The Safety
Net Learning
Collaborative
(SNLC)

Connecting Health Centers. Strengthening Communities.

The Chicago Safety Net Learning Collaborative (SNLC) is a coalition of community health centers working together to improve health outcomes in historically underserved communities. Through peer learning, leadership development, and workforce initiatives, we build the capacity of safety net providers across the Chicago region.

Since 2011, we have been a trusted space where leaders and staff connect, share expertise, and strengthen their organizations through peer learning and collaborative workforce development. Each year, more than 1,200 staff participate in shared learning and leadership programs that improve care for historically underserved communities. 

  • Purpose: To strengthen Chicago’s safety net by equipping leaders and staff with the tools, knowledge, and partnerships needed to better serve patients and communities.

    Vision: A thriving and equitable health system where every safety net provider has the workforce, resources, and support needed to deliver high-quality, accessible care for communities across the Chicago region.

    • Foster peer-to-peer learning and cross-organizational collaboration.

    • Strengthen leadership pathways and improve staff retention.

    • Expand workforce development strategies for frontline, clinical, and administrative staff.

    • Build shared resources and improve operational effectiveness across health centers.

      Support recruitment and hiring pathways from local communities

    • Mutual respect and confidential sharing among members

    • Willingness to explore difficult challenges together

    • Collaboration over competition

    • Equity-driven workforce development

Member Benefits

Learning

Participation in shared learning opportunities to workshop best strategies to navigate continuing and emergent challenges

Development

Leadership development programs that build a strong pipeline of leaders across member centers

Opportunities

Workforce development initiatives designed to strengthen recruitment, retention, and training across the collaborative

Reach

  • 21

    member community health centers working collectively across the Chicago region

  • 14

     years of cross-center collaboration

  • 760,000+

    patients served annually across member centers

  • 1,200+

    staff participating in collaborative learning each year

  • 6,000

    healthcare professionals supported by SNLC projects

2025 Impact

68

Leadership Institute 1.0 graduates and 32 Leadership Institute 2.0 graduates

22

 MA Training Institute graduates with an average GPA of 3.9

51

learning sessions offered through Learning Events, Leadership Institutes, and Networking Groups

1,213

participants engaged in SNLC activities

  • "Networking is always a huge plus of this event. It’s important for all of us to meet each other and be together since we are often alone or small teams in our health centers. Plus, we all have the exact same goals in mind."

  • "Truly inspiring and reassuring that we’re all on our own journeys and yet can learn from one another. "

  • "I attended a fancy conference put on by a professional org I belong to last week, but these sessions are always so much more helpful to me because the lessons and info are so totally and immediately relevant and practical."

  • "This was my first event and I was so in awe of how well it was organized. Most of all, I enjoyed the networking and collaboration from all FQHC personnel. It was great to see everyone from CMO/COO to MA(s) was represented"

Members 

Become a Member

Gain access to exclusive trainings, leadership development, and a network of peers committed to strengthening Chicago’s safety net.

Learn more about SNLC

Partner with Us

Collaborate on workforce initiatives, community health projects, and shared learning opportunities.

Contact

Contact Us

Email
SNLC@jlkconsultingservices.com

Reach Out

SNLC Programs

Learning
Events

  • Learning Events bring together staff from across member centers for small group discussions and peer presentations on shared challenges and best practices. Events are open to all staff.

    AUDIENCE:

    • All staff at member health centers

    ACTIVITIES:

    • Center-led presentations

    • Peer-to-peer discussion 

    • Facilitated workshops

    OUTCOMES:

    • Shared best practices

    • Cross-center problem-solving 

    • Staff development

Leadership
Institute

  • Leadership Institute is a leadership development experience designed to equip emerging and established leaders with the practical skills, self-awareness, and accountability needed to strengthen teams and drive sustainable organizational performance. Through experiential learning, real-world application. LI builds leadership capacity that directly translates into stronger organizations and healthier communities.

    AUDIENCE:

    • New, mid-level, and advanced managers

    ACTIVITIES:

    • Training cohorts

    • Skill-building

    OUTCOMES:

    • Build leadership pathways, drive stronger team performance, improved communication, increased employee engagement, and more consistent, accountable leadership resulting in healthier organizations and greater community impact.

Discussion & Networking Groups

  • Discussion & Networking Groups offers position-specific forums for senior leaders to connect, strategize, and address shared challenges.

    AUDIENCE:

    • Senior leaders

    ACTIVITIES:

    • Shared problem-solving

    • Strategic peer dialogue

    OUTCOMES:

    • Stronger peer networks 

    • Coordinated solutions to shared challenges

Medical Assistant (Training Program)

Medical Assistant Training Program is a partnership with NIMAA to train and place medical assistants from local communities into member health centers.

Workforce Development Institute

  • The Workforce Development Institute supports recruitment, hiring, workplace culture, training, and career advancement across member centers through collaborative initiatives

    AUDIENCE:

    • All staff across centers, community members & entry-level staff

    ACTIVITIES:

    • MA Training (including clinical externships & coaching)

    • Employee Engagement Survey

    OUTCOMES:

    • New workforce pipeline

    • Local hiring & retention

    • Improved staff satisfaction & retention

Leadership and Governance

The Safety Net Learning Collaborative is guided by a Steering Committee of executive leaders from member health centers. This group sets SNLC’s strategic direction, approves annual priorities, and ensures programs reflect member needs. Leadership opportunities are open to all members through Steering Committee service, working groups, and project leadership roles. 

SNLC Steering Committee Members: