Steel Smiling is proud to announce a two-year, $600,000 investment from the Hillman Foundation. This grant will strengthen and expand culturally responsive mental health programming for Black residents across Allegheny County. The support comes at a pivotal moment as communities continue calling for care that is accessible, affirming, and grounded in lived experience.
For nearly a decade, Steel Smiling has advanced mental health access through programs built on community wisdom, relationship-building, and peer support. This new funding will ensure the growth and sustainability of core initiatives. These include Beams to Bridges, Steel Healing, the re-imagined Black Mental Health Fund, and the Black Mental Health Ecosystem Asset Map. The investment will also create new opportunities to deepen impact across neighborhoods.
Strengthening Programs That Work
Over the next two years, this investment will allow Steel Smiling to:
- Sustain and expand Beams to Bridges, including launching an Alumni Association that strengthens connection and continuing education for graduates.
- Enhance Steel Healing through peer support, wellness navigation, and direct assistance via the re-imagined Black Mental Health Fund.
- Advance the Black Mental Health Ecosystem Asset Map by bringing together residents, practitioners, and partners to build a coordinated network of culturally grounded supports.
- Finalize the Organization in Residence model in partnership with Neighborhood Allies and the Equity Impact Center.
This multi-year support will also increase staff capacity, bolster evaluation, and strengthen internal systems. These improvements will position Steel Smiling for sustainable growth.
A Moment of Investment and Transition
The announcement also aligns with an important leadership milestone. Steel Smiling’s founding Executive Director, Julius Boatwright, is transitioning from his role after nearly a decade of service. His vision, commitment, and belief in community-led mental health work helped shape the organization’s direction and long-term strategy.
This investment affirms the strength of Steel Smiling’s programs, partnerships, and structure. The organization is entering its next chapter with momentum and clarity.
Rooted in Healing, Education, and Practice
Steel Smiling’s model is grounded in three pillars: healing, education, and practice. It is informed by evidence-based peer support delivered by individuals with culturally relevant lived experience. These relationships create pathways to recovery, empowerment, and sustained community connection.
Key partners include Neighborhood Allies, the Equity Impact Center, The Kingsley Association, Center of Life, Macedonia FACE, Community Forge, and Allegheny County DHS. Together, these partners work to expand access and strengthen the regional mental health ecosystem.
In the next phase of growth, Steel Smiling will:
- Graduate the 6th Beams to Bridges cohort
- Launch four new peer support groups
- Complete a program framework, evaluation plan, business plan, and strategic plan
- Develop a comprehensive program playbook
- Launch the Beams to Bridges Alumni Association
This momentum would not be possible without the generous support of the Henry L. Hillman Foundation. Their ongoing commitment to community-driven mental health work has played a critical role in Steel Smiling’s growth. We are deeply grateful for their partnership and belief in this mission.
