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

51

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

1,213

participants engaged in peer learning and leadership development

21

member community health centers working collectively across the Chicago region

68

Leadership Institute 1.0 graduates and 32 Leadership Institute 2.0 graduates, building leadership capacity

8

Medical Assistant Training graduates from the pilot cohort, employment opportunities at member centers

Workforce and leadership initiatives serving staff at all levels, from frontline workers to CEOs, strengthening retention and pathways for future leaders

Become a Member

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

Info Packet

Partner with Us

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

Contact

Contact Us

Send an email to jennifer@jlkconsultingservices.com or SNLC@jlkconsultingservices.com

Reach Out

  • "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."

    —Participant, UDS 2024

  • "Hearing the timeline of how the presenter’s health centers grew their DEI capacity and breadth of work, and then hearing in the small groups how other/smaller centers have lower capacity and are doing efforts in ways that match their capacity in their own ways. Truly inspiring and reassuring that we’re all on our own journeys and yet can learn from one another."

    —Participant, DEI 2024

  • "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."

    —Participant, DEI 2024

  • "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."

    —Participant, Vaccine Challenges 2024

  • "Perfect timing! I’m interviewing a candidate tomorrow and will definitely be using what I learned today."

    —Participant, LI 2.0 Module 2

  • "This is definitely a training I needed!"

    —Participant, LI 1.0 Module 6

  • "This was one of my favorite modules so far - it really helped me to understand my own career goals/objectives and how I can use the sweet spot for my own direct reports."

    —Participant, LI 1.0 Module 5

SNLC Programs

Learning
Events

  • Interactive sessions open to all staff at member health centers, featuring peer-led presentations, workshops, and cross-center problem-solving.

    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

  • Cohort-based training for new, mid-level, and advanced managers, designed to strengthen leadership skills and retention.

    AUDIENCE:

    • New & mid-level managers

    ACTIVITIES:

    • Training cohorts 

    • Skill-building 

    • Leadership pipeline 

    OUTCOMES:

    • Higher retention 

    • Improved supervision

Discussion & Networking Groups

  • 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)

  • Partnership with NIMAA to train and place medical assistants from local communities into member health centers.

    AUDIENCE:

    • Community members & entry-level staff

    ACTIVITIES:

    • NIMAA academic training 

    • Clinical externships & coaching 

    OUTCOMES:

    • New workforce pipeline 

    • Local hiring & retention

Workforce Development Initiatives

  • Collaborative projects such as staff engagement surveys and targeted professional development to strengthen the sector.

    AUDIENCE:

    • All staff across centers

    ACTIVITIES:

    • Employee survey 

    • Specialized training

    OUTCOMES:

    • Educational opportunities

    • Improved staff satisfaction & retention

    • Workforce investment 

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:

  • CommunityHealth: Stephanie Willding (she/her), CEO

  • Erie Family Health Centers: Lee Francis (he/him), CEO

  • Hamdard Health Alliance: Kiran Siddiqui (she/her), CEO

  • Lawndale Christian Health Center: Jonathan Wildt (he/him), COO

  • PrimeCare Health: Lynn Hopkins (she/her), COO

  • TCA: Samantha Oliver Mitchell (they/them), COO

Questions about the SNLC? Email snlc@jlkconsultingservices.com

Members