Mission
Student Intern:
Julia Teymouri, Drexel University College of Medicine at Tower Health
Academic Preceptor:
Holly Metzgar, DO, FACOG, NCMP, Drexel University College of Medicine at Tower Health
Community Preceptors:
April McNally, Hope Rescue Mission
Rus Romanov, Hope Rescue Mission
Robert Turchi, Hope Rescue Mission
Community Site:
Hope Rescue Mission is a shelter that provides both emergency and transitional housing to men experiencing homelessness in Berks County, PA. Hope Rescue Mission connects each resident with a case manager who collaborates with community partners to coordinate support for mental health conditions, substance use disorders, legal issues, financial instability, and other challenges that may impact long-term stability and recovery. Additionally, the Mission provides residents with three meals every day, daily opportunities for spiritual enrichment, and a range of weekly educational, informational, and vocational programs designed to support personal growth and long-term independence.
Team’s Experience:
The Bridging the Gaps student intern worked primarily in a resident-facing role, providing social support and health education from the welcome desk. The intern processed intake paperwork for new residents, provided phone support for those seeking shelter, participated in medication distribution, and worked closely with Tower Health Street Medicine providers to follow up on any new medical concerns that arose. In partnership with the site’s safety officer, the intern helped to develop and lead an updated medical emergency response training for staff. Finally, the intern worked with the street medicine team to participate in community health outreach efforts, including conducting screenings for conditions such as Hepatitis C, and regularly supported the on-site free clinic held every other Tuesday.
Reflection:
Julia Teymouri: “My time at Hope Rescue Mission was incredibly impactful. Connecting with the residents offered a unique glimpse into the challenges some of our most vulnerable community members face beyond the scope of what is explicitly defined as healthcare. I also developed a deep appreciation for the staff here and the intersectional nature of their work in case management. In addition to the services the Mission itself provides, there are so many strong partnerships with community organizations that I observed here. It was very inspiring to see how many people care so deeply about helping the men here stay healthy and whole. This passion for service is something that profoundly resonated with me and is something that I hope to personally cultivate and take with me into a career as a physician.”
Lighthouse Women & Children’s Center
Empowering Underserved Communities through Health Education and Outreach
Student Intern:
Alexis Ezeanii, Drexel University College of Medicine at Tower Health
Academic Preceptor:
Holly Metzgar, DO, FACOG, NCMP, Drexel University College of Medicine at Tower Health
Community Preceptor:
Kate Alley, Lighthouse Women & Children’s Center
Community Site:
Lighthouse Women & Children’s Center is a faith-based organization in Reading, PA, dedicated to supporting women and children experiencing crisis through transitional housing, counseling, health education, and spiritual care. The center fosters long-term stability by addressing barriers to health and wellness. Lighthouse also partners with the Hope Rescue Mission to provide outreach services to men facing housing insecurity. https://www.hopeforreading.org/lighthouse
Team’s Experience:
The Bridging the Gaps student intern collaborated with Lighthouse Women & Children’s Center to support health education and community outreach initiatives. The intern created preventive health materials on heat stroke awareness for residents and led a smoking cessation session. Bimonthly health screenings were conducted for women and children at the site. The intern developed and presented a safety protocol for staff, which included training on recognizing opioid overdose, administering Narcan®, performing CPR, and operating an AED. Additionally, the intern visited a local encampment site to connect directly with unsheltered individuals and inform them about available shelter resources.
Reflection:
Alexis Ezeanii: “This summer reshaped how I think about medicine, advocacy, and the spaces where care begins. At Lighthouse Women & Children’s Center, I wasn’t just observing need; I was learning how to respond to it with purpose. Whether creating health resources on heat stroke or speaking with women and children during screenings, every task pushed me to think beyond the textbook and focus on what helps people survive and feel seen. Visiting an encampment site and having real conversations with residents reminded me that connection is often the first step toward healing. Wednesdays were another turning point. Listening to speakers discuss topics like gun violence and the criminalization of pregnancy opened my eyes to how policy decisions directly shape lives. This experience taught me that care isn’t just clinical. Care involves knowing when to speak, when to listen, and how to meet people with dignity in whatever space they’re in.”
Mary's Shelter
Public Health & Youth/Family Services Intern
Student Intern:
Devina Persaud, Drexel College of Medicine at Tower Health
Academic Preceptor:
Holly Metzgar, DO, FACOG, NCMP, Drexel College of Medicine at Tower Health
Community Preceptor:
Christine Folk, RN, Mary’s Shelter
Community Site:
Mary’s Shelter is committed to empowering homeless youth by providing housing, education, and social service programs. https://www.marysshelter.org/
Team’s Experience:
The Bridging the Gaps student intern served as a Public Health & Youth/Family Services intern at Mary’s Shelter, supporting both residential youth and community clients. The intern assisted with job searches, résumé writing, and navigating social services and healthcare systems. The BTG intern also helped residents maintain compliance with program requirements and conducted public health education talks to encourage health-seeking behavior. Additionally, the intern organized donations, digitized site records, and connected families with essential community resources. Together, these contributions improved internal operations and expanded access to support services for those served by the shelter.
Reflection:
Devina Persaud: “Volunteering at Mary’s Shelter has been so impactful that any combination of words I write here would do a disservice to the experience. As medical students, we are so homed in on the biochemistry, anatomy, drugs, etc., … but Mary’s Shelter has been a beautiful reminder of the larger picture. Being a part of the community here, helping those that live within our doors, as well as those within the community, has shown me the beauty of a community center such as this. Although I came to medical school with a passion for service, my time at Mary’s has only solidified that, as well as given me a deeper appreciation of the power of compassion and generosity. Thanks to my summer at Mary’s shelter, I feel not only better informed about the community I will serve one day but also reaffirmed in my values of empathy, being present, helping all with an open mind.”
Olivet Boys & Girls Club
Little Voices, Lasting Impact: A Summer at Oakbrook
Student Intern:
Semilayo Agbejule, Drexel University College of Medicine at Tower Health
Academic Preceptor:
Holly Metzgar, DO, FACOG, NCMP, Drexel University College of Medicine at Tower Health
Community Preceptor:
Jordan Rodriguez, Director of Programs, Olivet Boys & Girls Club of Reading & Berks County
Community Site:
The Olivet Boys & Girls Club is a cornerstone of the community, committed to addressing both the immediate and long-term needs of youth through comprehensive educational support, after-school programming, and mentorship opportunities. The organization plays an essential role in fostering a safe, inclusive, and enriching environment for children, particularly those from underserved communities. During the summer, the club hosts a structured day camp that offers engaging activities for children while providing parents with reliable and supportive childcare options. https://www.olivetbgc.org/
Team’s Experience:
The Bridging the Gaps student intern was placed at the Oakbrook location of the Olivet Boys and Girls Club in Reading, PA. Assigned to the 6-8 age group, the intern worked closely with club staff to support daily programming and activities. The intern delivered an engaging oral health presentation, emphasizing the importance of proper hygiene and the consequences of neglecting oral care. In addition to classroom support, the intern assisted during field trips to Blue Mountain Camp and helped facilitate art projects. Through these experiences, the intern developed meaningful relationships with the children and gained valuable insight into how socioeconomic factors can significantly influence a child’s overall health and well-being.
Reflection:
Semilayo Agbejule: “At the start of my internship at Olivet Boys and Girls Club, I felt understandably nervous. The summer camp had already been in session for a week, and a structured routine was firmly in place. However, my apprehension quickly faded within the first 10 minutes of arriving. From the camp leaders to the camp director, I was warmly welcomed by staff, and the children were quick to embrace me as part of their environment. Throughout my time with the 6–8 age group, I had the opportunity to form genuine connections with many of the campers. I learned about their weekend activities, summer trips, family dynamics, and who they were as individuals. These conversations offered me valuable insight into how socioeconomic challenges can directly impact a child’s development and access to care. Interning at Olivet this summer has been a deeply meaningful experience. It reaffirmed my commitment to serving children, especially those from underserved and underprivileged communities, and further fueled my passion for making a lasting impact in their lives.”