Collaboration in Action: How HIVE and PA Navigate Are Strengthening Schuylkill County
This success story was submitted by Erin Muldowney, the Administrative Assistant at Schuylkill Community Action
At Schuylkill Community Action, collaboration isn’t just something we talk about — it’s something we actively build. One of the most meaningful examples of this is our partnership with Schuylkill United Way through a countywide initiative known as Schuylkill County HIVE.
HIVE doesn’t stand for anything. Instead, it represents exactly what it sounds like: a busy, collaborative space where teamwork thrives. HIVE brings together human service organizations from across Schuylkill County to connect, share resources, and work collectively to address community needs. This initiative is proudly supported by Schuylkill Community Action, Schuylkill County’s VISION, Schuylkill United Way, and Tamaqua Area Community Partnership, and we meet regularly throughout the year with one shared goal — doing bigger and better things together for our county.
That spirit of collaboration was on full display during a recent PA Navigate 101 training held on November 20, 2025. The virtual session was organized by the amazing Becky Woods, Director of Marketing & Programs at Schuylkill United Way, whose vision and coordination made the event a success. The training was co-presented by myself and Kerri Quick of St. Luke’s Health Network and welcomed 25 participants from organizations across the county and beyond.
During the session, we walked attendees through the basics of PA Navigate — how community members can find help using the platform, and how agencies can manage referrals and communication on the backend. One of the most exciting outcomes of the training was discovering that many participants were not yet on PA Navigate but were eager to join. Thanks to that momentum, I was able to connect them with Christina Tinoco, my Community Engagement Manager at the Community Action Association of Pennsylvania (CAAP), who is now working to get additional organizations and programs active on the platform.
Expanding PA Navigate participation among local agencies and community partners will make a real difference. It allows organizations to refer clients directly, communicate in real time, and ensure that no referral falls through the cracks. By reducing duplication of services and providing more comprehensive, coordinated support, we can achieve better outcomes for both agencies and clients — and ultimately, a stronger, healthier community.
I’m genuinely excited to see more of our fellow organizations on PA Navigate working together directly on the platform. When collaboration meets the right tools, everyone benefits — especially the communities we serve.