Steel Smiling

The Beams to Bridges 6 Welcome Party was full of joy, connection, and community pride. New cohort members gathered with Steel Smiling staff and BTB alumni to celebrate the start of this next chapter. Alumni poured into the room with wisdom and reflection, reminding the new cohort that they are joining a powerful community of people committed to healing, growth, and collective care.

📸: Corey Lankford

Through the Community Violence Reduction Initiative (CVRI), Steel Smiling supports folks and organizations who do violence reduction and community outreach work through trainings, support groups, and fun kickback sessions to help them care for their mental health.

"A CVRI kickback, in my perspective, is intended to give this group of community violence warriors an opportunity to experience joy, connection, relaxation, and wellness. We must continue to stress the importance of how emotionally and mentally taxing the work of these individuals is.....and why laughter and humanity can be a potential remedy to some of these bigger issues." - Cheyenne Campbell, Steel Smiling Program Coordinator and CVRI kickback leader.

For our most recent kickback on May 8th, we shared a meal and engaged in fellowship together at Dave and Buster's. We also had a CVRI x Steel Smiling Music Award Show facilitated by Cheyenne and inspired by the music of Michael Jackson and new movie Michael. Each team introduced themselves (as a means for relationship building) and as a group performed a part of a Michael Jackson or Jackson 5 song (for about 20-30 seconds.) We followed the "musical performances" with the "award ceremony" where each team had the opportunity to share a positive shot out to one person on their team. Many individuals shared how this friendly competition, like their daily work, was a collective responsibility and so it was the entire TEAM they wanted to shout out. We ended the session with a community circle and somatic practice led by Ms. Robin- where she stressed the importance of unity. We even had the chance to play some games and have fun after the session!

Photography by Corey Lankford | CWL Creatives

Cure Violence East CURE Violence VIBE - Woodland Hills Allegheny County Department of Human Services Greater Valley Community Services, Inc.

Did you hear? Meleak Potter, previously one of our Peer Support Fellows, is now Program Coordinator of Beams to Bridges!

Check out this Q&A with Meleak to learn more about his experience as a fellow, and what he's bringing to his new role: https://bit.ly/3PA3tI5

PLUS - cohort 6 of Beams to Bridges is getting ready to pop up in Wilkinsburg this Spring! Apply today at: https://bit.ly/3PCt7vR

Meleak Potter Begins New Position as Steel Smiling Program Coordinator of Beams to Bridges - Neighborhood Allies Join us in welcoming Meleak to his new role as Program Coordinator of Beams to Bridges on the Steel Smiling Team! Meleak spent 2025 completing his one-year position as a […]

It's time for Beams to Bridges Cohort 6! Join us in Wilkinsburg at Community Forge beginning on May 13th. Apply at https://bit.ly/4svOywZ by April 12th.

Learn more at https://bit.ly/4bNDUuH.

One of the most meaningful parts of the SWAG Awards each year is seeing organizations across the region show up to support the social work profession.

Some attend to celebrate colleagues.
Some attend to uplift their teams.
Some simply come because they believe social workers deserve recognition and appreciation.

And that kind of support matters.

The work social workers do often happens quietly — behind the scenes, in difficult moments, and in spaces where impact isn’t always visible.

So when organizations make the decision to show up and support this profession, it sends a powerful message.

At the 6th Annual SWAG Awards, we were grateful to see professionals represented from organizations including:

• Healthy Start, Inc. Pittsburgh/Allegheny County
• Handinhand Counseling Services
• JFCS Pittsburgh
• TRAC Services for Families
• NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania
• Gwen's Girls
• Staunton Farm Foundation
• Village Center for Holistic Therapy
• Atlas Counseling
• University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work
• Community Care Behavioral Health Organization
• Sojourner House
• UPMC Health Plan
• Assisted Living Locators Pittsburgh
• Beam Collaborative
• Allegheny County Department of Human Services
• Steel Smiling

Thank you to the organizations who continue to support and uplift the social work workforce.
Each year, more organizations across the region are choosing to show up and stand alongside the professionals doing this important work.
When social workers are supported, communities are stronger.

Yesterday, we had the honor of participating in a powerful panel discussion at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center. In collaboration with City Theatre, we explored how Malcolm X and Redd Foxx Washing Dishes at Jimmy’s Chicken Shack in Harlem speaks to the lived experiences of Black men today.

Our conversation with community members touched on the ways brotherhood, hair care, and vulnerability shape how Black men show up for themselves and for the world around them. We also discussed how intentionally checking in on one another can spark sustainable practices of self care and collective healing.

This show is going to be amazing, and we highly encourage you to experience it. Click the link below to purchase tickets for one of the upcoming Pittsburgh performances.

https://citytheatrecompany.org/production/100835/list_performances?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPNTY3MDY3MzQzMzUyNDI3AAGngt7DVsKchjfG242y3jknFdOO9ck3eNLmtBH_0fVmGLGcqrbOfTIVLVzPy0Q_aem_QbZKlerbQI0n8ngNUT4mCg

📸 Corey Lankford

The end of year celebration with our Elders Peer Support Group was deeply meaningful. We reflected on heartfelt holiday memories, freely expressed ourselves through art, and shared a great meal together. We're thankful for this community of love and look forward to gathering together again in 2026. 🖤💛

📸 Corey Lankford

Our 10 Year Anniversary Event was made possible by sponsors who believe in the power of community, healing, and wellness. We’re deeply grateful for your generous support and continued commitment to Steel Smiling’s mission.

Staunton Farm Foundation
Opportunity Fund
South Pittsburgh Coalition for Peace
Guido Gurrera

There's absolutely nothing in this world that's more powerful than healing as a community. When we share stories and celebrate with each other, our joy comes alive. The connectivity that we felt at our 10 Year Anniversary Event made the entire experience unforgettable and boldly reminded us of why our collective work matters.

Thanks for helping us co-create space for an abundance of positive mental health support. 🖤💛

Photos by Corey Lankford