While volunteering at a recent Rebuilding Together Philadelphia (RTP) event, Salus at Drexel Occupational Therapy (OT) program student Molly Schnurr ‘26MSOT received a first-hand look at the all-encompassing, client-centered care OTs are taught to deliver.
“I observed an occupational therapist contracted with RTP conduct a home assessment for a resident scheduled to receive services the day of the build,” said Schnurr. “What stood out to me most was witnessing her blend of expertise and compassion, ensuring the homeowner felt valued and respected. She provided support to help the homeowner access and participate fully within the home, regardless of the internal or external challenges she was facing.”
The event, called a “Block Build,” is RTP’s signature program and central to the organization’s goal of revitalizing Philadelphia communities. Held three times a year, the two-day Block Builds mobilize hundreds of volunteers, neighbors and homeowners to provide free home repairs in low-income neighborhoods.
In addition to Schnurr, OT faculty member Anna Grasso, OTD, MS, OTR/L, CAPS, ECHM, coordinated participation of two students from the Salus at Drexel Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD program) – Payton McGowan, MSOT ‘24, and Cinthia Crousset-Santos, MSOT ‘24. The students provided free adaptive equipment and educational materials to low-income homeowners in Philadelphia alongside other volunteers as the homeowners received a variety of home renovations to improve health and safety. Schnurr participated as a volunteer and Crousset-Santos and McGowan volunteered as part of an OTD course focused on health promotion in communities.
The OT students had a booth where they sorted equipment into boxes according to the addresses. Additionally, they put together any items that required assembly before being delivered to the homeowners. Later in the day, the students delivered the assistive equipment – things like grab bars, shower chairs and commodes - to homeowners and provided handouts and educational materials related to energy conservation techniques and the use of the assistive devices.
Schnurr grew up in Northern California before moving to Idaho and earning an undergraduate degree in kinesiology from Boise State University. Both immediate and extended family members work in various nursing specialties, so she said she always knew she wanted to work in health care and found OT aligned more closely with her interests and approach.
She said she chose Salus/Drexel because of its convenient location and its emphasis on the interprofessional academic experience and professional development opportunities.
Schnurr said the RTP experience strengthened her conviction that OT is the right path for her and reinforced her belief that it is “truly the best profession.”
“It also deepened my appreciation for the importance of providing services that improve accessibility and health outcomes – core values that drive Rebuilding Together Philadelphia’s mission,” said Schnurr. “Participating in this project not only opened the door to new avenues for exploration as I continue my education and career journey but also broadened my perspective, shaping me both as a student and future clinician.”
