Meet the Mayor’s Commission on Aging new executive director: Sharlene Waller
Sharlene Waller is passionate about ensuring that the voices of older adults are heard and understood. In 1990, she began working at West Oak Lane Senior Center as a part-time receptionist. From the onset of being in the company of older adults, she knew aging services would be the career path for her.
“Everyone was so friendly and talkative,” Waller said. “It was fun. I enjoyed working with older adults. During my work at the senior center, I was always able to be the first person that people see when they walk in the door. I knew that I needed to be the most pleasant person, because you don’t know what’s going on in people’s lives outside of those doors.”
From these friendly conversations, Waller was able to get to know the members. An open door, welcoming policy is the first step to serving peoples’ needs. “The most important thing about coming to the senior center is being part of a friendly environment. From there, older adults learn about and connect with resources that they would not know about if they stayed at home. Then, of course, the fun stuff. You came to enjoy your time so you can forget about your worries. Senior centers have so much to offer if people take advantage of it.”
When Waller started out, she did not have working in aging on her mind. But she learned along the way. “I grew in the senior center. Whenever there was an opportunity, I took it. Every two years I grew,” said Waller, who received her Bachelor of Human Services from Chestnut Hill College by attending classes at night and working at the center during the day.
From 2016 to 2024, Waller worked for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives Democratic Caucus. She served first as chief of staff for the retired Isabella Fitzgerald and then for State Rep. Anthony Bellmon of the 203rd legislative district. In April, Waller was appointed by Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker to the position of executive director of the Mayor’s Commission on Aging (MCOA).
“I’ve always wanted to be the voice for older adults,” said Waller. “I want to make sure they are heard, that they have the resources they need, and that we are providing all things to all people in the city of Philadelphia.”
Waller’s goal for the MCOA is to make Philadelphia age-friendly by partnering with local businesses and nonprofit organizations to create public spaces, as well as engaging in community outreach and education to raise awareness about the needs of older Philadelphians and services and the services available to them.
“It’s all a part of the mayor’s initiative to make Philadelphia safer, greener, cleaner and to provide economic opportunities for all,” she said. “We are ensuring that Philadelphia is a great place to grow old. It is an all-inclusive approach. That is what we must do as Philadelphians. It’s for ALL people. Philadelphia is the place where people come to not only play and have fun, but to live
cohesively.”
Through her role as executive director of MCOA, Waller will work collaboratively with Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA), as well as serve on its Board of Directors. Both MCOA and PCA share a mission to improve the quality of life for older Philadelphians. MCOA manages the Senior Community Service Employment Program, which is federally funded through PCA, to provide older adults with job training to eventually go to unsubsidized jobs.
“I am there for the strategic planning and the hard conversations that need to be had to make sure that we’re getting as many resources to older adults,” Waller said. “We’re building connections with organizations to make sure we get everything we need to grow, learn and develop our older adult population. Independence is so important.”
The basic goal is to make sure that everyone is growing old gracefully. “We make Philadelphia a welcoming and supportive city for all ages,” she said. “Residents, as well as tourists, need to feel comfortable. We’re showing them that it can be safe to go outside again.”
Mayor’s Commission on Aging: Empowering and supporting Philadelphia’s older adults
Philadelphia has been declared an Age-Friendly Livable Certified City by AARP. The Mayor’s Commission on Aging (MCOA) is committed to making Philadelphia a better place for people of all ages through the following goals:
- Creating accessible environments: Working with city planners to ensure public spaces, transportation and buildings are accessible to all.
- Promoting social inclusion: Encouraging intergenerational activities and community engagement to combat social isolation among older adults.
- Enhancing safety: Collaborating with local authorities to ensure neighborhoods are safe for older adults.
- Encouraging lifelong learning: Providing opportunities for older adults to engage in educational and recreational activities that foster continuous growth and development.
The MCOA provides a range of services to meet the needs of older Philadelphians:
- Access to local benefits and programs.
- Employment and financial services.
- Access to food and meal delivery.
- Health and senior centers.
- Housing security (foreclosure prevention).
For more information or assistance, contact the Mayor’s Commission on Aging at 215-686-8450; MCOAinfo@phila.gov; 1401 JFK Blvd., 16th Floor (by appointment); or Phila.gov/aging.
