It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Helfrich Springs Grist Mill gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Whitehall, PA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Always treated with respect and they showed care for my mother. Everyone was pleasant when”
“Always Best Care Senior Services provided very professional services that resulted in finding the best”
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“If your loved one needs in home care, I highly recommend Always Best Care of”
“I am a current client of this provider Always best care cared for my mother. They”
“Ken Good was so helpful and knowledgable when my elderly father needed in-home care. He”
“Ken and Rebecca have been extremely helpful during the process of finding in-home care for”
“Ken is a fantastic provider of in-home care in Doylestown. I highly recommend his team.”
“Ken was the first person I really talked to when I found out my father”
“Excellent in every respect.”
“The support provided by Ken and Rebecca Good (and all of their team) has been”
“Very few businesses or even people come from a place of compassion and a good”
“I am a current client of this provider Ken and Rebecca go above and beyond”
“Ken and Rebecca were a godsend in our search for care for our elderly father.”
“Very good, prompt attention to an unexpected need for day care in home for Mother-in-law.”
“Ken & Rebecca were very helpful & knowledgeable with resources in helping me care for”
“Both Rebecca and Ken were very easy to talk with and were very interested in”
“I am a current client of this provider Always Best Care provides extremely caring, compassionate help”
“Your loved ones will be in great care with Always Best Care of Greater Bethlehem.”
“Always treated with respect and they showed care for my mother. Everyone was pleasant when I would call about different circumstances.”
“Always Best Care Senior Services provided very professional services that resulted in finding the best personal care facility fit for my mother. They have a passion for helping seniors and prioritize the health and well-being of their clients over everything else. I would highly recommend them when you are in a position of finding senior care services for your loved ones.”
“If your loved one needs in home care, I highly recommend Always Best Care of Bethlehem. Wonderful staff and excellent caregivers that go above and beyond what is expected of them!”
“If your loved one needs in home care, I highly recommend Always Best Care of Bethlehem. Wonderful staff and excellent caregivers that go above and beyond what is expected of them!”
“I am a current client of this provider Always best care cared for my mother. They have been amazing. My mother really likes her caregiver.”
“Ken Good was so helpful and knowledgable when my elderly father needed in-home care. He actually came to the rehab center to meet us where my father was getting physical therapy after a fall. This way he was able to accurately access how much care my father would need and which caregivers would be the right fit. We were afraid we'd have to move him to a nursing home but fortunately we were able to set up in-home care. It's been four months now and we have been very happy with the caregivers who have been assigned to my father. Always Best Care is very responsive and flexible in adjusting hours as needed, somehow managing to keep the caregivers my parents have bonded with even though the hours have been reduced. We are happy our parents are able to age in place with care as they need it.”
“Ken and Rebecca have been extremely helpful during the process of finding in-home care for my in-laws. They have been sensitive to our needs, diligent in their efforts to provide the best possible care, and consistent in their follow-up to see if things are satisfactory. We have been executing this process from out-of-state and the process has been very smooth. Through phone calls and face-to-face meetings when possible, both Ken and Rebecca have been professional, knowledgeable, and a pleasure to work with. I would highly recommend Always Best Care Senior Services.”
“Ken is a fantastic provider of in-home care in Doylestown. I highly recommend his team.”
“Ken was the first person I really talked to when I found out my father was given a year to live. Instead of immediately looking at me like a business opportunity, he treated me like a close friend. He listened and treated me with complete kindness.. I have gotten to know Ken and his wife Rebecca and I can easily say that they are two of the most wonderful people I have ever met. There is nothing in this world I wouldn't trust them with. Especially the care of a loved one.”
“Excellent in every respect.”
“The support provided by Ken and Rebecca Good (and all of their team) has been invaluable as the family navigates through dealing with the impact of our sister's illness to all of us. The structure with using ABC's online portal to evidence our sister's care is extremely beneficial in ensuring strong and coordinated communication. It is truly appreciative this technology is available and utilized by ABC. For those dealing with identifying care for a loved one, you would be smart to contact Always Best Care of Upper Buxmont.”
“Very few businesses or even people come from a place of compassion and a good heart. Always Best Care does. The client always comes first as does their health and well-being, and the family seeking the best for their loved ones. Thank you Ken for all you did for my parents!”
“I am a current client of this provider Ken and Rebecca go above and beyond for their clients, as do their staff. They handled emergent situations for my grandmother when we were on vacation - staying with her the entire time at the hospital. Ken also did significant research for our decision to put her in an assisted living community. I highly recommend Always Best Care.”
“Ken and Rebecca were a godsend in our search for care for our elderly father. Both Ken and Rebecca were incredibly compassionate, empathetic and caring. In addition, they were knowledgeable and had a wonderful process for determining the needs of the family, the needs of the specific individual and finding an appropriate match for a caregiver to meet those needs. I can't say enough about the services provided by Always Best Care. Ken always went above and beyond, he knew the questions to ask, and how to navigate all the red tape of various organizations (Veterans Administration, etc.) AND he diligently does site visits to the facilities he references so he is able to speak from experience about the quality of care at the facilities under consideration. If you are in need of advice and assistance in caring for a family member I recommend Ken and Rebecca and Always Best Care with no reservations.”
“Very good, prompt attention to an unexpected need for day care in home for Mother-in-law. Ken is very well versed in available providers and other services needed at this time.The day care providers dealt well with her memory problems.”
“Ken & Rebecca were very helpful & knowledgeable with resources in helping me care for my Mom during an extremely difficult time. It was great finding two people who cared & listened to my situation. I never felt alone in my difficult decision making process.”
“Both Rebecca and Ken were very easy to talk with and were very interested in getting to know my father. They went out of their way to help us as our plans changed from in home care to personal care. They explained the process and were with us every step of the way to answer questions and provide support. I would use them again in a minute.”
“I am a current client of this provider Always Best Care provides extremely caring, compassionate help for my mom, I live out of town, and can't be there myself very often. But this business goes all-out to take care of my mom. I don't know what we would do without them.”
“Your loved ones will be in great care with Always Best Care of Greater Bethlehem.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Covered Bridge Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Grille 3501 or visit Whitehall Historical Preservation Society, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Whitehall, PA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Whitehall, PA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Whitehall, PA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
IJ is a public interest law firm. We represent clients free of charge in cutting-edge litigation defending vital constitutional rights. You can join us by supporting our work here: ij.org/supportNORTH WHITEHALL, Pa.—Today, North Whitehall small business owners Gene and Debbie Weierbach announced they have teamed up with the Institute for Justice (IJ) to file a constitutional challenge to the township’s zoning code. The legal challenge comes after Township Supervisor Dennis Klusaritz weaponized the zoning c...
IJ is a public interest law firm. We represent clients free of charge in cutting-edge litigation defending vital constitutional rights. You can join us by supporting our work here: ij.org/support
NORTH WHITEHALL, Pa.—Today, North Whitehall small business owners Gene and Debbie Weierbach announced they have teamed up with the Institute for Justice (IJ) to file a constitutional challenge to the township’s zoning code. The legal challenge comes after Township Supervisor Dennis Klusaritz weaponized the zoning code to order officials to investigate the Weierbachs’ decades-old business following a dispute between Klusaritz and Gene regarding repairs to one of Klusaritz’s cars.
For 24 years, Gene has run an auto repair shop in his garage on the secluded, 16-acre piece of land he and Debbie live on with their adult son, who has severe autism. No neighbors or customers have ever complained about Gene’s business.
“Working on cars is my passion, and being able to do so from my own home ensures I can be there for my son when he needs me,” said Gene. “For more than 20 years, this set-up has worked perfectly for me, Debbie, our son, our customers and our neighbors.”
In 2021, Supervisor Klusaritz became a customer at Gene’s garage. Over the next two years, he regularly brought Gene three different vehicles to work on, including an old BMW with mechanical and wiring issues. In 2023, the two had a dispute over Gene’s work on the BMW. Supervisor Klusaritz accused Gene of incompetence and overcharging him, and in response, Gene politely asked Klusaritz to take his business elsewhere. Shortly after the dispute, Klusaritz asked the Township to investigate Gene’s business. The Township then issued Gene a citation and cease-and-desist letter, saying his business violated the zoning code.
“A powerful politician’s personal vendetta is not a legitimate reason for the government to shut down a business,” said IJ Senior Attorney Ari Bargil. “It is clear that the only reason Gene received a cease-and-desist order was because of Supervisor Klusaritz’s personal beef with him. That’s not just unfair, it’s unconstitutional.”
After receiving the citation and the cease-and-desist letter, the Weierbachs hired an attorney and applied for a variance. During the meeting before the North Whitehall Township Zoning Hearing Board, 16 people spoke in favor of the business, nobody spoke against the business, and the board granted the variance. However, the township—led by Klusaritz—appealed the decision, and the zoning board reversed itself, denying the variance.
The township argues that the Weierbachs’ business violates a zoning ordinance that bans home auto repair shops, even though the Weierbachs operated for decades without issue, and at least one other home auto repair shop has existed in the township.
IJ and the Weierbachs have now filed a constitutional challenge to the zoning code’s ban on auto repair shops, along with a proposal to change the zoning ordinance to allow the Weierbachs’ business. Additionally, the Weierbachs’ current attorney, William Fries, has appealed the denial of the business’s variance in state court.
“A beloved business that causes no harm to the community should not be shuttered because a government official doesn’t like where it’s located,” said IJ Attorney Daniel Woislaw. “Zoning laws are meant to protect against real nuisances, not to give bureaucrats arbitrary authority to shut good businesses down.”
Through its Zoning Justice Project, IJ defends the rights of property owners to use their land free from arbitrary, abusive zoning restrictions. Last year, IJ won a case challenging South Fulton, Georgia’s use of zoning to block a small business owner from opening because it would provide too much competition for existing businesses. Earlier this year, IJ won a battle to keep a Montana homeless shelter open, after city officials tried to use zoning to shut it down. And last month, a court ruled in favor of IJ client Tiny House Hand Up in its lawsuit challenging Calhoun, Georgia’s ban on building homes smaller than 1,150 square feet.
Dan King Communications Project Manager [email protected] @Kinger_DCWHITEHALL TWP., Pa. — The love that embraced Saquon Barkley on Friday night came from a time and place long before his first name became nationally known.It came before Penn State glory and a Super Bowl title.It came before the iconic backward hurdle, 2,000 yards rushing in a season, incredible riches, TV commercials, a forthcoming documentary by legendary director Martin Scorsese and before a Wawa sandwich that now bears his name.On Friday, they packed Zephyr Stadium to watch Barkley — one of their own &mdas...
WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. — The love that embraced Saquon Barkley on Friday night came from a time and place long before his first name became nationally known.
It came before Penn State glory and a Super Bowl title.
It came before the iconic backward hurdle, 2,000 yards rushing in a season, incredible riches, TV commercials, a forthcoming documentary by legendary director Martin Scorsese and before a Wawa sandwich that now bears his name.
On Friday, they packed Zephyr Stadium to watch Barkley — one of their own — be inducted into the school’s hall of fame.
Adoring fans filled the bleachers and ringed the fence around the field. They raised signs of love and support and thanks.
They wore his No. 21 Whitehall jersey and his No. 26 jerseys from Penn State and the Philadelphia Eagles.
They wore their love on their sleeves.
At halftime, as the Zephyrs were well on their way to a 62-21 sportsmanship rule rout of East Stroudsburg South, Barkley took center stage.
Wearing a black T-shirt, diamond-studded religious cross on a silver chain, dark wind pants and sneakers, he stood at the podium at midfield and offered a few words of thanks to Whitehall the school and Whitehall the township.
He spoke so softly it was difficult to discern what he was saying; the love, however, came through loud and clear.
Later, Barkley was asked his feelings while watching highlights from his Whitehall football playing career on a large video screen.
“This was amazing,” he said. “I love being back and am grateful for the opportunity to be in the Hall of Fame. But I’m still upset I didn’t get to bring a state championship to Whitehall.
“But I know the blessings I have and don’t get caught up in all the nonsense. I’m just grateful to be able to play this game I started playing as a little kid.”
Barkley was presented with a golden trophy with the word Zephyrs — the name of Whitehall High School sports teams.
Moments earlier, Barkley’s mother, Tonya Johnson, scanned the crowd and felt the love.
“I’m very happy for Saquon,” she said. “These people love him. But they loved him when he was just Saquon from Whitehall. They’re family; blood isn’t all that makes you family.”
Barkley, 28, Whitehall graduating class of 2015, ran his way into the school’s hall of fame. He rushed for 3,464 yards and scored 63 touchdowns, both school records, in his career.
As a senior, he blazed for 1,856 yards and 31 touchdowns.
Barkley’s success earned him the honor as co-winner of the annual Mr. Pennsylvania Football Award as the state’s top player in Class AAA/AAAA.
In addition to his prowess on the gridiron, Barkley also excelled in track and field.
He won Eastern Pennsylvania Conference gold medals in both the 100-meters (11.15 seconds) and the long jump (22 feet, 2 1/2 inches) at the District XI Championships, where he placed second in the 100 meters (10.90), a school record.
Barkley also played basketball for the Zephyrs.
Whitehall retired Barkley’s jersey No. 21 in 2021. Retired NFL players Matt Millen and Dan Koppen also had their Whitehall uniform numbers retired. Their replica jerseys are affixed to the outside of the stadium field house.
Wearing his son’s replica Whitehall jersey, Alibay Barkley stood beside him as he was inducted. He called the celebration “joyful and meaningful.”
“He worked hard for this,” Alibay Barkley said. “We’re so grateful. We have blessings upon blessings.
“Know what I heard a lot tonight? People saying, ‘We like him because he’s one of us.’ That’s what he means to these people.”
The 2025 Whitehall Hall of Fame class induction was held Jan. 17 at a Zephyrs’ basketball game.
However, Barkley was unable to attend because the Eagles were preparing to host the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Divisional Playoff game two days later.
Barkley joins fellow inductees: 2011 graduate and volleyball star Maggie (Deichmeister) Fisher, 2011 graduate and track and field and cross-country standout Matt Kacyon, 2011 graduate and track and field star Danielle Smith and the 2012 girls soccer team that was the PIAA state runner-up.
Miriam Roy is a Barkley fan. She wore his Eagles midnight green jersey to the induction, just as she had to the Eagles’ season-opening victory over the Cowboys on Thursday night.
“I had to do a wash early this morning,” she said. “I wanted [the jersey] fresh for tonight.
“But I don’t only like Saquon for being a great player. He’s a great person. He still cares about people in Whitehall and other nearby towns that need help.”
Through Barkley's Michael Ann (his grandmother’s name) & Saquon Barkley Hope Foundation, he gives his time and resources to help underserved youths, schools and community organizations in Whitehall and the Lehigh Valley.
Barkley funds turkey drives and coat drives, supports area homeless shelters, provides winter coats for children at a charter school and buys and fills school backpacks for children.
Barkley has joined St. Luke's University Health Network and its AthLife Foundation to support student-athletes in the Lehigh Valley, to improve academic achievement and prepare students for success after high school.
The name Saquon is thought to have African and American origins, with the African root implying “to be strong” or possibly “warrior.”
The American root suggests it translates to “a gift.”
Saquon Barkley is not a Whitehall native; his family moved from The Bronx, New York, when he was 4.
But he is viewed as much a native son as if he were born in the shadow of the Whitehall Diner.
He has been a tremendous athlete and civic minded philanthropist.
He has been a gift.
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