This fund was established in 1955 to commemorate the late Isabel P. Kennedy, who served as secretary of the Health and Welfare Federation of Allegheny County. During the two decades of her leadership, the Federation gained a national reputation for planning and research. Through her efforts, the Federation became one of the first organizations to prioritize citizen involvement. Kennedy also battled to establish Community Councils that met emergency needs in Pittsburgh’s neighborhoods.
Kennedy joined the Federation in 1933 in the depth of the Great Depression and assisted devastated residents. By 1936, the local economy had stabilized, but Pittsburgh was hit by the worst flood in the city’s history in March. In the aftermath, Kennedy coordinated with the Red Cross to assist flood victims and help the community recover.
During World War II, Kennedy, along with the Federation, promoted civil defense, expanded day care for working mothers and established a center to meet the psychiatric needs of returning veterans. Before her retirement and death in 1954, Kennedy and the Federation fought to have more than 500 mentally ill residents released from jail.
Kennedy is remembered for leading the Federation to the forefront in developing new concepts in community planning and mobilization by incorporating sound research, strong volunteer work, and neighborhood organization.
The Isabel P. Kennedy Memorial Fund not only commemorates Kennedy, but also recognizes citizens of Pittsburgh who have demonstrated exemplary volunteer leadership and a generous spirit through their social work and engaging others to address the community’s social needs and issues with the Isabel P. Kennedy Award.