Monthly Newsletter

June 2023 Edition

In Observance of Juneteenth, Macedonia FACE staff participated in our annual day of service to the community. This year, FACE hosted a Health Fair at the Thelma Lovette YMCA, the location of our Active for Life Senior Center. In partnership with UMPC Magee Women’s Hospital and UPMC Matilda H. Theiss Health Center, the day included health screenings, an opportunity to talk with a doctor, resources and information, and food demonstrations. Recognizing that African Americans have higher rates of both developing and dying from health conditions such as hypertension and diabetes, the theme for the day was Food is Medicine. Several participants expressed gratitude for the new, relevant information and for being able to try new, healthy food options. They also had a lot of fun!

AGE FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOODS

Age Friendly Greater Pittsburgh and Lively are supporting the efforts of three neighborhoods in Pittsburgh to improve the experiences of older adults and people of all ages in their neighborhood. Clairton, Coraopolis, and the Hill District were selected as the first three neighborhoods to launch this initiative in Allegheny County. Recently the 3 neighborhoods met together and with the community to share their progress. Macedonia FACE’s Adult Services Director, Justin LeWinter, spoke about the project. Staff Members Liz Hyatt and Terri Baltimore serve as Hill District Age Friendly Ambassadors, leading the efforts in the Hill District community. Over the past year, intergenerational projects to build a fruit tree and vegetable garden, and to create a Little Library for children at the senior center were completed. On June 28th, we will hold an intergenerational community dinner where we will embark on a virtual reality immersive experience, transporting ourselves back in time to the vibrant Hill District in the 1960s. Through this unique journey, we will not only gain a deeper understanding of our community's history but also strengthen the bonds that tie us together. We will walk side by side with those who came before us, as their stories intertwine with ours, reminding us of the importance of preserving our heritage while building a better future.

Justin LeWinter, Macedonia FACE Adult Services Director speaks at Age Friendly event.

Liz Hyatt, Hill District Age Friendly Ambassador with Hill District resident, Pauline Harris.



To learn more about the Age Friendly Pittsburgh project, click the link below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzPSpyDViH8

TROUTMAN PEPPER LAW FIRM VOLUNTEERS WITH

MEALS ON WHEELS PROGRAM

Thank you to the dedicated and passionate folks from Troutman Pepper who got up early to help Macedonia FACE package meals and load up trucks for delivery to 200 of our senior neighbors. The Macedonia FACE Meals on Wheels program hand delivers meals to seniors who live alone and who are not able to prepare meals for themselves. Without the support of Meals on Wheels, many seniors would go hungry. Good nutrition is essential to seniors remaining healthy and able to live independently in their homes. 



Many hands make the work easier. We are grateful for the support from Troutman Pepper who encourages their employees to give back to the community through volunteer service!

Volunteers are seen here with FACE

Meals on Wheels supervisor, Kevin Jones. 

DONATIONS NEEDED

Macedonia FACE Lifeline is just that – a lifeline for families experiencing hardship. FACE staff have experience and knowledge to assist families in finding resources that they need, and in some cases, providing direct assistance. FACE sees an increase in families requesting support for food and household items during the summer months. This occurs because children are at home for 3 meals during the summer in contrast to during the school year when their children may receive breakfast and lunch at school. The summer months stretch the food budget beyond its capability. While some families who live with limited economic resources are able to receive SNAP (supplemental nutrition assistance program) benefits, these resources cannot be used to purchase non-food items such as hygiene products and household cleaning supplies. To respond to families with these needs, FACE is collecting donations from the community.

This month’s Storytime event featured our own Tinisha Hunt, CEO of Macedonia FACE, as the guest reader. Storytime is a regular activity of the Hill District Early Literacy Initiative which promotes the development of reading skills in learners PreK to Grade 3. Thank you to our HDELI partners at the Family Center for the use of their space and their team’s support. Representation matters in books and educational materials – one child pointed to a picture in the book and said, “That’s Mommy!” and another child saw the little girl in the story and said, “She looks like me!” Children are engaged and more likely to increase their reading when they find the visuals and the content relatable. If you would like to suggest a great book, a guest reader or a venue for an upcoming Storytime event, please let us know at HDELI@macedoniaface.org.

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