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.

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

250+

ARTISTS 
SUPPORTED

100+

YEARS IN 
OPERATION

7

COMMUNITY 
EVENTS

100+

LIVES CHANGED

countless

Impact

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

Members

40

Annual Entrepreneurs served

50+

# Annual Community Events

25

Annual Youth Served

250

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 >

Become a Member

Apply today or learn more about the many benefits of becoming a member of Community Forge