Jefferson Regional Foundation is devoted to strengthening Pittsburgh’s southern suburbs and has awarded over $5 million in grant payouts to community-based groups, human-services providers and social entrepreneurs over the past four years. On May 10, 2017, the Foundation held their third annual Jefferson Forum to connect groups, encourage collaboration and foster the sharing of good ideas. About 250 people representing nonprofits, businesses, educational programs, churches and other community-based groups across Western Pennsylvania gathered at the Crowne Plaza Pittsburgh South hotel in Bethel Park for the event. The forum's participants identified via a live text-messaging poll three top issues they're most excited to work on together to benefit the area moving forward: diversity and inclusion; mental and behavioral health care; and access to high-quality, affordable food.