Center of Life

Center of Life Center of Life is here to serve the community. Our goal is to strengthen families, create opportunities for micro-enterprise and encourage homeownership.

Center of Life is a 501(c)(3), community-empowerment organization that serves to strengthen families, create opportunities for micro-enterprise and encourage homeownership. It is an outgrowth of the Keystone Church of Hazelwood; a community-based mission that has aided members of the greater Hazelwood community for over 30 years. Each year approximately 600 - 750 youth, ranging in ages 4 – 18 year

s old, participate in COL’s after school and summer music, fitness and educational enrichment programs, which are offered to families free-of-charge. Our vision is to empower and equip families to bring economic revitalization to their communities. At Center of Life we believe everything is about people.

06/12/2026

Camp Hazelwood, Center of Life’s biggest summer program, is nearly underway!

Want to learn more about what goes on during summer camp? Hear from our K-8 Program Coordinator, Brandi, to find out what students and parents can expect to experience over the six weeks of programming!

06/11/2026

At COL Jazz, summer is a chance for students to explore music in a hands-on, supportive environment where they're encouraged to take risks, work together, and grow as artists and leaders.

Watch this video with our Jazz Program Coordinator, John, to learn more about how the Jazz program is evolving this summer, and the exciting opportunities that await our students!

It's time to shoot your shot! 🏀 Registration for Center of Life's Summer Basketball League is now open. Battle it out on...
06/11/2026

It's time to shoot your shot! 🏀 Registration for Center of Life's Summer Basketball League is now open.

Battle it out on the court every Tuesday night from 5:30-8 PM, compete for cash prizes, and be part of a tradition that continues to bring Hazelwood together. All players must be aged 16+ to participate. Whether you're bringing a full team or just ready to compete, all players MUST register individually.

Don't get left on the sidelines—register today at the link in our bio!

06/10/2026

Our Family and Community Engagement teams create spaces for families and residents in Hazelwood to feel supported through parent meetings, outreach events, canopy conversations, and so much more.

Hear from Kiyomi, our FCE Programs Coordinator, about the importance of her team’s work, and find out how and where you can connect with them this summer!

06/09/2026

What does a summer with Aspiring Leaders Teen Academy (ALTA) look like?

Watch to hear from our ALTA Program Coordinator, Josie, about what new leadership experiences and career opportunities await our teens!

06/08/2026

Meet Naomi, our KRUNK Movement Program Coordinator and Vocal Coach! 🎤

Watch the full video to hear from her about what students and their families can expect from the KRUNK program this summer. There are tons of exciting things in store for our KRUNK students, and we can't wait to see what they create!

Our program spaces are nearly ready to welcome students back for Summer programming!
06/05/2026

Our program spaces are nearly ready to welcome students back for Summer programming!

In the early days, Founder and CEO, Tim Smith, noticed that many young people in Hazelwood had few opportunities during ...
06/04/2026

In the early days, Founder and CEO, Tim Smith, noticed that many young people in Hazelwood had few opportunities during the summer months. So, he and a group of volunteers created opportunities themselves: helping youth learn entrepreneurial skills through neighborhood handyman projects, lawn care, arts programs, photography, basketball, and more.

As Tim reflected, "We saw a lot of kids that didn't have anything to do."

Summer at Center of Life began with a need to keep young people engaged. Connected to something bigger and offered new ways to learn.

Years later, volunteers have turned into staff, and know-how evolved into curriculum. Through five unique programs, Center of Life provides young people with safe spaces to learn, build relationships, discover new interests, and develop skills that prepare them for the future.

We can't wait for Summer '26 to begin!

One of the things that makes summer at Center of Life so special is time. Time to build relationships. Time to explore n...
06/02/2026

One of the things that makes summer at Center of Life so special is time.

Time to build relationships. Time to explore new interests. Time to grow.

For six weeks, students spend their days receiving hands-on learning activities, exploring the outdoors, collaborating on music and STEM projects, and engaging in leadership opportunities.

Through these experiences, students are encouraged to step outside their comfort zones and discover new passions. As Director of Programs, Danielle Chaykowsky shares, “We’re exposing kids to so many different things that they find interests they may not have even realized they had beforehand.”

Danielle, who has worked at Center of Life for more than 10 years, also notes, “We really get to know the students and their families. We get to see their strengths, their interests, their hobbies — and it can really inform our school-year programming and the kinds of offerings we provide throughout the school year.”

Summer programming begins June 22. We’re so excited to learn, grow, and discover with our students!

Let's get loud, Pittsburgh! 🎤🎶Center of Life's annual Summer Concert Series returns July 2, bringing free live music to ...
06/01/2026

Let's get loud, Pittsburgh! 🎤🎶

Center of Life's annual Summer Concert Series returns July 2, bringing free live music to Greater Hazelwood every Thursday throughout July from 5:30–7:00 PM.

Featuring performances from The KRUNK Movement and Center of Life Jazz, this all-ages event brings together families, neighbors, and local partners to celebrate the vibrant arts and culture of our community.

Join us for incredible music, delicious food from local vendors, and a chance to support emerging youth artists.

Dates and locations:
☀️ July 2 – Glen Hazel High Rise
☀️ July 9, 16 & 23 – Hazelwood Brew House
☀️ July 30 – The Brooke

Tag a friend who needs summer plans, and we'll see you there!

Address

161 Hazelwood Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA
15207

Telephone

+14125213468

Website

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