A meeting of the Jefferson Community Collaborative was held on February 27, 2025, at Commonwealth Charter Academy in Homestead. The Jefferson Community Collaborative hosted a panel discussion that focused on nonprofits and advocacy. This event provided nonprofit leaders with actionable strategies to strengthen partnerships with county agency leaders and to enhance advocacy efforts to better serve communities. There were over 170 participants in attendance.
Dr. Trisha Gadson, CEO of the Jefferson Regional Foundation (JRF), emphasized the organization’s commitment to centering community voices and to collaboratively addressing the social determinants of health.
She highlighted the core practice embedded in the Foundation’s work is ensuring that diverse identities and perspectives are not only present but empowered with both voice and agency. She emphasized that this approach fosters meaningful collaboration in responding to community needs.
Dr. Gadson further explained that the Foundation’s mission is rooted in ensuring equitable access to resources, information, and opportunities—enabling individuals and communities to thrive. By sharing power, JRF is dedicated to creating a culture of authentic participation and meaningful contributions to improve the health and well-being of communities served by Jefferson Hospital.
A regulator panel discussion was moderated by Phil Koch, Vice President of Policy and Community Impact at The Pittsburgh Foundation. Panelists included Erin Dalton, Director of the Allegheny County Department of Human Services; Dr. Shannah Tharp Gilliam, Director for the Area Agency on Aging; Dr. Iulia Vann, Director of the Allegheny County Health Department. They shared a common desire and necessity to collaborate with nonprofit partners in order to meet community needs. In addition, they offered suggestions on how to build meaningful partnerships with government entities. They also discussed best practices for communicating with county government, navigating policy changes, and leveraging resources to strengthen nonprofit missions.
Following the panel discussion, participants engaged in small-group discussions at their tables, shared insights and reported back to the larger group. The event also featured a Fireside Chat with guest speaker Rich Lord, Managing Editor for PublicSource, and Phil Koch. Lord discussed access to resources that could help nonprofits effectively tell their stories.
Kelleigh Boland, Director of Grantmaking and Strategy at JRF, provided an overview of the Foundation’s grantmaking priorities, with a focus on Community Engagement & Policy Work.
She emphasized the importance of these initiatives in fostering collaboration, amplifying community voices, and driving policy change. Through strategic grantmaking, the Foundation supports efforts that enhance civic participation, advocacy, and equitable access to resources in the Jefferson service area.
Isaiah Warfield, Communications Coordinator of JRF, introduced a new social media initiative for the Foundation called “Grantee Spotlight.” This initiative will highlight the work of JRF’s grantee partners and showcase their impact on health and well-being in Jefferson service area communities.
The “Grantee Spotlight” series will be featured on JRF’s Facebook and LinkedIn. It will provide grantees a platform to share their impact. Grantee partners interested in being featured can contact Isaiah Warfield at isaiah.warfield@jeffersonrf.org.
The February 2025 meeting was an opportunity for nonprofit leaders, community advocates, and organizational representatives to engage in meaningful discussions, expand their networks, and gain practical strategies to enhance their advocacy efforts.
The next Jefferson Community Collaborative meeting will take place on Thursday, May 29, 2025, from 8:30 AM – 11:00 AM at Commonwealth Charter Academy in Homestead.