Written by: Shad Henderson, Senior Director of Public and Private Partnerships
Anchored in the East End of Pittsburgh, the Kingsley Association is a community cornerstone- a safe place of hope that welcomes people from all walks of life. With a semi-Olympic size pool, a full basketball court, fitness facilities, and spaces for events and commercial leasing, Kingsley is more than just a community center- it’s a lifeline. Its offerings go far beyond amenities. From after-school programs to adult education classes, to food access, recreational activities and more, Kingsley responds to the real needs of the community it serves.
Yet, like many mission-driven organizations, Kingsley is facing significant financial challenges. You may have come across a recent article or two highlighting their story. With the recent draconian budget cuts to federal social safety programs, their work just got that much harder. While Kingsley works diligently to strengthen its business model, this is a critical moment for the Pittsburgh community to step in and help secure Kingsley’s future.
A Personal Connection
As a kid growing up in the East End, Kingsley was arguably the community’s premier organization for youth development and family activities. From the youth football league to the cheerleading squads, to the after-school programs and summer camps, many of my peers and I benefited immensely from Kingsley’s presence and programs.
Fast forward to adulthood and my professional career, I have developed a deeper understanding and a greater appreciation for the comprehensiveness and significance of Kingsley’s work. As an Executive Assistant to the late PA Senator Jim Ferlo, I saw firsthand how Kingsley played a pivotal role in helping the Larimer and East Liberty area secure a $30 million HUD Choice Neighborhood grant in 2014. Pittsburgh was one of only four cities to receive the award out of the 43 nationwide applicants, and it can be fairly stated that Pittsburgh would not have received this major grant award had it not been for the leadership and support of Kingsley.
Over the years at Neighborhood Allies, we have had many successful partnerships with Kingsley. One example is a collaboration between Kingsley, Steel Smiling and Neighborhood Allies that took root based upon our collective interest in bringing increased levels of professional mental health services to the East End.
Dexter Hairston, Kingsley’s Executive Director, became increasingly aware of the need for mental health services at the Center from the expressed interests of his staff, program participants, its membership body, organizations housed at Kingsley, and the community at large.
Through months of strategic planning and a Neighborhood Allies’ RISE HIGH Grant Partnership award, the collaboration was solidified, and the pilot program was launched. Community members, Kingsley staff, and Teen L.E.A.D participants all gained greater access to culturally responsive mental health services to help normalize conversations around mental wellness and reduce the stigma attached to it. The program’s focus groups helped shape the development of mental health literacy tools, and participant feedback continues to inform programming today.
Call to Action
Kingsley embodies the resilience and generosity that defines Pittsburgh. Since its founding in 1893 as a settlement house, Kingsley has provided high quality social services by cultivating meaningful and lasting relationships with the community and its members. It is a treasured community asset and today, Kingsley is needed now more than ever.
The good news is that you can help. Become a member. Make a financial contribution. Share their story. To learn more or to support Kingsley, contact Dexter Hairston at DHairston@kingsleyassociation.org or 412 661-8751 ext. 130.
