After years battling addiction and shunning attention, Christa Jones credits her recovery — and her family — for her transformation into a community activist.
Jones, 43, of Tarentum works as an administrative supervisor at Allegheny Family Network, where she spends her days providing programs and education for parents of children with emotional or mental health needs. She works between offices in Natrona Heights and Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood.
Her off-time is equally busy, with hours spent volunteering on local advisory committees to help steer the Alle-Kiski Valley into a diverse and compassionate community.
“I’ve been in the Valley my entire life,” said Jones, who grew up in Natrona before spending several years in Brackenridge. She moved to Tarentum six years ago.
Jones attended Cheswick Christian Academy and Highlands High School.
“I would’ve never thought I’d be doing anything in the public light,” Jones said. “I’m just a mom who is usually the one praying for people.
“But looking around, I see young people, and I want them to know they can have a voice. Together, we can make a difference and anything I can do to help, for real, I will do.”
Jones serves on the Allegheny Valley Hospital patient advisory committee, where members exchange ideas to improve stays at the Harrison facility.
“I like to sit at meetings and learn,” Jones said. “I want to ask questions about mental health services and provide better resources for our families with kids.”
Last week, Jones was appointed to Tarentum’s new environmental advisory council to help spur “green” changes in the borough.
Council member Jim Bonner is heading the new committee and became acquainted with Jones after talking about the borough’s parking issues.
He said he learned right away that Jones is a community-oriented person.
“When she mentioned that the parking issue had given her an opportunity to meet neighbors she hadn’t known before, I asked her if she would like to meet even more and help her local community at the same time,” Bonner said. “She quickly accepted.”
Jones credits her recovery for spurring her confidence to be more vocal about issues important to her.
Her family, rich in community service, also pushed her to act.
Jones’ sister, Autumn Monaghan, is the chairwoman of the Harrison Township Democratic Committee.
Monaghan wanted to see more Black voices in conversations about local government, Jones said.
“I don’t really like to be in the forefront but my sister wanted to raise me up, so I started paying attention,” Jones said.
Her mother, Ruth Fox, is the CEO of Allegheny Family Network and well-known throughout the Valley for her outreach. She ran a homeless mission at Dayspring Church in Brackenridge for years.
“We used to have homeless people at our house, eating holiday meals, and I was in awe,” Jones said. “I just followed her around all those years and learned.”
The church has been replaced by Dalton’s Edge housing complex.
Jones hopes, by putting herself out there, other minorities will feel compelled to become involved in community service and advocacy.
“I’m not ashamed of my story,” she said. “I want to see more Black faces being part of the community.
“When I finally felt a part of (everything), it made me feel more comfortable. I want to do that for others.”