Paige Fortner is a passionate public servant, innovative program developer, and compassionate advocate for underserved communities — especially homebound and socially isolated seniors. As Program Manager of the Senior Support Action Group (SSAG) at Axess Family Services, Paige has turned a pandemic-era emergency response program into a life-changing resource that now serves hundreds of older adults across the Mahoning Valley.

​

With a deep background in nonprofit operations and public administration, Paige oversees SSAG’s core services — including food box delivery, transportation to medical appointments, and companionship support. Under her leadership in 2024 alone, the organization served 878 seniors and delivered over 4,000 food boxes with the help of 39 volunteers. She also led the launch of Golden Friends, a peer-based, in-home companionship program that pairs trained senior volunteers with homebound individuals, aiming to combat the “loneliness epidemic” affecting older populations in Columbiana County.

​

Paige’s vision for meaningful community impact extends beyond SSAG. She is co-founder and consultant at Community Spark Consulting, LLC, where she provides fundraising, program development, and nonprofit leadership services to mission-driven organizations. Her strategic mindset is backed by extensive experience — from patient advocacy and volunteer coordination to administrative leadership at institutions like Texas A&M International University and The Way Station.

Paige holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from Belhaven University, graduating with a perfect 4.0 GPA, and a Bachelor’s in Intercultural Studies with a TESOL concentration from Mount Vernon Nazarene University. Her global perspective was shaped through international studies in Costa Rica and providing community outreach in Croatia; she brings cross-cultural sensitivity to every community she serves.

​

Her dedication to service is equally visible in her volunteer work. Paige serves as Chair of the Foster Grandparent’s Program Advisory Board, Co-Chair of National Philanthropy Day, and is an active member of the Columbiana County Suicide Prevention Coalition, AFP-Mahoning/Shenango Chapter, and the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s Planning Committee. She also co-facilitates stress management workshops for East Palestine residents through the Mental Health and Recovery Board of Columbiana County.

​

In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Paige was inducted into the Greater Youngstown League of Women Voters’ Women’s Hall of Fame in 2024, and her team at SSAG was honored with the WRTA Holiday Lights Award.

​

Whether she’s developing programs, securing grants, or delivering food and warmth to someone in need, Paige Fortner lives by the SSAG motto: “Be Light.” Her unwavering empathy and leadership are illuminating new paths forward for seniors and underserved populations throughout the Valley.