DAREN ELLERBEE
by Rob Taylor Jr., Courier Staff Writer
When you see the University of Pittsburgh’s senior vice chancellor for engagement proudly doing the “Wobble” and other line dances, you know it’s cause for celebration.
There she was, Kathy Humphrey, PhD, front-and-center on the makeshift dance floor inside Pitt’s Community Engagement Center (CEC) in Homewood, joined in step by Pittsburgh’s line dance king, Roland Ford, and others who just had to celebrate the first anniversary of the CEC and its many programs and services that many say have already proved beneficial to Homewood youth and adults.
“In just one year, we have a place in Homewood to gather together, to collaborate, and to grow. A place where Pitt has built an extension of our campus,” Dr. Humphrey said during the Oct. 17 event. “We knew the impact the university could have if we were willing to share our resources, share our teaching that creates service in this community. And we knew that this community center could possibly be another beacon in Homewood if indeed we would put the energy and the resources into making something great happen in this community.”
On Oct. 18, 2018, more than 400 people were on hand for the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the CEC, located at 622 N. Homewood Ave. It was the start of at least a 15-year commitment to the Homewood community by the University of Pittsburgh.
Daren Ellerbee, director of the Pitt Homewood CEC, told the New Pittsburgh Courier that in one year, there’s been a lot of “headway” made in attracting local residents to the center, and that “the best is yet to come. I want people to know that this place is here for them, that this place has programs and opportunities that can benefit them and their families,” she said.
Ellerbee noted the success of a youth advisory board organized through Pitt’s school of social work, which meets regularly at the CEC. The youth board started with 15 students, and it has now grown to more than 70.
There’s also the popular Justice Scholars program featuring students from nearby Westinghouse High School. Run by Pitt’s Assisted Communities & Schools department, the Justice Scholars program offers an opportunity for students to connect with Pitt and engage in a college-preparatory experience that helps their transition into a four-year college or university. Students in the Justice Scholars program as juniors or seniors at Westinghouse complete college-level papers and research projects. The students meet regularly after school at the CEC.
And the Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence, part of Pitt’s Innovation Institute, meets regularly at the CEC with local minority small business owners, offering consulting services, education and networking opportunities.
As the more than 200 people at this celebration enjoyed the burgers, chicken, corn on the cob and other refreshments (not to mention a DJ outside spinning everything from Boyz II Men to Justin Timberlake), Ellerbee was elated to announce the new health and wellness center that will open inside the CEC in early 2020.
“Medical consultations, physical therapy, occupational therapy, counseling,” Ellerbee said, “and we’re not swiping insurance cards, and we’re not replacing what (the Alma Illery Medical Center, a block away from the CEC) is providing the community right now. We’re committed to not replacing or replicating the assets that are already here.”
But Pitt is making a concerted effort to use their collective resources into making a difference in Homewood and the surrounding neighborhoods.
“I’m elated to be in Homewood, a part of our community, connecting,” Dr. Humphrey said. “I always say the word community means, ‘to be in union with’—means, ‘to be connected to.’ It doesn’t mean that you’re walking together; it means that you are connected as you’re walking together, and that’s our grandest hope for our CEC here in Homewood.”
Ellerbee told the Courier her biggest challenge throughout the first year has been increasing awareness of the center. Sure, there have been “thousands” that have taken advantage of the services at the Homewood CEC, according to Dr. Humphrey, but Ellerbee wants even more.
“I’m a little stingy,” she said. “I want every resident within a 10-mile radius of the center to get here and participate. It’s just about getting the word out, expanding our coverage area.”
Ellerbee grew up in East Hills and graduated from Pitt with a bachelor’s degree in English. After obtaining a master’s degree from Robert Morris University, she’s currently in Pitt’s doctorate program in Urban Education. She hopes that the CEC she leads can help more African American kids from Homewood and nearby areas to attend college—and possibly choose the Blue and Gold.
“I want people to really identify with Pitt outside of our sports teams,” Ellerbee told the Courier. “I feel like a lot of kids will celebrate Pitt basketball and football but they’re not making the connection that they could attend the college. My hope is that in the next 15 years, there are third-graders right now that could benefit from Pitt being here.”
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