Sharon Feinman

Sharon Feinman is the Division Director of AgeWell at the JCC and oversees all older adult programming, program expansions, grant management, and community partnerships. She also continues in her role as an AgeWell Pittsburgh coordinator. Previously, Sharon was the Assistant Department Director and supervised community-wide expansion of evidenced-based and evidence-informed programs and has also held the position of Health and Wellness Program Coordinator for older adults. Sharon holds a Master’s Degree from the University of Central Florida (Go Knights!) and has over 18 years’ experience working in the aging field. She is certified in The Grantsmanship Center Training Program, SilverSneakers Exercise, Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program and Walk with Ease, Enhanced Fitness, Healthy Steps for Older Adults, UCLA Longevity Center’s Memory Training, Partners in Care Foundation HomeMeds Medication Assurance Program, and many more.

Sharon can be reached at [email protected], 412-697-3533.

Darlene Cridlin

Darlene Cridlin is the Department Director of AgeWell at the JCC and oversees all the senior center programming and the continued national accreditation process through the National Institute of Senior Centers. She also manages the quality tiers and reporting information to Allegheny County Department of Human Services Area Agency on Aging. Darlene is also an active member of the JCC’s Quality Improvement Committee. Darlene is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, with experience supervising Behavioral Health Outpatient programs and has her Masters of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Pittsburgh. Within the AgeWell at the JCC office, Darlene has overseen the accreditation of the program serving older adults. Prior to joining AgeWell at the JCC, Darlene supervised a team providing in-home supports and services.

Darlene can be reached at [email protected], 412-697-3517.

Amy Gold, MSW

Amy Gold is a Program Coordinator and an Information and Referral Specialist in the AgeWell office. She has her Master of Social Work (MSW) from Ohio State University and has worked at the JCC since 1998, originally in Family Place where she provided socialization, support and parenting skills to new parents and their children. Since joining the AgeWell department in 2007, Amy has been responsible for developing and implementing the CheckMates peer telephone reassurance program, recruiting, and training older adult volunteers, implementing, and coordinating outreach efforts and making necessary referrals for older adults within and outside of the AgeWell Pittsburgh network.

Amy can be reached at [email protected], 412-697-3528.

Madeline Barnes

Madeline Barnes joined the AgeWell at the JCC staff in September 2018 and is the Director of Technology and Evidence-Based Programming.  Prior to joining the AgeWell team, she completed an AmeriCorps service year program under the National Health Corps at the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. Madeline holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Community Health from the University of Maryland and is a Certified Health Education Specialist. In her current role, she oversees the expansion of various programs for older adults, including the Virtual Senior Academy and the HomeMeds Medication Assurance program.

Madeline can be reached at [email protected], 412-697-1186.

Beth Rudel

Beth Rudel joined the AgeWell office in September 2021 as a Program Coordinator for the Virtual Senior Academy and Evidence-Based Programming. Beth holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications (Advertising and Public Relations) from Penn State University and brings with her a robust background in technology sales and marketing communications. She works with facilitators to cultivate and create content and relationships to benefit our older adults and programs. Beth works with older adults and local facilitators creating programing in the Squirrel Hill and South Hills locations for hands on and hybrid style classes.

Beth can be reached at [email protected] or 412-339-5407.

Gail Michael 

Gail Michael joined AgeWell at the JCC as a Program Assistant in September 2022. Gail has her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and her Masters of Science in Professional Counseling from Carlow University.  In her spare time Gail volunteers at the Highmark Caring Place and has a true passion for helping people. Gail coordinates our weekly schedule that can be found in our office 201. She retired from CCAC where she was the Secretary to the Campus President for 32 years.

Gail can be reached at [email protected], 412-697-3514.

Haley Maher

Hayley joined AgeWell at the JCC as a Program Coordinator in South Hills in 2023. She is currently the Department Director for AgeWell at the JCC South Hills. In this role, Hayley oversees senior center programming and handles the reporting of information to Allegheny County Department of Human Services Area Agency on Aging. Hayley has a background in exercise science and dementia care and is currently an MSW student at the University of Pittsburgh with a focus on gerontology and community social work.

Hayley can be reached at [email protected].

Lizbeth Sherlock
Liz Sherlock is serving as a Program Coordinator with AgeWell. Liz joined the department in September 2023 as a Fellow through the Pittsburgh Urban Leadership Service Experience (PULSE), and was hired for her current position in August of 2024. For two years prior to joining the JCC, she worked on building affordable housing, removing invasive species, and facilitating youth programming in AmeriCorps NCCC. She graduated from Pennsylvania College of Art and Design with a BFA in Illustration in 2021. At AgeWell, Liz assists with coordinating technology tutoring, lunch programs, art classes, and daily office operations.

Liz can be reached at [email protected].

Mickey Benson

Known for always having a crowded table, Mickey finds innovative ways to make people feel seen and celebrated. Following nearly a decade of service on crisis hotlines, Mickey is excited to be working within the South Hills community through AgeWell! Mickey joins AgeWell at the JCC South Hills as a part-time program coordinator. Through the unlikely fusion of an Albion College degree in Religious Studies and a surprising knack for line dancing, Mickey has crafted a unique path to success that seamlessly blends the sacred and the spirited. Most recently, they completed a Master’s degree in Jewish Nonprofit Management from the Zelikow School of Jewish Nonprofit Management at Hebrew Union College.

Ongoing Programs:
• Chess
Mondays, 11 am-12 pm in Room 202. For more information, contact Darlene Cridlin, LCSW, 412-697-3517 or [email protected]

• Choral Group
Fridays at 12 pm in Levinson Hall B. For more information, contact Darlene Cridlin, LCSW, 412-697-3517 or [email protected]

• Discussion Group
Tuesdays, 10 am-11 am in Room 202. Come and connect in a weekly roundtable discussion
group. Meet other AgeWell members, exchange ideas
and comments on various topics selected by this selfled
group. For more information, contact Darlene Cridlin, LCSW, 412-697-3517 or [email protected]

• Weekly Movies
Wednesdays at 1 pm in Room 202. Weekly movie screenings at the JCC. A mix of new releases and older classics will be shown. For more information, contact Beth Rudel at 412-339-5407 or [email protected]

• Blood Pressure Screenings
Second and fourth Wednesdays of the month, 11 am-12 pm in the Palm Court. For more information, contact Darlene Cridlin, LCSW, 412-697-3517 or [email protected]

• One-On-One Tech Tutoring
Need help with your tablet or laptop? Got questions about your cell phone? We have volunteer tech tutors that are here to help. These sessions are one-on-one and by appointment only. For more information or to make an appointment, contact Maddie Barnes, 412-697-1186 or [email protected]

• Page Turner’s Book Club
Last Monday of each month, at 11 am in Room 310 or online on the VSA.  Facilitator is book enthusiast and AgeWell volunteer Randy Detweiler. For exact dates and book titles, contact Maddie Barnes at [email protected] or 412-697-1186

• Scrabble Club
Mondays, 1:30 pm in Room 202. For more information, contact Beth Rudel, at [email protected] or 412-339-5407

• Coffee & Conversations with Amy
Last Thursday of each month, at 1:15 pm in Room 202. Join AgeWell staff member Amy Gold, MSW for monthly coffee and conversation! Amy will start the conversation centered around different topics that impact older adults across our community and then we will have an open discussion where we can share different points of view and offer local resources related to that month’s topic. Contact Amy Gold, MSW, 412-697-3528 , [email protected] or 412-697-3528

• Doc Talk
Monthly, dates vary. Join local doctors for a monthly “Doc’ Talk”. Rotating medical professionals will cover a variety of topics important to older adults and their health and well-being. For other dates and guest speaker information, contact Maddie Barnes at 412-697-1186 or [email protected]

• Handy Andy
Monthly, dates vary, in Room 202 or online on the Virtual Senior Academy. Join local radio personality, ‘Mr. True Value”- Andy Amrhein from Evey True Value. Handy Andy covers a variety of topics important to you and recommends his favorite products to do the jobs around your home that you have questions about. For more information, contact Beth Rudel at 412-339-5407 or [email protected].

• Art with Liz

Dates vary. AgeWell members of all skill levels are welcome. Liz will teach different series throughout the year using differnt mediums. For more information, contact Liz Sherlock at 412-278-1785 or [email protected].

• Science Cafe
Monthly, dates vary. Streaming in Room 202 and online on the virtualsenioracademy.org. Join Portland, Oregon resident Dr. Amanda Duncan for an educational science series. Amanda has a PhD is engineering and a long-time interest in discussing topics in science and technology that affect public policy and our view of the universe. Questions about this program? Contact Maddie Barnes at [email protected] or 412-697-1186.

• Dr. Elizabeth Rodenz Presentations

Monthly, dates vary. Dr. Elizabeth Rodenz is an educator, editor, executive coach, workshop facilitator, management consultant, entrepreneur, writer/author and an AgeWell JCC member. Topics for presentations change monthly. For more information, contact Maddie Barnes at 412-697-1186 or [email protected]

• Jewish History
Fridays, 10-11 am in Room 202.
Presented by Alex Orbach, Associate Professor Emeritus, University of Pittsburgh. Questions?
Contact Darlene Cridlin, LCSW, 412-697-3517 or [email protected]

• Weekly Torah Readings with Rabbi Teitlbaum
Fridays at 12 pm in the J Cafe. For more information, contact Darlene Cridlin, LCSW, 412-697-3517 or [email protected].

• Ethics of our Fathers with Rabbi Yehudah Gorkin
Mondays at 12 pm in the J Cafe . For more information, contact Darlene Cridlin, LCSW, 412-697-3517 or [email protected].

*Class schedule is as of 10/31/24 and is subject to change. Contact AgeWell staff for more details.

AgeWell at the JCC Receives Reaccreditation from the National Council of Aging

The JCC is pleased to announce that the National Council of Aging Accreditation Board met on 12/20/2021 and unanimously approved the recommendation for reaccreditation of AgeWell at the JCC (Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh). NCOA stated: “Successfully achieving accreditation takes the work of many people both in the senior center and in the community. When these two groups work together the rewards will be felt for many years to come. Your organization demonstrates outstanding leadership and commitment to quality programs and services. This letter is your official notification that AgeWell at the JCC has been accredited by NCOA/NISC for a period of five years from December 2021 – December 2026.”

The Peer Reviewers observed many strengths of AgeWell at the JCC, including:
• Impressive number and variety of programs and services. Changes in response to the pandemic are to be commended.
• Access to the use of the JCC’s expansive buildings and amenities to assist the Center in providing a variety of programs and services
• Long-time staff members who are passionate about and committed to their work
• Excellent use of community partners in providing innovative Center offerings
• Extensive collaborations with community aging partners in serving older adults
• Innovative programs such the Virtual Senior Academy and CheckMates

The NCOA statement continued: “We are pleased to have AgeWell at the JCC on the list of more than 120 senior centers who meet the standards as developed by NISC. These are centers that are held up as models for others to follow. We know that you and your staff will continue to improve and adapt to meet the changing needs of the older population. We congratulate you and your staff in striving to meet the needs of the older population in your community.”

AgeWell at the JCC receives senior center accreditation plaque at the National Institute for Senior Center’s conference in Philadelphia.

AgeWell Pittsburgh wins 2017 Collaboration Prize

The JCC and Familylinks are pleased to announce that their respective Senior Centers, AgeWell at the JCC and Vintage Inc., have achieved National Senior Center Accreditation, making these two centers the first in western Pennsylvania to have achieved such a milestone. Read more about our Senior Center Accreditation

June 11, 2024

Pittsburgh, PA: ACCESS Transportation Systems and AgeWell Pittsburgh have partnered for over 21 years to provide the Elder Express transportation service to the 15217-zip code. Covid-19 prompted a hiatus of the transportation service, but within weeks the JCC worked closely with ACCESS to turn the Elder Express van into the JCafe congregate meal delivery program, for those unable to leave their homes. In September 2021, the Elder Express 15217 transportation route re-started with ridership levels at 40% below the pre-pandemic numbers. Over the past few years, the numbers have continued to decrease and have averaged less than 10 rides per day, with some days being as low as 2, well below the minimum requirement of at least 25 rides a day for sustainability. In early Spring 2024, ACCESS and AgeWell made the decision to reduce the route to one-day per week while reassessing transportation alternative options. The day of the week we chose was due to the highest number of people using the service on Fridays. Due to persistent low ridership, the Elder Express transportation service will be sunsetting on June 28, 2024.

AgeWell at the JCC and AgeWell Pittsburgh understands that this service is vital to many older adults in the 15217-catchment area providing support for health & wellness activities, socialization, and food insecurity, with a dedicated driver that clients know and trust. We recognize that transportation is a social determinant of health, a part of our environment which greatly contributes to our quality of life, and we are working diligently to find solutions and offer alternative services to improve transportation challenges, which are being felt across the country.

Current alternative transportation options that AgeWell Pittsburgh can assist you with include:

ACCESS

ACCESS is a shared-ride paratransit service, which has been providing door-to-door, advanced reservation transportation in Allegheny County since 1979. If you have questions about how to use ACCESS to get to and from any of the locations served by Elder Express on other days or at other times, please contact the ACCESS program office at 412-562-5353. Any trip taken on Elder Express is also available from ACCESS, seven days per week between the hours of 6 AM and midnight.  Anyone aged 65 and over is eligible. Seniors can register for ACCESS transportation in either Squirrel Hill or the South Hills AgeWell at the JCC offices. Call 412-697-3514 to make an appointment.

OPT

“Older Persons Transportation” known commonly as OPT, is another transportation option through ACCESS that you can register for in our JCC offices. This service offers an additional discount for trips to medical appointments, grocery shopping trips and to Age Well at the JCC.

Medical Assistance Transportation (MATP)

For individuals who have medical assistance for their health insurance, free rides on ACCESS are available to eligible medical appointments. Call (412) 350-3376 for information.

AgeWell Rides

AgeWell Rides is a volunteer-based transportation system for people ages 60 or over who do not drive and provides a way for seniors to get to medical appointments, go grocery shopping, do some volunteer work, or attend social events in the community while at the same time making a friendly new acquaintance. Call 412-422-0400 for more information.

PRT ConnectCard

Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) offers The Senior Citizen ConnectCard which allows seniors age 65+ to ride Pittsburgh buses and other public transit vehicles for free across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Call 412-442-2000 to find your most convenient location for registering.

A to B Transportation Options

The purpose of the A to B Transportation Planner is to assist Allegheny County residents in identifying possible transportation options tailored to their specific needs, preferences, and abilities. A to B is a project of Age-Friendly Greater Pittsburgh—an initiative working to make Allegheny County more inclusive and respectful of all ages. Visit www.atoballegheny.com/ to use this interactive tool.

We appreciate your understanding and are working to find suitable options to meet the needs of the community.

Are you on top of your medications? Are your medications working for you? Do you understand your medications? If you answer “no” to any of these questions, we have a program for you!

HomeMeds Medication Assurance, Partners in Care Foundation, is a consultation that addresses medication safety by identifying potential adverse medication effects due to duplication of medications. Medication errors can be serious, costly, common and preventable.

• If you have multiple doctors prescribing medications
• If you use more than one pharmacy to fill your prescriptions
• If you take over-the-counter vitamins, minerals, herbal supplements,homeopathic remedies, creams, gels or lotions
• If you take any over-the-counter remedies with medicationsprescribed by a physician

What: Medication errors are serious, costly, common and preventable. Bring in your prescription and over-the-counter medications and home remedies to the JCC.

When: By appointment only

Where: JCC of Greater Pittsburgh

Please contact Madeline Barnes 412-697-1186 [email protected] for more information, or to sign up for an interest list.

If you are an adult with an ongoing health condition, such as diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure, heart disease, anxiety or any other chronic condition, we can help you take charge of your life.

Living with Chronic Conditions PDF

Please contact Amy Gold, 412-697-3528.

Virtual Senior Academy – Online Classes for Everyone!

Developed by the Jewish Healthcare Foundation in 2017, VSA is a free web-based platform that connects seniors 50 years and older in Pittsburgh and nationwide to their peers through interactive online classes. Technology provides a unique opportunity for engagement, expanding the reach of existing educational programs for seniors.
CONNECT online to take interactive group classes using videoconference technology. The Virtual Senior Academy offers a wide variety of Pittsburgh-based virtual classes every week.
PARTICIPATE in live classes on a variety of topics including health and wellness, history, book clubs, arts and music and so much more!
EASY to use platform. No prior computer experience needed. All you need is access to a computer with internet and a webcam.

View the VSA Website HERE

If you are interested in joining:
Sign up on the Virtual Senior Academy website www.virtualsenioracademy.org
For more details, email [email protected] or call 412-697-1186.

Agewell at the JCC Annual Report 2023

AgeWell at the JCC Annual Report 2022

AgeWell at the JCC Annual Report 2021

AgeWell at the JCC Annual Report 2020

AgeWell at the JCC Annual Report 2019

Agewell at the JCC Annual Report 2018

AgeWell at the JCC Annual Report 2017

Agewell at the JCC Annual Report 2016

AgeWell at the JCC Annual Report 2015