Walt Yager ReClaim McKeesport Ambassador What would you like others to know about your neighborhood? "Its gloried past as a foundation and stepping stone to return its image of pride, moral values, hard work and accomplishments." ABOUT ME. My hometown is McKeesport and I have lived there my whole life. I am married and have three grandchildren. Currently I do consulting and volunteer work for nonprofits in the area. I believe the biggest challenge that McKeesport faces is the blight, erosion, and loss…Read More
Robin DeVaughn ReClaim South Sustaining Momentum Ambassador Originally from Beltzhoover, Robin enjoys engaging her community through street clean ups and church events. She is a very active member of the St. Paul AME Church in Beltzhoover and has been assisting with the church's garden since its inception. By joining the Ambassador program, Robin is eager to learn more gardening skills so she can share her knowledge and healthy food with her community. She hopes to inspire her friends, family and neighbors to stay focused, work hard and…Read More
Matthew Yurkovich ReClaim Northside Ambassador “I love where I live and want to reclaim a vacant lot. The idea of ecological restoration is of great interest to me and I think greenspace is very important to a neighborhood's health.” About Me. I spend much of my time outdoors both in my professional and personal life. I enjoy fitness challenges, spending time with my dog, gardening, cooking, biking and reading. I love the Northside and am very excited to be in this program. I'm a member of…Read More
Rhonda Moorer ReClaim McKeesport Ambassador "[I hope] to rebuild and [for McKeesport to] become a positive force in the Mon Valley." ABOUT ME. I am originally from McKeesport and have lived in the 4th Ward for five years. I have been married for 30 years and have one son. I am very involved in my church, Bethlehem Baptist Church. I hope to see McKeesport return to its glory days and hope to be a part of the rejuvenation of that glory. I believe…Read More
Kim Brownfield ReClaim McKeesport Ambassador "[Community means] to live together as one." ABOUT ME. My hometown is McKeesport, PA and I have lived here for the past 52 years. Currently I work at the University of Pittsburgh and am heavily involved in my church, Bethlehem Baptist Church. I want to see the city become more beautiful with my involvement. I am hoping that eventually new business will come to McKeesport to help it grow. For my project, I would like to implement playgrounds in my neighborhood.…Read More
Hank Gostkowski ReClaim McKeesport Ambassador "There are still respectful neighbors who help each other when the need arises. From cutting several neighbors' grass, shoveling the walk ways without expecting anything, to hunting for a lost child or keeping watch out for others' homes when something does not look right." ABOUT ME. My hometown is Verona, PA but I have been living in McKeesport for the past 40 years. I am currently retired but work as a security guard at Renzie Park. For…Read More
Sharon Soles ReClaim McKeesport Ambassador "We have hope. We can overcome our situation if more people would get involved." ABOUT ME My hometown is McKeesport, PA and I have lived there for 25 years. I worked for GNC in retail management for 14 years until I retired. I am married and have four grandchildren. I decided to get involved so that I can help reclaim the city that I love and assist community members working with vacant lots and properties. I am looking…Read More
Julie Fleckenstein Reclaim McKeesport Ambassador "I hope that we have a renaissance like the other neighborhoods in the Pittsburgh area. This is such a great place to raise a family." ABOUT ME. My hometown is McKeesport, PA. Currently I work for the City of McKeesport as a program assistant for the Youth CAST Leadership Network and also as adjunct faculty for the CCAC, teaching Professional and Academic Development and English Composition. WHAT IDEAS DO YOU HAVE FOR A VACANT LOT IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD?…Read More
Rochelle Williams ReClaim McKeesport Ambassador I am hoping to make a positive change in our city and to restore it to what I have heard it was like in the past. ABOUT ME. My hometown is Pittsburgh, PA, but for the past 12 years I have lived in the Myers Park (11th Ward) neighborhood of McKeesport. I married my husband, Phil, 20 years ago and have two awesome and bright children, Nayelle (16) and Nason (13). I currently work as an Administrative Assistant…Read More
Dana Jackson ReClaim McKeesport Ambassador “Our future is in their (younger generation) hands and we need to teach them ownership in their neighborhood and to help out with the elderly that need assistance with taking care of their property.” ABOUT ME. My hometown is McKeesport, PA. I am a mother of four children who keep me busy and make me proud everyday. I became an ambassador to make a difference in the community and influence others to do the same. I hope…Read More
Heather Messiah ReClaim South Sustaining Momentum Ambassador Heather is a very active resident of Beltzhoover. She has helped her community through different church functions, participated in Feed the Community at the Warrington Recreation Center, assisted with clean up days and worked at the Voices Against Violence summer camp. She will be partnering with ReClaim South Ambassador Cheryl to enhance the St. Paul AME Church garden. She hopes that her work will help this space continue to be a place of peace and better provide…Read More
Brian Fallet ReClaim South Sustaining Momentum Ambassador Brian loves the views from his neighborhood of Allentown and the potential for Allentown to develop through the low cost of housing. He is a member of the Allentown Facade Committee and the Property Stabilization Committee. He hopes to inspire his friends and family by becoming a ReClaim South Ambassador. He looks forward to the day that his local community gains the recognition it deserves. This year, Brian will be assisting his Ambassador colleague Linda with her side lot community garden…Read More