BTG Hope

"The BTG Program provides needed resources to the many thousands of community-based organizations that are working to create a more socially just and compassionate world. Because of their support, many nonprofits are able to reach and enrich the lives of many more people."

BTG Community Preceptor

Philadelphia Consortium Projects

Adolescents and Young Adults

Health Education

Student Intern(s):
Matthew Parker, Temple University, School of Medicine
Betsy Roy, Temple University, College of Health Professions, Department of Occupational Therapy

Academic Preceptor(s):
Dianne Butera, MSW, Temple University, School of Medicine

Community Preceptor(s):
Heather Hillas, Project H.O.M.E., Honickman Learning Center, Teen Program
Madeleine Nist, MA, Project H.O.M.E., Honickman Learning Center, Teen Program

The Community Site:
Project H.O.M.E.’s Honickman Learning Center and Comcast Technology Labs, located in North Central Philadelphia, provide programs that integrate arts, technology and literacy initiatives. View Community Partner Web Site

Healthy People 2010:
Leading Health Indicators: Physical Activity; Overweight and Obesity; Tobacco Use; Substance Abuse; Responsible Sexual Behavior
Focus Areas: Cancer; Diabetes; Heart Disease and Stroke; HIV; Nutrition and Obesity; Oral Health; Physical Activity and Fitness; Respiratory Diseases; Sexually Transmitted Diseases; Tobacco Use; Substance Abuse

The Project:
While working with the staff of the Honickman Teen Program, Matt and Betsy had the privilege of assisting the teachers in their ongoing literacy activities and digital media and photography classes. The interns also taught the Ask the Doctors class to help increase health awareness on issues common to the teens and their families. By developing trusting relationships with the teens, they were able to serve as resources and respond to health-related questions. Matt observed that his goal for the summer was to “get to know and relate with the teens and share with them relevant information to make healthy choices.” He continued, “The time I spent at the Honickman Center far surpassed my expectations.” Betsy noted, “Never having worked with teenagers before, my experiences at Honickman this summer helped me realize how direction, investment, and patience can have a motivating impact on these bright students.”

Living Healthy at Brother Rousseau Academy

Student Intern(s):
David Beckmann, University of Pennsylvania, School of Medicine
Neil Uffner, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine

Academic Preceptor(s):
Joan I. Gluch, PhD, RDH, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine
Anthony Rostain, MD, MA, MS, University of Pennsylvania, School of Medicine

Community Preceptor(s):
Larry Patrick, MPA, Brother Rousseau Academy

The Community Site:
Brother Rousseau Academy, a division of the St. Gabriel’s System, is an intensive day-treatment program serving young adolescents. View Community Partner Web Site

Healthy People 2010:
Leading Health Indicators: Mental Health; Responsible Sexual Behavior; Substance Abuse
Focus Areas: HIV; Mental Health and Mental Disorders; Nutrition and Overweight; Sexually Transmitted Diseases; Substance Abuse

The Project:
David and Neil’s responsibilities at the Brother Rousseau Academy were twofold: First and foremost, they created a health workshop curriculum and conducted sessions twice per week, educating the students about topics including mental health, oral health, drugs and alcohol, and sexual heath. Second, the interns acted as camp counselors and classroom tutors. As tutors, they helped teach various levels of math, science and language arts. As counselors, they participated in both school-wide and community-based activities. David said his “experiences in attempting to reach out to the students—what worked and what did not” will surely inform his future work, “both on a public health level and with individual patients.” Neil said, “With the exponential advancements in medical technologies we see in the health-care field today, the gap between the medical knowledge of a health-care provider and that of most other Philadelphians is growing. Spending time at Brother Rousseau Academy has reminded me that it is pivotal to identify with our communities before we try to treat them.”

Putting the Community Back in Community Center

Student Intern(s):
Christopher Baumert, Temple University, School of Medicine
Chinedu J. Onyeji, Temple University, College of Health Professions, Department of Physical Therapy
Karimah Smith, Temple University, School of Medicine

Academic Preceptor(s):
Trisha Acri, MD, Temple University, School of Medicine

Community Preceptor(s):
Doris Phillips, H.E.R.O. Community Center
John Phillips, H.E.R.O. Community Center

The Community Site:
H.E.R.O. (Helping Energize and Rebuild Ourselves) Community Center, located in North Philadelphia, provides a food bank and educational and recreational resources for community members young and old, along with a summer camp for children aged 6 to 12.

Healthy People 2010:
Leading Health Indicators: Injury and Violence; Overweight and Obesity; Physical Activity
Focus Areas: Educational and Community-Based Programs; Health Communication; Injury and Violence Prevention; Nutrition and Overweight; Physical Activity and Fitness

The Project:
Chris, C.J. and Karimah served as both teachers and health promoters in the 2008 H.E.R.O summer camp. The interns’ primary focus was to facilitate structured summer recreation and educational activities for preadolescents. The educational sessions and community and individual health activities addressed heart health, hiking and physical activity, nutrition, home safety, conflict resolution, personal safety, and race. All lessons were facilitated with an emphasis on physical activity as a leading indicator of improving overall health. Karimah commented, “The capacity and willingness to learn is so extraordinary at a young age … Lessons not provided in childhood can manifest in adulthood as chronic diseases that could have been prevented.” Chris noted, “The staff is truly to be commended for its unwavering focus on the success of the neighborhood … My summer experience with them taught me that improving the health of a community takes both an incredible dedication to its youth and an extraordinary willingness to seek out every resource available to it.” C.J. stated, “This site has given me a heightened sense of responsibility for what it means to participate in taking care of one’s community.”

Exploring Health Careers

Student Intern(s):
Sarah Nagle, Thomas Jefferson University, Jefferson Medical College
Anne Schrimmer, Thomas Jefferson University, Jefferson College of Health Professions, Department of Occupational Therapy

Academic Preceptor(s):
Caryn Johnson, MS, OTR/L, FAOTA, Thomas Jefferson University, Jefferson College of Health Professions, Department of Occupational Therapy

Community Preceptor(s):
Neva White, MSN, CRNP, CDE, Thomas Jefferson University, Department of Community Health

The Community Site:
Exploring Health Careers, Thomas Jefferson Community Health Department, is an adolescent “train the trainer” program, where teen trainers participate in health education sessions and share this health-related information with younger community members. View Community Partner Web Site

Healthy People 2010:
Leading Health Indicators: Physical Activity; Overweight and Obesity; Responsible Sexual Behavior; Substance Abuse, Environmental Quality
Focus Areas: Heart Disease and Stroke; Nutrition and Overweight; Physical Activity and Fitness; Sexually Transmitted Diseases; Environmental Health; Health Communication

The Project:
Sarah and Annie created a program designed to address specific education and skills needed by adolescent community health trainers. The interns engaged the teens in educational sessions and activities focused on various health issues relevant to the youth and elderly community members. Topics included stroke, nutrition, exercise, substance abuse, sexual health and environmental health. The program included a weekly book discussion and a health careers component. Annie stated, “This BTG experience has challenged me to try things and see things that I may not have otherwise … Being aware of the skills and tools needed to connect with specific populations will allow me to practice more successfully.” Sarah noted, “I found that the best way to motivate adolescents is to find their strengths.”

Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders Today

Student Intern(s):
Christopher Lee, University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, Department of Physical Therapy
Adrian Hurst, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine

Academic Preceptor(s):
Eugene Mochan, PhD, DO, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine

Community Preceptor(s):
Jacques Louis, Allegheny West Foundation
Melanie Palmer, Allegheny West Foundation

The Community Site:
The Allegheny West Foundation, located in North Philadelphia, is a community-based organization that works to improve the quality of all aspects of community life. View Community Partner Web Site

Healthy People 2010:
Leading Health Indicators: Overweight and Obesity; Responsible Sexual Behavior; Substance Abuse
Focus Areas: Access to Quality Health Services; Diabetes; Injury and Violence Prevention; Nutrition and Overweight; Sexually Transmitted Disease

The Project:
Adrian and Chris worked with the teens in Allegheny West’s Service Learning Project, focusing on health education and job readiness. The interns facilitated sessions on business skills, resume writing, interviewing skills, work attire and other business-world skills. Health promotion was integrated into the job readiness discussions. In addition, the interns guided the adolescents’ survey of community members to gauge their feelings about the community and explore their interest in creating a community mural. Adrian said, “Working with Allegheny West has given me an invaluable experience … I feel like the knowledge that I have gained while working here will be beneficial to both me and my future patients.” Chris commented, “I originally signed up to work with adolescents to impact them, but I now see that actually I have been impacted more than I’ve expected.”

Summer Webcasting Program

Student Intern(s):
Magie Kaga, Temple University, College of Health Professions, Department of Physical Therapy
Mary Kate Hillman, Temple University, School of Pharmacy
Leigh Anna Pitts, Drexel University, School of Public Health

Academic Preceptor(s):
Dianne Butera, MSW, Temple University, School of Medicine
Stephen F. Gambescia, PhD, MEd, MBA, CHES, Drexel University, College of Nursing and Health Professions
Amy Heath, PT, DPT, OCS, Temple University, College of Health Professions, Department of Physical Therapy

Community Preceptor(s):
Mark Lyons, PA-C, MPH, Maria de los Santos
Blanca Pacheco, Open Borders Project/Proyecto Sin Fronteras
Manuel Portillo, Open Borders Project/Proyecto Sin Fronteras

The Community Site:
Open Borders Project/Proyecto Sin Fronteras, located in North Philadelphia, provides educational programs that focus on increasing civic participation and accessing employment and higher education. View Community Partner Web Site

Healthy People 2010:
Leading Health Indicators: Environmental Quality; Overweight and Obesity; Physical Activity
Focus Areas: Educational and Community-Based Programs; Environmental Health; Heart Disease and Stroke; Nutrition and Overweight; Physical Activity and Fitness

The Project:
Magie, Mary Kate and Leigh Anna were crew leaders for a group of 15 adolescents participating in Open Borders Project/Proyecto Sin Fronteras Youth Voices Webcasting program. The program’s curriculum helped youth develop computer competency and written English proficiency. The youth also acquired technological, leadership and work-related skills. To create digital stories about their lives and communities, the high school students recorded interviews with family members and community leaders. The interns and staff guided the youth in transforming these recordings into digital format and broadcasting them over the Internet as downloadable, streaming presentations. In addition to helping the students with this project, the interns gave several health presentations on relevant topics, such as healthy eating, fun physical activities and self-care. Magie noted, “This experience has given me a different perspective in dealing with communities and has helped me better understand what is needed in communities in order for them to strive.” Mary Kate reflected, “I have come to better understand the fact that not everyone has the same knowledge of health and even the most basic ideas need to be explained in order to assure comprehension.” Leigh Anna noted, “Working with the students this summer demonstrated the importance of education. Education is a critical determinant of health.”

Rising to New Heights at Congreso

Student Intern(s):
Whitney Odle, Temple University, College of Health Professions, Department of Physical Therapy
Elizabeth Wilson, Temple University, School of Medicine

Academic Preceptor(s):
Amy Heath, PT, DPT, OCS, Temple University, College of Health Professions, Department of Physical Therapy

Community Preceptor(s):
Kenya Shujaa, Congreso de Latinos Unidos, Adolescent Violence Reduction Program
Zeelyna Wise, Congreso de Latinos Unidos, Adolescent Violence Reduction Program

The Community Site:
Congreso’s Adolescent Violence Reduction Partnership (AVRP) Program, located in eastern North Philadelphia, aims to prevent high-risk youth from becoming perpetrators of violence through a hands-on antiviolence collaboration combining mentoring with center-based programming. View Community Partner Web Site

Healthy People 2010:
Leading Health Indicators: Physical Activity; Substance Abuse; Injury and Violence
Focus Areas: Healthy Eating and Nutrition; Obesity; Physical Activity; Substance Abuse; Cardiovascular Health

The Project:
Whitney and Beth provided health education and promotion activities for the 10- to 15-year-old high-risk, violence-affected youth participating in the Adolescent Violence Reduction Program (AVRP). The health and nutrition lessons included healthy eating, obesity, physical activity, tobacco use, substance abuse, cardiovascular health, bone health and osteoporosis prevention, brain function and decision making, oral health, and meal planning. Whitney and Beth accompanied the adolescents on educational field trips. Working with the staff, the interns fostered a trusting, comfortable antiviolence environment for the teens. They also integrated discussions on art, antiviolence, life skills and the mural arts program into their activities. Beth reflected, “There are many health disparities plaguing our community and our nation and it takes each professional, and more importantly each person, to go out into the community and try to eliminate barriers and provide access to high-quality health care for all.” Whitney commented, “It is amazing to see the resilience of the kids shine through in their attitudes … I have learned … that I will be able to better understand, and therefore, treat people that we serve as health professionals.”

Educating Youth on Health Issues

Student Intern(s):
Ariana Flores, University of Pennsylvania, School of Medicine
Meron Selassie, University of Pennsylvania, School of Medicine

Academic Preceptor(s):
Noel B. Rosales, MD, University of Pennsylvania, School of Medicine
Stephen Ludwig, MD, University of Pennsylvania, School of Medicine

Community Preceptor(s):
Melissa Aguirre, BA, Congreso de Latinos Unidos, Summer YouthWorks Program
Andrea Saldivar, BA, Congreso de Latinos Unidos, Summer YouthWorks Program

The Community Site:
Congreso de Latinos Unidos, located in eastern North Philadelphia, is a multifaceted community-based organization providing a variety of human services including the adolescent Summer YouthWorks Program. View Community Partner Web Site

Healthy People 2010:
Leading Health Indicators: Overweight and Obesity; Responsible Sexual Behavior; Substance Abuse
Focus Areas: Educational and Community-Based Programs; Heart Disease and Stroke; Nutrition and Overweight; Sexually Transmitted Diseases; Substance Abuse

The Project:
Ariana and Meron educated adolescents about some of the pressing health issues that disproportionately affect minority communities, such as substance abuse, cardiovascular disease, obesity and sexually transmitted diseases. The interns also assisted teens in developing health campaigns to address these health issues. The health campaigns included a poster or brochure; a skit, poem or song; and an abstract focusing on the community health problem the teen chose to assess. The adolescents performed their skits and displayed their posters at a gathering that members of the community and Congreso attended. Ariana reflected, “This summer’s experience reinforced my knowledge of the barriers faced by inner-city minority adolescents … Serving as a health educator also strengthened my belief that when such youth are encouraged and given an opportunity to learn and work, they can rise to the challenge and exceed others’ expectations of them.” Meron noted, “I now see the environmental barriers that lie in the way of communities striving to improve their neighborhoods. I am also inspired by the youth’s resilience and perseverance despite the momentous obstacles they face on a daily basis.”

Promoting Health and Wellness Among Youthin the LGBTQ Community

Student Intern(s):
Nadirah El-Amin, Drexel University, School of Public Health

Academic Preceptor(s):
Stephen F. Gambescia, PhD, MEd, MBA, CHES, Drexel University, College of Nursing and Health Professions

Community Preceptor(s):
Guina Hammond, MEd, The Attic Youth Center

The Community Site:
The Attic Youth Center, located in Center City Philadelphia, creates opportunities for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth to develop into healthy, independent, civic-minded adults. View Community Partner Web Site

Healthy People 2010:
Leading Health Indicators: Access to Health Care; Responsible Sexual Behavior; Substance Abuse
Focus Areas: Sexually Transmitted Diseases; Health Communication; HIV; Educational and Community-Based Programs; Substance Abuse

The Project:
At the Attic Youth Center, Nadirah participated in a variety of activities that included facilitating the Health and Wellness Chat and Chew group, accompanying the staff and youth on educational seminars and presentations, aiding in project proposals, researching transsexual health, and planning a safer-sex scavenger hunt. Another activity was co-facilitating the Saturday group, Women’s Hour, and engaging female-identified youth in positive and educational activities in the city of Philadelphia. Nadirah commented, “Working at the Attic Youth Center … further confirmed my belief that disenfranchised communities not only suffer emotionally but physically as well, in that societal isolation often promotes or prompts unhealthy behaviors.”

Challenging Assumptions About Pregnancy Goals Among At-Risk Adolescents

Student Intern(s):
Kenneth E. Hemba, Thomas Jefferson University, Jefferson Medical College
Amanda Holloway, Thomas Jefferson University, Jefferson Medical College

Academic Preceptor(s):
R. Patrick McManus Jr., MD, Thomas Jefferson University, Jefferson Medical College

Community Preceptor(s):
Jeanette Johnson, Youth Emergency Service

The Community Site:
Youth Emergency Service (YES), located in the Fairmount section of Philadelphia, provides shelter and supportive services for adolescents between the ages of 12 and 18. View Community Partner Web Site

Healthy People 2010:
Leading Health Indicators: Mental Health; Overweight and Obesity; Responsible Sexual Behavior
Focus Areas: Mental Health and Mental Disorders; Physical Activity and Fitness; Nutrition and Overweight; Sexually Transmitted Diseases; Substance Abuse

The Project:
Ken and Amanda planned a health promotion program for the adolescents in residence at the Youth Emergency Service (YES) shelter, and served as health-care advocates for those in need of medical care. The interns assisted the YES health team by scheduling appointments for youth who needed further care and following up with the care plan. The health promotion program activities included lectures, games and field trips, all aimed at improving health by addressing risky behaviors and encouraging healthy choices. One focus was discouraging risky sexual behavior and addressing issues of STDs and pregnancy among the adolescent population. Amanda noted, “My time at YES was a great learning experience as I gained a lot of useful skills in terms of interacting with and assisting adolescent patients.” Kenneth commented, “YES provided an excellent opportunity for me to experience firsthand the challenges and rewards of community health service … my experiences advocating for individual residents gave me an insight into the frustration of navigating America’s health system for underserved populations.”

Soil, Seeds and Rhythm: Promoting Health and Resilience for Youth at Covenant House Pennsylvania

Student Intern(s):
Idris Evans, Drexel University College of Medicine
Clarissa Lacson, Drexel University, College of Nursing and Health Professions, Creative Arts in Therapy
Haley Arden Moss, University of Pennsylvania, School of Medicine
Christopher Renjilian, University of Pennsylvania, School of Medicine

Academic Preceptor(s):
Robert Chapman, PhD, Drexel University, College of Nursing and Health Professions
Kenneth Ginsburg, MD, MEd, FAAP, University of Pennsylvania, School of Medicine

Community Preceptor(s):
Hugh Organ, Covenant House Pennsylvania

The Community Site:
Covenant House Pennsylvania (CHPA) is a crisis center and shelter for youth aged 21 and under. In addition to food and shelter, the center provides a full range of services, including case management and advocacy services, access to legal service, and on-site health care provided by the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, along with educational and vocational counseling and training programs. View Community Partner Web Site

Healthy People 2010:
Leading Health Indicators: Mental Health; Overweight and Obesity; Physical Activity
Focus Areas: Educational and Community-Based Programs; Heart Disease and Stroke; Mental Health and Mental Disorders; Physical Activity and Fitness; Nutrition and Overweight

The Project:
The primary role of the BTG summer interns at Covenant House was to train and eventually act as auxiliary youth advisers. In this role, they addressed unfulfilled needs at the crisis center and engaged youth in ways that fostered positive social interaction, skill building and resilience. The main activities the interns focused on used their unique and growing expertise in the various health-care professions and in community health. The Urban Garden Project engaged the youth in planting and cooking harvested and prepared vegetables for daily meals. It also provided therapeutic space for youth to gather, meet with pastoral staff and participate in drum circle activities. Weekly health and nutrition workshops were designed to convey empowering health information to youth through interactive and hands-on learning activities. Topics focused on cardiovascular health, nutritional literacy and development of personal beliefs. A twice-weekly drum circle gave the youth an opportunity to collaborate—using drums and other percussion instruments to construct and sustain musical rhythms—balancing self-expression with group cooperation. Clarissa reflected, “In running a twice-weekly drum circle, I repeatedly saw how providing a positive outlet for self-expression brought these homeless adolescents together, enabling them to nurture themselves and provide support for each other in the musical experience. BTG has taught me the joy of providing a service to a community when there is a need.” Idris noted, “My experience … increased my understanding of the holistic concept of health. As a result, I feel that I will be a more effective physician.” For Haley, BTG reinforced the belief that health is not defined by one's physical well-being. She said, “Not only did the garden project promote nutritious eating, it fostered self-determination by involving the youth … in the process of growing and consuming their very own vegetables and provided a space for spiritual and emotional healing.”

"My internship … has affected me deeply. I have learned about the complexities of substance abuse and the struggles women face to remain clean. Working with a student from a discipline other than my own has helped me to view health issues from another perspective."