What We Do
CWI creates accessible, community-centered programs that help individuals build healthier lives and stronger communities. Through our GYMS of Life framework, we translate important areas of health and wellness into practical education, resources, and experiences that people can use in everyday life.
Our work continues to grow in response to community needs, emerging health priorities, and the expertise of our community and institutional partners.
Improve Your Fitness & Function
Activity GYMS - Helping people move more, improve physical function, and build sustainable habits through accessible physical activity and fitness programming.
Make Good Food Choices
Food GYMS - Providing practical education and resources that help individuals and families make informed food and nutrition choices.
Whole-Person Wellness
Community GYMS - Expanding the GYMS of Life framework through education and partnerships addressing priorities such as sleep, chronic disease, pain management, financial wellness, and other community-identified needs.
Featured Event
Sleep Across the Lifespan #3 Mindset & Myth Busters
Saturday, September 19, 2026
11am - 12:30pm
The Kingsley Association 6435 Frankstown Avenue Pittsburgh PA 15206
What You'll Learn
Sleep is a powerful but often overlooked foundation of health. Poor sleep is linked to chronic disease, mental health challenges, and reduced quality of life, yet many people lack access to clear, trustworthy sleep education.
Sleep disruptions disproportionately affect historically under-resourced communities due to shift work, stress, and caregiving demands. Sleep and Health Across the Lifespan addresses this gap by bringing evidence-based sleep science directly to the community through an accessible, practical workshop series.
By partnering with the University of Pittsburgh's Center for Sleep and Circadian Science, CWI empowers individuals with the knowledge and tools to improve sleep, support mental well-being, and strengthen long-term health at every stage of life.
This is a FREE Workshop that INCLUDES a FREE Box Lunch. Please REGISTER by Wednesday, September 16, 2026.
Programs & Classes
Programs take place at The Kingsley Association, 6435 Frankstown Avenue. Kingsley is on several bus lines and there is parking in front of and behind the building and on the street nearby. You do not need to be a Kingsley member to participate. We also partner with other local community organizations in delivering our program offerings.
Our Story
The Community Wellness Initiative of Pittsburgh (CWI) was created from a simple belief: everyone should have access to the knowledge, resources, support, and opportunities that contribute to a healthier life.
Today, CWI advances health equity in underrepresented communities by reducing barriers to wellness and creating pathways into fitness and health careers. Through community-centered programming, education, partnerships, and workforce development, we work alongside the communities we serve to address the health and wellness priorities that matter most to them.
Our identity is represented by the Baobab tree, often called the “Tree of Life.” Across many African communities, the Baobab has provided food, water, shelter, and a gathering place—supporting both individual life and the well-being of the larger community.
That symbolism reflects what we aspire to be: a trusted community resource that brings people, knowledge, opportunities, and partnerships together so individuals and families have greater opportunities to thrive.
That is what we mean by Thriving Communities.