The Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce proudly recognizes Kelly Bender and the Mosaic Community Development Center (MCDC) as our Non-Profit of the Month. Kudos to Kelly and her dedicated team for their unwavering commitment to serving young adults and families throughout Jeannette, PA.

Kelly has been part of Mosaic Community Church since its inception in 2015. Over the years, living and working in the community has deeply shaped Kelly’s understanding of the barriers many face when trying to move from need to self-sufficiency. In 2022, she became the first Executive Director of MCDC to help build the support system needed to meet immediate needs and transform lives in Jeannette and beyond. Kelly and her husband Kevin live in the community with their two children, Kali and Levi.

The Mosaic story began in 2011 when Nate and Amber Keisel moved to Jeannette with a vision to be part of the community, discover its needs, and build a team to help meet them. They rooted themselves in West Jeannette — the area with the greatest needs — and began fostering trust and connection through activities for local youth. In 2012, Mosaic hosted its first soccer camp, led by none other than Kelly Bender, then a US Olympic Development Team Coach. The camp emphasized relationship-building and character development for Jeannette’s youth, planting the seeds for what Mosaic would become.

From 2014 to 2016, Mosaic launched community-focused efforts such as a community garden and neighborhood Bible studies. The first West Jeannette Plant Sale in 2016 brought kids together for snacks and connection, which uncovered an even greater need — a safe, structured space for youth. Seeing a gap in strong community leadership and youth opportunities, Mosaic pivoted to focus on developing the next generation of community leaders.

Momentum grew in 2017 with the launch of the Soccer Academy and the first annual Christmas Store for under-resourced families. By 2018, Mosaic rented — and later purchased — a building on 4th Street, providing the space needed to launch Youth and Kids Clubs. These programs gave staff and volunteers the chance to truly know the community’s youth, nurture their talents and passions, and help them overcome barriers to reaching their potential.

Recognizing the importance of keeping church and community functions distinct, Mosaic began forming MCDC. The Center’s mission focuses on three key pillars:

• Education (After-School and Summer Tutoring)
• Workforce Development (through the Farm-to-Table Café, where youth learn job and leadership skills)
• Character and Life Skills Development (through sports, arts, and mentoring)

When the pandemic widened the education gap, Mosaic opened its doors to help students navigate virtual learning and access one-on-one tutoring. A food box ministry launched during this time also continues to support local families in need.

In 2021, Mosaic Community Development Center officially became a 501(c)(3). Spring and summer programs were developed in collaboration with PIC. MCDC also partnered with schools to provide restorative practices and trauma-informed training, helping to keep kids in school and out of the justice system. Their restorative work has recovered over 200 days of learning that would have otherwise been lost to suspensions or alternative placements.

By Fall 2022, MCDC launched its first After-School Program with 40 students and 8 teachers. The Mosaic Christmas Store also transitioned to MCDC’s leadership, providing holiday support for families. Today, Mosaic’s vision continues to grow, with plans underway to expand facilities in downtown Jeannette to include seven new classrooms, an indoor gymnasium, a cafeteria space, urban gardens and greenhouses, and an outdoor playground — all designed to enrich the lives of local youth and families.

While MCDC’s history is inspiring, the future holds even greater promise. The Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce celebrates Kelly Bender and her team for their heart, vision, and steadfast service in helping rebuild Jeannette one young leader at a time.

Congratulations to Kelly Bender and Mosaic Community Development Center — our Non-Profit of the Month!