Community Panel
Age-Friendly Community Panel members serve as consultants, advocating for age-friendly policies that make our neighborhoods more livable for everyone.
Age-Friendly Greater Pittsburgh works with neighborhood leaders who want to improve the experiences of older adults and people of all ages in their neighborhood.
The Panel also works with local businesses to advocate for age-friendly practices and services.
Eight communities across Allegheny County are represented on the Panel: Braddock, Clairton, Coraopolis, Downtown, Duquesne, Hazelwood, McKeesport and Wilkinsburg.
Meet Our Community Panel
Andrea Betts, 68
Hazelwood
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What roles have you played in your life? Teacher. Entrepreneur. Activist. Daughter. Mother. Grandmother. Great-grandmother.
How do you like to spend a Saturday? On weekends, I write poems, sew, do jigsaw puzzles, catch up on housework and listen to music.
What are your favorite things about Hazelwood? I love that Hazelwood is located so close to Downtown Pittsburgh, its expanded emphasis on sustainable community development and its rich history.
Dean Brandt, 55
Wilkinsburg
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What roles have you played in your life? Rock band manager. Indie video store owner. Tech operations manager. Judge of elections. Community advocate. Dog lover.
How do you like to spend a Saturday? Saturdays are my long run days so I get out and traverse the neighborhoods as I train for my first marathon. In the mornings, I like to read and get as many computer-based tasks as I can. In the evenings, I either play games with friends or relax at home.
What are your favorite things about Wilkinsburg? I love the neighbors, affordability of housing, numerous small parks and the beautiful architecture.
Mary Carey, 54
Braddock
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What roles have you played in your life? I have ben an art coordinator, information facilitator notary, advocate, poll worker, problem solver, event specialist and more!
What are your favorite things about Braddock? I love the Braddock Community Oven, Grow Pittsburgh and all the residents young and old!
What does “age-friendly” mean to you? It means helping those who may be unable to help themselves, either by offering information, flashing a warm smile, giving a shake of a hand or just letting someone out there know you care.
Bill Frissell, 75
Coraopolis
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What roles have you played in your life? Husband, father, draftsman and field engineer.
What are your favorite things about Coraopolis? I love being so close to the river, parks, bike trails and community garden.
What difference has participating in the Community Panel made for you and your community? The biggest win so far for me was getting Chromebook class started in the Coraopolis Towers. Sixteen tenants finished the 8 week course and another 20 are interested in taking it later.
Joyce Keith, 67
McKeesport
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What roles have you played in your life? Teacher. Poll worker. Babysitter. Friend. Aunt. Singer in community chorus.
How do you like to spend a Saturday? I like to knit on a loom, make jewelry or cook something I grew in a community garden.
What are your favorite things about McKeesport? It’s friendly and caring. People watch out for each other when not at home and are willing to help neighbors with projects and chores.
RaNaja Kennedy, 27
Duquesne
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What roles have you played in your life? I’m a daughter, caregiver for my great-grandmother, a science and math tutor, a poll worker, dancer, gymnast and scholar.
Who has made a difference in your life? My great-granny and mother have taught me to put God first and give back to the community in knowledge and presence. As as I show up for people I will be blessed.
What are your favorite things about your neighborhood? I love the families, churches, bus access, food bank and potential for opportunities.
Karen Miller, 79
Downtown
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What roles have you played in your life? Daughter. Sister. Wife. Mother. Nurse. Community advocate. Scout leader. Critical care nurse. Retiree.
What are your favorite things about Downtown Pittsburgh? I love the centrally located beautiful green spaces, which are easily accessed by free transportation for older adults. The atmosphere is very friendly.
How do you like to spend a Saturday? There’s always something going on (and most of the time for free) on the weekends. I also like to walk trails, go to parks and visit coffee shops.
Jawanna Warren, 56
Clairton
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What roles have you played in your life? Senior site director. School board member. Community worker.
What are your favorite things about Clairton? It’s a small town where everybody knows everyone else and where you can walk just about anywhere. I love that my family are all still in Clairton.
What difference has participating in the Community Panel made for you and your community? I have met some really good people through the Community Panel. I love getting good information to older people in my community.
Looking to organize a focus group of older adult voices? Want to run some ideas by an enthusiastic group of neighbors?
Contact Randi Vega, Community Engagement Manager, at randi@agefriendlypgh.org or 412-439-2025.
