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AgeWell Pittsburgh

AgeWell Pittsburgh, a collaborative program of the JCC, the Jewish Association on Aging and Jewish Family & Community Services, offers a one-stop resource that links older adults, their family members, friends and caregivers.
Call 412-422-0400 or visit AgeWellpgh.org

BREAKING NEWS!

With support of the Jack Buncher Foundation, the JCC is pleased to announce the pilot of a new Senior Center in the JCC South Hills facility. The expanded services will greatly enhance the already robust fitness and wellness programming for older adults at the JCC South Hills.
AgeWell at the JCC-South Hills, based in a newly renovated space at the South Hills JCC, will offer low-cost kosher style Grab-and-Go lunches and a wide variety of services, classes and socialization activities.

Individuals ages 60 and older can register to participate.

Learn more about AgeWell at the JCC South Hills: Click HERE

For more information:
412-278-1795 · [email protected]
Or stop in at the new JCC South Hills Agewell Office

 

AgeWell at the JCC - J Cafe
J Cafe at the JCC Squirrel Hill – Click HERE

Are you looking for a convenient place to have lunch?
Come to the J Cafe at the JCC in Squirrel Hill for a delicious kosher lunch. Special pricing for those ages 60+.

Reservations preferred. Call 412-567-1715 by 4 pm one business day in advance.

The JCC is under the supervision of the VAAD.


J Cafe at the JCC South Hills – Click HERE

AgeWell at the JCC South Hills will operate Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays from 9 am to 2 pm. Offerings will include:

Low cost kosher style Grab-and-Go lunch will be available 12:30-1:30 pm Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays. Seating options are available for participants to enjoy their meal with friends. $3. Must be registered to participate.

For more information or to reserve your meal, call or email:
412-278-1795 · [email protected]

Please leave a message providing your name , your order, and for which days you are ordering for.

Older Adult Fitness
Older Adult Fitness and SilverSneakers – Click HERE

Contacts and Information
How to Register for AgeWell at the JCC

Participants must be 60 years or older and a resident of Allegheny County to join AgeWell at the JCC. Services include Community Membership to the JCC and access to J Cafe meals.

To Register

Appointments are preferred. Please call or stop by the office to make an appointment:

  • Squirrel Hill: Room 201, 9 am-5 pm, Monday-Friday. 412-697-3514.
  • South Hills: 9 am-2 pm, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. 412-278-1795.

Contacts

Senior Center Accreditation Logo

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.


Marsha Mullen

Marsha Mullen is the Program Coordinator for Healthy Aging in the AgeWell office. Marsha has her Masters Degree from The University of Pittsburgh and prior to joining the AgeWell office, she served as the Assistant Fitness Director at the JCC for 10 years. In her current role, Marsha is responsible for coordinating new and ongoing health and wellness programs for older adults through Agewell, while also continuing her work with the phase III Cardiac Rehab program, personal training, and teaching group exercise classes within the Fitness & Wellness Department.

Marsha can be reached at [email protected], 412 -339-5405.


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.


Michelle Hunter

Michelle Hunter joined AgeWell at the JCC as Program Coordinator in July 2018. Michelle has her Masters of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Pittsburgh and is a licensed social worker. Prior to the JCC, Michelle worked extensively with seniors and adults in community health and mental health settings connecting them to community resources that promoted independent living, socialization, and skill building. At AgeWell, Michelle uses her organizational skills to assist in making general procedures more streamlined and efficient.

Michelle can be reached at [email protected], 412-697-3515.


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 Maher joined AgeWell at the JCC as a Program Coordinator in South Hills in April 2023. Hayley studied Exercise Science at the University of Mount Union and has a Master’s Degree in Dementia Care. She will begin MSW classes at the University of Pittsburgh in the fall of 2023. Prior to working with AgeWell, Hayley served older adults in Columbus, Ohio, as an AmeriCorps VISTA member.

Hayley coordinates senior programs at the South Hills location and can be reached at [email protected], 412-697-3552.


Andrea Watson

Andrea Watson-Lindsey joined AgeWell at the JCC as a Program Coordinator in 2023. Andrea has her Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources from Geneva University and has a diverse professional background. Andrea provides our members with valuable information, cultivates relationships, and helps create engaging programing opportunities for our AgeWell members in the South Hills location.  In her spare time, Andrea enjoys traveling, concerts, candle making and has a true passion for helping people.

Andrea can be reached at [email protected], 412-281-1795.


Lizbeth Sherlock
Liz Sherlock is serving as a Program Coordinator with AgeWell through Pittsburgh Urban Leadership Service Experience (PULSE). For two years, 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 health clinics, technology programs, and daily office operations.
Liz can be reached at [email protected].

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 B. For more information, contact Darlene Cridlin, LCSW, 412-697-3517 or [email protected]

• Center for Loving Kindness & Civic Engagement Neighbor’s Circle Discussion
Mondays, 12:15-12:45 pm in Room 202 (or attend online on the Virtual Senior Academy virtualsenioracademy.org). Join Rabbi Ron Symons in discussion around the most important issues of our day. More than a current events class, these gatherings afford us the opportunity to ground our perspectives in values that humans have been holding dear for thousands of years and that have the potential to guide us today. Your voice matters if you choose to share. Your presence makes a difference if you choose to show up. People of all types of faith and hope, backgrounds and traditions are welcome. For more information, contact Beth Rudel at [email protected] or 412-339-5407.

• Discussion Group
Tuesdays, 10 am-11 am in Room 202. 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]

AgeWell Squirrel Hill Weekly Movies Jan. 2024

• Art & Quarantine Stories: Exploring Iconic Artworks Throughout History that Relate to Our Current Movement
Thursdays, 12:15-12:45 pm in Room 202 (or attend online on the Virtual Senior Academy virtualsenioracademy.org). Join Melissa Hiller, Director of the American Jewish Museum at the JCC, for conversations about ways that artists help us to see, think, imagine, and hope, as we talk about current events through the lens of art and culture. Our conversation will be all the richer because of your participation. We welcome people of all backgrounds and opinions. For more information, contact Beth Rudel at 412-339-5407 or [email protected]

• Blood Pressure Screenings
Second and fourth Wednesdays of the month 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
Meets monthly in Room 310 or online on the VSA at 11am. 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
Monthly on Thursdays: January 25, February 29, March 28, April 18, and May 30 at 1pm 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.

• Doc Talk
Monthly at 1:30 pm, 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 exact dates and guest speaker information, contact Maddie Barnes at 412-697-1186 or [email protected]

• Handy Andy
Monthly at 10:00am on 1/18, 2/15, 3/14, 4/18, and 5/9 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].

• Rescuing Photos and Preserving Memories
Second Tuesday of every month from 1-2 pm in Room 202. Join professional organizer Shelley Murray to learn how to save and digitize your old family photos, memorabilia, slides, and documents. These sessions will also provide tips on how to tell your family’s story and preserve memories for generations to come. 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 Altein
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 1/3/24 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.”


jcc-accreditation-plaque

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

Elder Express
Call 412-697-3517.
Elder Express provides regularly
scheduled van service to people
age 65 and older. If you live in the 15217 zip code and are registered with Access, you are automatically registered for
Elder Express. Round trip for $3. Get a schedule in Room 201.

Register in Room 201 for:

  • OPT/ACCESS
  • Elder Express

Bring photo ID with your date of birth.

Elder Express Schedule 12.2023

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.

Contact Us

Squirrel Hill

Darlene Cridlin: 412-697-3517

South Hills

Elaine Cappucci: 412-446-4773


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