“For Jan and Kerry, community isn’t just something you support,” Michelle Peterson, PNA’s Philanthropy Director shared. “It’s something you do together.”
By Amanda Coba, PNA’s Membership and Outreach Manager
Jan first connected with the PNA in the early 1980s, right at the very beginning. A home improvement radio show broadcasting from the Phinney Center introduced her to the PNA’s Storm Window Project. This was one of the PNA’s first big community efforts, designed to help neighbors make their homes safer and more energy-efficient, especially for the growing number of seniors in the neighborhood. By providing affordable storm windows, the PNA enabled people to remain in their homes for decades longer.
In fact, you can still find some of those original windows on our Phinney Center buildings today — a lasting reminder of how practical solutions can strengthen community for generations.
Building Together
After a few years away in Chicago, where Jan met Kerry, the couple returned to Seattle, and Kerry quickly found his own role in the PNA story. By 1989, he was volunteering in the Phinney Center basement, where he helped establish an open community computer lab. In the early days of personal computing, Kerry was the neighbor who made technology feel less intimidating and more empowering for neighbors of all ages.
Jan’s leadership qualities came in handy as well. She served as PNA Board President and played a pivotal role in two of the organization’s biggest milestones: purchasing the Allen Building – now known as the Phinney Center Blue Building – and acquiring the Greenwood Senior Center.
A Lasting Legacy
Together, Jan and Kerry have spent decades helping the PNA thrive. From championing grassroots efforts like the Phinney Emergency Hub to showing up year after year for programs and events, they’ve built not only stronger systems, but also lasting friendships. “For Jan and Kerry, community isn’t just something you support,” Michelle Peterson, PNA’s Philanthropy Director shared. “It’s something you do together.”
PNA’s early community computer lab made technology feel less intimidating and more empowering for neighbors of all ages.
Jan and Kerry are hosting a PNA Members -Only Giveaway – Enter to WIN this Red Tandem Bike!
In the summer of 2025, Jan and Kerry embodied that spirit once again by raffling off their red tandem bike for PNA members. Just like the bike, their story is all about teamwork, trust, and moving forward side by side.
Celebrate Legacy Makers
Jan and Kerry’s story is a reminder that the PNA’s strength comes from neighbors who roll up their sleeves and dream big together. You can help carry that legacy forward: DONATE TODAY and be part of building the next chapter of care, connection, and community.
Our Goal: $100,000 Help us get there!
The Power of Community: Legacy Makers fundraiser supports the full breadth of PNA’s work – from the Greenwood Senior Center, Memory Loss, and Village programs to community meals and community spaces like the Phinney Center Campus and beyond. Your generosity helps us continue creating welcoming places and meaningful programs for all neighbors at every life stage.
