We are a network of 90+ community-serving organizations who are committed to bringing together change-makers to positively impact the health & vitality of communities south of Pittsburgh.
Our Vision:
To create agile, healthy, and sustainable communities for diverse populations throughout the Jefferson region while:
o Serving as an incubator for powerful ideas and promising practices
o Improving the capacity of community-serving organizations
o Facilitating group action on community aspirations
Our Current Priorities
o Behavioral Health
o Family & Resident Engagement
o Workforce Development
We are currently accepting new Member Organizations. Please download this Membership Form to apply, or contact Colleen Cadman at colleen.cadman@jeffersonrf.org with any questions.
MEMBER MEETINGS are convened throughout the year (August, October, January, March, and a Picnic in June) and focus on advancing priority issues, capacity building opportunities, resource and data sharing, and networking opportunities.
Next Meeting
Friday, March 15th
Time & Location Details TBA
Resources from Previous Meetings
- Jefferson Area 2020 Census Overview
- Update on the Route 51 Corridor Transportation Alternatives Project
- Partner4Work Workforce Presentation
- Career Services Needs Assessment Survey
Action Teams
Community Engagement
The outreach arm of the Collaborative, this group is focused on gathering and presenting key data regarding core issues in the region and reaching out to engage municipal leaders in the work of the Collaborative
Next Meeting: Details TBA
Contact: Tim Hindes, Elevate412; Paula Kelly, Whitehall Public Library; Sarah Papperman, Wesley Family Services
Eat and Educate Series
A lunch series focused on resource sharing and system navigation, targeted towards frontline workers. Meetings focus on specific topics and bring in speakers from a variety of sectors throughout the year. Topics for the 2019 Calendar Year include Self Care, Financial Wellness Resources for Families, and Career Connections for the Unemployed.
Next Meeting: Thursday, March 21, 2019 on STEM Learning Opportunities for Youth
Details: 12:00 – 1:30 pm @ Southland Panera
Contact: Tamera Stafford, Gwen’s Girls; Jim Barry, Boys and Girls Club of Western PA
Health Engagement
This group coordinates wellness initiatives throughout the Jefferson Region and is currently focused on the issue of tobacco-cessation.
Next Meeting: Details TBA
Contact: Katie Holler, Consumer Health Coalition
Mental Health First Aid
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a free public education program in which participants attend an eight-hour course with certified trainers to increase their knowledge around common mental health challenges, become equipped to offer assistance, and reduce stigma. Thirteen certified trainers from the Jefferson area have educated more than 600 community members on MHFA.
If you are interested in joining our core group of local trainers, hosting a training at your organization, or attending a training session, please contact Barb Saunders at Allegheny Health Choices Inc.
Additional Resources
Jefferson Community Directory
A resource guide that includes contact information for qualified service providers in the Jefferson Region, organized by service area and designed to assist service providers with referrals and networking.
Annual Jefferson Forum
A yearly gathering of leaders from around the region focusing on networking and capacity building. The 2018 Jefferson Forum was held on Wednesday, May 9, 2018. Click here for highlights and pictures.
Jefferson Community Snapshots
Local data compiled by the University of Pittsburgh’s Center for Social and Urban Research, organized by community and available for use by all members of the Collaborative.
For More Information
If you are interested in your organization becoming an active Collaborative member, please contact