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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.

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Home Care In New Kensington, PA

Home Care New Kensington, PA

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 Large Scale Systems Museum 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 New Kensington, PA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care New Kensington, PA

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 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.

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TESTIMONIALS

“This job has been an amazing experience and funny and they give great vibes to in the workplace I highly consider working for this place we are like a family !!”

Quentin J.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Have to say heard great thing about this company and the growth and great support for workers and clients ????”

Celestra L.
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TESTIMONIALS

“This agency provides amazing care to the clients, Very reliable highly recommended!!!”

Jimmy V.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I just want to say Always Best Care has been vital to my parents end of life care. They make sure to consider the patient as a person and not another client. Top notch care for the two most important people in my life.”

melissa S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“My grandmother has been getting to and from her appointments with no issues and finally got the right care since joining this agency! She finally has someone to help her clean and organize the way she likes it and helps her make her favorite meals! If you’re looking for someone to care for you I’d give this place a chance.”

Sierra S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I love working for these guys. Pretty flexible and my bosses are understanding that life happens. They go out of their way to help their caregivers and their elderly clients. Best company to work for! Love you guys.”

Melissa A.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider We have Always Best Care of Pittsburgh. They help my mom with whatever she needs, like a run to the store, making food, laundry, and that sort of thing. I haven't had any trouble with the agency. We've had two to three different caregivers, they're always good and on time. They come three times a week for four hours a day.”

Steve
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“The Best Care !�”

Erin P.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I work for always best care of Fox Chapel I meet the greatest people. I have the best boss and I absolutely would refer anybody who has a Caring Heart to be an employee of this company. I also refer anyone who needs someone of the Caring Heart in their life to help them with their daily living needs. Always best care is there for you I'm happy to be working for this company.”

Izzy S.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in New Kensington, PA?

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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.

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When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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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.

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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.

 Senior Care New Kensington, PA

Types of Elderly Care in New Kensington, PA

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal 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:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming

Respite Care New Kensington, PA
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

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:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers New Kensington, PA
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

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 Memorial Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care New Kensington, PA
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

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 Jillians Restaurant or visit Memorial Park, 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.

 In-Home Care New Kensington, PA

Benefits of Home Care in New Kensington, PA

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:

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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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

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.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

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 New Kensington, 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.

 Elderly Care New Kensington, PA

Affordable 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:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your PA's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
 Senior Care New Kensington, PA

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

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 New Kensington, 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.

Assisted Living Referral Services

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.


Respite Care New Kensington, PA

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:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers New Kensington, PA

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:

  • Logan House
  • AlleKiski Valley Senior Center
  • Pershing Heights Llc
  • Arc
  • Arc
  • Arc
Home Care New Kensington, PA

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.

 In-Home Care New Kensington, PA

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

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

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A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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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 New Kensington, 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.

 Elderly Care New Kensington, PA

Latest News in New Kensington, PA

Penn State New Kensington campus holds rally to fight to stay open

NEW KENSINGTON, Pa. — A campus community is fighting for its survival as Penn State debates the future of its branch campuses.RELATED COVERAGE >>> Penn State evaluating the future of 12 branch campuses, including 5 in Western PennsylvaniaA group of Penn State New Kensington students, alum...

NEW KENSINGTON, Pa. — A campus community is fighting for its survival as Penn State debates the future of its branch campuses.

RELATED COVERAGE >>> Penn State evaluating the future of 12 branch campuses, including 5 in Western Pennsylvania

A group of Penn State New Kensington students, alumni and other supporters gathered on campus on Friday.

They said the decision to close some of the 12 smallest branch campuses is happening too fast and that it’s too final.

Because of rain, several dozen Penn State New Kensington students and supporters held the rally to save their school inside the gym.

Zaine Iusi is a freshman at Penn State New Kensington. He is studying aerospace engineering.

He plans to go to Penn State’s main campus for his junior and senior years but he said he could not afford to go there for all four years and di not want to be too far from home.

“I like spending time with my family and can’t do that if I’m halfway across the state, or for some people, states away,” Iusi said.

Penn State announced earlier this year that it plans to close some of its campuses because of declining enrollment and other financial reasons.

State Representative Jill Cooper said it is happening too fast.

“I expressed to leadership that I felt the process could have been done better,” Cooper said.

Even though state lawmakers do not have control over which campuses, if any, will close, Cooper has been working across the aisle to put some pressure on university leadership to rethink their decision.

RELATED COVERAGE >>> Local lawmaker introduces 3 bills in response to Penn State’s plan to close some branch campuses

“I think it would be very devastating to us here. Like I said, it’s been a part of the economic growth and revitalization of New Kensington but it’s still is, to me, something that will be hurtful and be felt for a long time here,” Cooper said.

The decision on which branch campuses will close is expected sometime next month.

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Spring Ahead with the Postal Service

Competitive Salary, Paid Leave, Health/Life Insurance, Retirement and much more!NEW KENSINGTON, PA – The month of April gets its name from the Latin word aperio, meaning “to open” because plants begin to grow now. Spring is also a great time to open opportunities and grow with a career at the United States Postal Service.Some of the top reasons to look for a career are financial stability, opportunities, diversity, pay and benefits, growth – all excellent reasons to apply to the Postal Service, the most ...

Competitive Salary, Paid Leave, Health/Life Insurance, Retirement and much more!

NEW KENSINGTON, PA – The month of April gets its name from the Latin word aperio, meaning “to open” because plants begin to grow now. Spring is also a great time to open opportunities and grow with a career at the United States Postal Service.

Some of the top reasons to look for a career are financial stability, opportunities, diversity, pay and benefits, growth – all excellent reasons to apply to the Postal Service, the most trusted federal agency in the country.

We offer a variety of challenging and rewarding opportunities nationwide with over 2,000 job functions that provide room for growth and promotion. Openings will continue to be announced on a rolling basis throughout the year for every state at www.usps.com/careers.

A few examples of hourly wages are:

City Carrier PTF - $22.13 City Carrier Assistants - $19.33 Rural Carrier Associate - $20.38 PSE Clerk - $20.48 Mail Handler Assistant - $19.02

To learn more, the Postal Service invites job seekers to attend the following USPS job fair to fill immediate openings:

Thursday April 17, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Career Link Lower Burrell VFW 1601 Wildlife Lodge Rd. New Kensington, PA 15068

To assist potential applicants, USPS personnel will be onsite at the job fair to provide detailed information about available positions and to answer questions about starting pay and benefits. Applications are accepted online only at www.usps.com/careers. Applicants must be 18 years of age and be able to pass drug screening and a background investigation. Applicants must be available to work weekends and holidays. See job postings at www.usps.com/careers for full details for duties, responsibilities, and requirements. Job postings are updated frequently, so check back often for additional opportunities.

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Penn State postpones decision of campus closures

NEW KENSINGTON, Pa. —Penn State has postponed its announcement regarding which of the university's campuses in western Pennsylvania could face closure.The university postponed the announcement to mid-May, after spring commencement has wrapped. Until then, the futures of four local campuses — Greater Allegheny in McKeesport, New Kensington, Beaver and Fayette — are all in do...

NEW KENSINGTON, Pa. —

Penn State has postponed its announcement regarding which of the university's campuses in western Pennsylvania could face closure.

The university postponed the announcement to mid-May, after spring commencement has wrapped. Until then, the futures of four local campuses — Greater Allegheny in McKeesport, New Kensington, Beaver and Fayette — are all in doubt.

Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi announced the delay Thursday.

Colin Miller, an engineering student at Penn State New Kensington, fears the closure would jeopardize his degree.

“There's a very good chance that I would not be able to get a college education because I cannot drive myself because of that," Miller said, pointing to his leg. "The fact that it is close and that I can have other people drive me here is one of the main reasons. And so, if this closes, well, I guess I'm out of luck."

Miller relies on family friend Sharon Manley for transportation due to a degenerative disease impacting his legs.

“If they close in the time frame that they're thinking of, he’s going to probably not be able to complete his degree, and that's really sad," Manley said.

Penn State New Kensington is one of several western Pennsylvania campuses potentially on the chopping block. Advocates have rallied to emphasize the accessibility and opportunities these campuses provide.

"Penn State is massive, and I also think that, being a land grant university, they should be thinking about helping ordinary folks," Manley said. "And if this campus didn't exist, there would be a lot of these students who would never have an opportunity to go to university. I do know that for a fact. There are some of the students here that, to come here was just wonderful for them and their family."

Since enrolling, Miller has even founded a theater club and directed a play’s closing night, milestones he believes wouldn’t have been possible elsewhere.

Bendapudi’s statement identified seven of the largest campuses that she says will remain open — Abington, Altoona, Behrend, Berks, Brandywine, Harrisburg and Lehigh Valley.

Bendapudi said those campuses, along with Great Valley, which will also remain open, make up nearly 75% of total Commonwealth Campus enrollments and 67% of faculty and staff.

A group of Penn State leadership will recommend by the end of this semester which of the remaining 12 campuses should stay open and which should be closed.

"While it is clear that not all 12 campuses can continue, it is equally clear that a number of them will," Bendapudi said.

Penn State says new students will continue to be admitted at all locations this fall, and no campus will be closed before the end of the 2026-27 school year.

"Every student who begins a Penn State degree will have the opportunity to complete it at Penn State," the statement said.

First New Kensington farmer’s market aims for healthy food, local business support | TribLIVE.com

To Michelle Thom, goals for an upcoming farmers market in downtown New Kensington are twofold.The Downtown New Ken Partnership president wants to provide healthy, fresh food in the area and increase foot traffic for small businesses there.The farmers market — which Thom believes is the first of its kind in New Kensington — kicks off from 9 a.m. to noon April 19. and will run every Saturday until Oct. 19 outside Voodoo Brewing Co. along Fifth Avenue and 10th Street“We are trying to do it because we are ...

To Michelle Thom, goals for an upcoming farmers market in downtown New Kensington are twofold.

The Downtown New Ken Partnership president wants to provide healthy, fresh food in the area and increase foot traffic for small businesses there.

The farmers market — which Thom believes is the first of its kind in New Kensington — kicks off from 9 a.m. to noon April 19. and will run every Saturday until Oct. 19 outside Voodoo Brewing Co. along Fifth Avenue and 10th Street

“We are trying to do it because we are in a ‘food desert,’ and we’ve been trying to find a solution to that for years,” Thom said.

Thom anticipates about a dozen vendors each Saturday. Vendors will vary from week to week, but they will sell items ranging from meat, poultry, fish and wellness products to fruits, vegetables, eggs and more.

Market vendors will accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, and EBT, Thom said.

There has not been a grocery store in downtown New Kensington since Shop ’n Save closed in 2020.

In turn, people in that area without transportation or other means are stuck with limited food options, such as frozen meals or processed foods from Dollar General, which aren’t as healthy as produce from the farmers market, Thom said.

“This was the next step we could do to help solve that problem,” she said.

The closest grocers are Golden Dawn on Freeport Road and Giant Eagle and Aldi on Tarentum Bridge Road. But those are largely out of reach to downtown residents without transportation.

So the downtown partnership helps sponsor a Fresh Food Shuttle service, available to adults in New Kensington, Arnold and Lower Burrell, for door-to-door service available from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

The shuttle takes shoppers to Walmart, Aldi, Giant Eagle, Golden Dawn and local food banks. People can schedule by calling 724-895-8270.

New Kensington Mayor Tom Guzzo said the community market will serve many purposes.

“It will be a great opportunity for our folks who live near our downtown area to have access to fresh, healthy and seasonal produce,” Guzzo said. “It is great for the entire city and surrounding areas to come down and support our local farmers and economy.

“It will be yet another opportunity for people to come downtown and do some shopping and go to our restaurants and support our downtown businesses and continue to create a great sense of community.”

The partnership is still accepting interested produce vendors. They can contact Thom at [email protected].

Kellen Stepler is a TribLive reporter covering the Allegheny Valley and Burrell school districts and surrounding areas. He joined the Trib in April 2023. He can be reached at [email protected].

Rally planned to support Penn State New Kensington

Tom Guzzo can’t stress enough the importance of Penn State New Kensington in his community.But on Thursday, the New Kensington mayor — as well as a handful of other appointed and elected officials — are going to try.In response to the Penn State branch campus possibly closing in two years, area officials are holding a rally at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the New Kensington City Hall to emphasize the college’s importance and its role in the Alle-Kiski Valley.Doors open at 6:15 p.m. The rally is anticipat...

Tom Guzzo can’t stress enough the importance of Penn State New Kensington in his community.

But on Thursday, the New Kensington mayor — as well as a handful of other appointed and elected officials — are going to try.

In response to the Penn State branch campus possibly closing in two years, area officials are holding a rally at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the New Kensington City Hall to emphasize the college’s importance and its role in the Alle-Kiski Valley.

Doors open at 6:15 p.m. The rally is anticipated to last about an hour, according to the Westmoreland County Industrial Development Corp.

“The campus has served as a catalyst in the rebirth of our city and neighboring communities,” Guzzo said. “I cannot emphasize enough that its continued presence is critical to our region’s long-term prosperity.”

At the event, people can share their personal experiences and reflections on the campus’s impact within the community.

Penn State officials in late February announced that some branch campuses will close because of declining enrollment, demographic shifts and finances.

In addition to New Kensington, other campuses potentially on the chopping block are Fayette, Beaver and Greater Allegheny in McKeesport.

It’s anticipated that the decision on closures will be made before Penn State’s spring commencement.

“This branch campus provides an opportunity for students from this area, who otherwise might be unable, to attend college affordably,” Guzzo said. “I cannot stress enough how impactful, meaningful and life-changing that can be.”

Although the campus is in Upper Burrell, Penn State New Kensington has played a role in revitalizing the city of New Kensington, Guzzo said.

He referenced The Corner Launchbox, an entrepreneur training center and co-working space; and the Digital Foundry, a business development service. The Digital Foundry is also working with Re:Build Manufacturing to hire 300 local people over the next couple of years, he said.

“So much of this is a result of Penn State New Ken’s involvement in our city,” Guzzo said.

The campus is not only a valued educational institution, but also a driver of economic opportunity and regional development, said Jason Rigone, executive director of the Westmoreland County Industrial Development Corp.

“Our primary goal is to advocate and show support, and send a clear message to University Park of what this campus means to the community, to the businesses and to our students and prospective students that access the college for higher education,” Rigone said.

“It’s an opportunity for those in the community to hear local leaders and stakeholders, and also recognize the importance of the campus and really see the campus as part of long-term growth and economic development in the region.”

Of Penn State’s 19 Commonwealth campuses, 12 are on the potential chopping block. Since news of Penn State considering closing campuses was announced, some communities with branch campuses have held similar rallies advocating for their local school. Petitions to fight closures have been started at campuses in Shenango, Mont Alto, DuBois and Fayette.

State Rep. Charity Grimm Krupa, R-Fayette, has introduced legislation in direct response to the proposed closures. State Rep. Jill Cooper, R-Murrysville, penned a letter to Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi advocating to keep Penn State New Kensington open, with support from three other state representatives.

“Each one of us believe that Penn State New Kensington is an asset we should be working to grow, to support a path forward for our students and to build a workforce pipeline that will help continue to grow our region in ways and industries that we know are prepared to make investments into our corridor, if they have the trained workers to do so,” the letter said, in part.

“… Its closure would have far-reaching consequences for our community and contradict the university’s values of inclusivity and support for all students.”

Penn State officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding Cooper’s letter.

Kellen Stepler is a TribLive reporter covering the Allegheny Valley and Burrell school districts and surrounding areas. He joined the Trib in April 2023. He can be reached at [email protected].

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