A DECADE OF DIFFERENCE
2024 Impact Report
Steel Smiling Expands Programming
Steel Smiling continued their flagship programs and expanded their impact in new ways.
A Decade of Difference
2024 Impact Report
Steel Smiling Expands Programming
Steel Smiling continued their flagship programs and expanded their impact in new ways.
In 2024, Steel Smiling served over 1,200 residents, invested over $40,000 directly into Black Mental Health, and supported 50 small businesses through their programming.
Steel Smiling bridges the gap between Black community members and mental health support through education, advocacy, and awareness. They aim to ensure that every Black person in Allegheny County has at least one positive mental health experience by 2030.
They work to achieve this through a number of programs, including:
Beams to Bridges (BTB)
In 2024, Steel Smiling graduated their 4th cohort of participants in collaboration with Center of Life in Hazelwood, adding 48 new community mental health advocates to their network. 50% of the participants in BTB4 were current Hazelwood residents and another 25% were Hazelwood residents in the past. Participants ranged in ages from 25 to 86. Two participants were Center of Life staff who graduated and now support Steel Smiling’s support groups through the Chill Sessions programming.
Peer Support Groups
Steel Smiling staff and other partners (including past graduates of Beams to Bridges!) hold regular peer support groups to support those working to develop mental health and wellness practices.
In 2024, Steel Smiling held 23 sessions of their Elders Group, 3 Chill Sessions at Center of Life, and 23 sessions of their Men’s Group at The Kingsley Center in Larimer. Altogether, these sessions supported over 700 residents.
The Black Mental Health Fund
The Black Mental Health Fund contains fundraised resources intended to subsidize and/or cover the cost of mental health treatment for Black residents on a fixed-term basis.
In 2024, Steel Smiling completed 121 referrals to the fund, and invested over $13,000 directly into participant care.
In 2024, Steel Smiling also brought 2 Peer Support Fellows to the team. The fellowship is an opportunity for community members with lived experience of mental health and healing journeys to receive specialized training to support others. The fellows support Steel Smiling’s programming, create their own community offerings, and work towards their credential as Certified Peer Specialists.
“We are extremely proud of our Peer Fellows. Their collaborative attitudes, curiosity, compassion, and creativity bring something wonderful to their roles, our team, and our communities. Peer Support is an extremely valuable resource to community members, and we’re proud to support making sure Pittsburghers have access to culturally aligned care.”
Photo credit: J Visionary Visuals, Co.
Neighborhood Allies
429 Fourth Avenue, Suite 1900
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
412.471.3727
www.neighborhoodallies.org info@neighborhoodallies.org