Community Forge

05/29/2026

We are proud to hold space for important community conversations. Join local organizations next Tuesday, June 2 at Community Forge for the Flint & Pittsburgh Day of Action.

Commemorating the 10 year anniversary of the Pittsburgh Water Crisis, this is a vital day to come together, reflect on the lead crises that impacted both Pittsburgh and Flint, and stand in solidarity with the families still living with the consequences.

📅 When: Tuesday, June 2nd, 2026 at 4:00 PM
📍 Where: Community Forge (1256 Franklin Ave, Wilkinsburg, PA 15221)

05/28/2026

⚠️ Only a few days left to join our next Forging Futures cohort!

We've extended the application deadline for the Forging Futures: Robotics & Manufacturing summer cohort from June 1 to June 5.

This workforce training program, in partnership with Catalyst Connection, is built to connect motivated individuals with the skills employers are actively looking for.

What you'll gain:
🔧 Hands-on technical training
🏅 Industry-recognized credentials
🤝 Resources and support to succeed

Spots are limited and filling up fast!

🔗 Apply at: https://bit.ly/ffcatalyst

05/27/2026

Big news: Our Diaper + Period Pantry has moved online for pickup! 📦✨

We're still here to support our neighbors with free, essential supplies, now with an easier online ordering process.

What we provide for FREE:
💙 Diapers, wipes, and baby formula
💙 Reproductive health & safe s*x supplies
💙 Harm reduction supplies

How it works:
1️⃣ Place your order online at: bit.ly/cfpantry
2️⃣ We will fill your order within 3 business days.
3️⃣ We’ll contact you as soon as it’s ready for pickup!

🏢 Pickup Location: Community Forge
1256 Franklin Avenue, Wilkinsburg, PA 15221

Furniture, household goods, and professional clothing are now available by appointment only. Please email [email protected] or call 412-501-2055 Ext 6 to schedule.

❓ Questions about the pantry? Reach out to us at [email protected].

05/22/2026

Open Mic Night is BACK on June 26th for a special All Stars edition! We’re giving flowers to the familiar faces and consistent voices who have poured into our community time and time again. They pull up for us, so let’s pull up for them!

✨ Hosted by the effervescent Xhristopher WithanX, a Pittsburgh-based DJ, vocalist, and founder of SoxTu Re_Cords. Expect a blend of modern R&B and timeless, soulful sounds that set the tone from the jump.

🌱 Come hungry because Sista INandi Amina will be serving up delicious vegan Caribbean food available for purchase.

📍 Community Forge (1256 Franklin Ave in Wilkinsburg)
🗓️ Friday, June 26 @ 8PM-11PM
🎟️ FREE! RSVP at bit.ly/omnallstars

05/18/2026

Join us for a conversation on community safety, bringing together organizations from across Western Pennsylvania who are leading the way in violence prevention, rights advocacy, and community mobilization.

Come with your questions, ideas, and to stay informed!

📅 Wed, June 3
🍽 Dinner 6pm, presentation 6:30pm
📍 RSVP for location: https://bit.ly/3Pc4c2p

05/13/2026

Did you catch us in the news? ✨

90.5 WESA recently visited Community Forge to see our AI Literacy course in action! We’re excited to be partnering with the Open Forum for AI to bridge the digital divide by teaching local nonprofit and public sector leaders how to build their own AI agents for free.

As our Executive Director Mike Skirpan says, we want to avoid cycles of innovation that only benefit those with the most resources. We’re putting the "tools of the future" directly into the hands of our community.

Check out the article to see how we're keeping our community at the forefront of ethical technology.
https://www.wesa.fm/health-science-tech/2026-05-11/pittsburgh-nonprofit-training-ethical-ai

💡 Sign up for a workshop here: https://bit.ly/forgecaic

A three-part course teaches people AI literacy, how to build an agent that can ease or automate some tasks, and how to evaluate whether these agents are useful and reliable.

05/11/2026

Thank you to all of the wonderful employers, training providers, community members and job seekers for joining us at our Forging Futures Job Fair last Monday! We loved connecting with so many motivated, talented folks in one room.

Interested in a job in robotics and manufacturing? Our next Forging Futures cohort kicks off June 15 and applications are due June 1. Receive job-ready training, industry credentials, and the support needed to succeed.

🔗 Sign up at: https://bit.ly/ffcatalyst

📸 credit: Mekai Mitchell

05/11/2026

It was great to see so many neighbors join us at the Candidate Forum for Pennsylvania’s 24th Legislative District! You reminded us that strong communities are built on collaboration and open dialogue, and that community is at its best when we’re all showing up. Thanks to everyone who made this happen.

Don't forget to make YOUR voice heard on Tuesday, May 19. Find your polling place at: https://www.pavoterservices.pa.gov/Pages/PollingPlaceInfo.aspx

📸 Credit: Mekai Mitchell

Pittsburgh Urban Magnet Project (PUMP) GPNP YWCA Greater Pittsburgh Keystone Progress Education Fund League of Women Voters of Greater Pittsburgh Black Political Empowerment Project (B-PEP) La'Tasha D. Mayes for PA State Rep. District 24 William Anderson for State Representative 24th District

05/11/2026

05/08/2026

Huge shoutout to the students and staff from Pittsburgh Urban Christian School! 🌟 Today was the 2026 Great PUCS Serve-A-Thon, and we were honored to be one of their service sites.

These amazing volunteers spent their Friday giving back to the Wilkinsburg community by helping us with building clean-up and beautification projects near our playground.

We love seeing the next generation in action!