Rick Jackson

Tyrone “Rick” Jackson has spent two decades championing community growth through hands-on mentorship and leadership. Beginning with Youth Places in the West Side of Pittsburgh, he mentored at-risk teens and later contributed his passion at Auberle, guiding youth toward positive paths. As a job recruiter for UPMC, he helped reentry individuals’ access training and employment. As a violence interrupter at REACH, Jackson is committed in curbing the violence in Pittsburgh’s communities. Also, at Focus on Renewal’s ACTES program, he served as an Outreach Professional, case-managing and mentoring high- risk men affected by gun violence, and his dedication culminated in a promotion to Community Outreach Manager, where he now oversees violence-prevention initiatives to sustain safer, stronger neighborhoods. Additionally, Jackson is the owner of a cleaning company called “Jacks Clean Team” and a sock brand called “Slizzocks”. 

Jackson demonstrates professional excellence by steadily advancing from entry-level roles to higher positions, delivering value at each step. In his youth-focused roles at Youth Places, he built trusted relationships with young people, implemented programs with measurable outcomes, and sought feedback to refine approaches. At UPMC, he expanded his impact by coordinating cross-functional teams, and training programs to get employees ready for work success. Now at Focus on Renewal, he continues to drive strategic initiatives, leads high-impact projects, and demonstrates strong leadership and accountability, resulting in promotions at each step. His career highlights ongoing learning, ethical practice, and a proven ability to change lives. 

Rick Jackson has consistently embodied the Epiphany of community service, beginning with his early days of organizing neighborhood events and summer league basketball games that brought residents together and built local connections. Over the years, he evolved his leadership to spearhead violence prevention initiatives, coordinating efforts that unite community members with CVRI professionals to address safety, dialogue, and collaborative problem-solving. His dedication extends to hands-on service projects that demonstrate genuine care—from feeding events that nourish families to family-friendly movie nights that strengthen communal bonds. Across his career, Jackson’s work reflects a steadfast commitment to uplifting the community and creating a safer, more connected environment for everyone.