Mission

Equitable community development for the 21st Century that forges relationships, inspires creativity, and teaches the tools of the future.

Our programming seeks to reach out and empower communities that do not receive equitable resources and investment to reach their highest potential.

Through our activities we take on closing the digital divide, creating a more equitable economy in tech and small business, empower youth, prevent and heal violence and family trauma, and sustain a platform of relationships and resources that uplifts human beings to their highest potential. We work toward a future where all communities have spaces and opportunities to create human relationships outside of the culture, geography, and economic class you were born into.
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Since 2017, we've been building an equitable economy for Wilkinsburg and the Greater Pittsburgh region by creating opportunities that promote professional development, financial wellbeing, and entrepreneurial growth.

Course Enrollment

50+

ENTREPRENEURS

40+

BUSINESSES 
SERVED

50

YOUTH IN 
PROGRAMS

1,100

ARTISTS 
SUPPORTED

210+

YEARS IN 
OPERATION

9

COMMUNITY 
EVENTS

100+

LIVES CHANGED

countless

Impact

Read our Impact Reports to track our progress through the years.

NEIGHBORS CONNECTED
TO SUPPORT

11,200+

Community
Violence Interruptions

87

# Local Artists Hosted

216

Annual Youth Served

1,100+

2022

HISTORY

Community Forge was initially founded in 2017 by eight young adults with roots in Pittsburgh and backgrounds ranging from PhD Scientists to Educators to Extreme Sports Athletes.

The founding team of Community Forge was Travis Alvarez, Ariel Beach-Westmoreland, Jacqueline Cameron, Patrick Cooper, Micha Gorelick, Magdeline Moy, Nick Ryan, and Mike Skirpan. These 8 co-founders built the foundations of Community Forge, donating thousands of hours in the first 3 years working as volunteers.

Their goal was to revitalize the former Johnston Elementary School as an asset to the community and region, working with the community to build a more equitable economy and set of opportunities.

Find More About Our Journey

Our team

Meet our Staff, Board & Building Members

WHO WE ARE >