West Harlem Older Adult Alliance (WHOAA)
WHOAA was formed three years ago under the auspices of the West Harlem Development Corp. With WHDC’s support, the alliance unified 14 programs, organizations, churches, and residential developments in Community Board 9 to enhance the quality of life for older adults in West Harlem.
Since then, the coalition has organized trips to theater, jazz concerts at local venues, outdoor BBQs, and other enrichment activities. They have also hosted movie screenings, community outings, museum trips, and creative activities like paint-and-sips. The coalition sought nonprofit status to ensure sustainability, allowing them to continue receiving WHDC support and explore other revenue sources. This also includes serving as an advocacy group for older adults to ensure their voices are heard.
The group adopted the name West Harlem Older Adult Alliance (WHOAA) for the nonprofit corporation. Its mission is to promote culturally diverse programming and advocate for a more age-friendly community.
Thanks to the diligent work of the ad hoc nonprofit committee and the pro bono law firm Cooley LLC, WHOAA expects in the new year to have a NY State Incorporation and be ready to file with the IRS for a letter of determination. The Alliance’s coordinator is William Hamer, a long-standing older adult advocate and Executive Director of the Harlem Advocates for Seniors, a not-for-profit organization serving the older population.
WHOAA WELCOMES ADDITIONAL PARTNERS!
Current Members Include:
3333 Broadway Seniors Committee, Francine Wearing
River View Towers Seniors Committee, Patricia Watler-Johnson
A. Philip Randolph Senior Center, Jarelle Peaker & Richard Allman
Arts and Minds, Inc., Carolyn Halpin-Healy
Manhattan Community Board 9 (CB9), Walter Alexander
Grant Houses / Tenant Senior Committee, Valerie Nesmith
Hamilton Grange Senior Center, Requithelia Allen
Hamilton Heights Tenants Association, Patricia Caldwell
Harlem Advocates for Seniors, Inc. (HAS), William Hamer & Interim Coordinator of WHOAA
Jackie Robinson Senior Center, Manual Alls
Life Force in Later Years, Inc. (LiLY), Miriam Ortiz & Pat Lewis
Manhattanville Senior Center, Tina Ashley
Morningside Retirement and Health Services (MRHS), Ron Bruno
Saint Luke Baptist Church, Deirdre McIntosh-Brown
In October 2025, the NYC Cabinet for Older New Yorkers (CONY), in collaboration with member agencies Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA) and NYC Department for the Aging (NYC Aging), released Age-Inclusive NYC Arts & Culture: Best Practices for Creative Aging, a guidebook featuring case studies from 13 NYC cultural nonprofits with programs that engage older New Yorkers in deep, innovative, and meaningful ways.
