Steel Smiling

Steel Smiling bridges the gap between Black people and mental health support through education, advocacy, and awareness. Our 10-year vision is to expose every Black person in the country to a positive mental health experience that improves their Quality of Life by 2050. We're currently in a fiscal sponsor partnership with Neighborhood Allies. This strategic collaboration directly strengthens our financial management practices, board governance procedures, and program delivery framework. 

Our Mental Health Workforce Development Program (Beams to Bridges) equips Black adults with the knowledge, skills, and competencies needed to serve as Community Mental Health Advocates. While completing the programmatic experience, cohort members receive the following: weekly workforce stipends, emergency financial assistance, mental health training, behavioral health treatment, and social service support. 

Additionally, our Black Mental Health Referral Program helps Black community members offset costs related to receiving mental health support and services. 

Finally, our Steel Thriving Youth Mental Health Program provides Black, high school-aged youth with weekly opportunities to cope with stressors related to racism, Covid-19, and police brutality.