Voices Against Violence began their formal Restorative Justice Program (VAV-RJP) in 2013 and has a long record of success with this program, as well as others.  Rather than a punitive approach, VAV-RJP provides a holistic intervention method for youth.  Organizations throughout Pittsburgh and in other states have adopted their effective approach. 

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The Voices Against Violence Restorative Justice Program has three main program components: Street Outreach, Holistic Group Sessions, Community Level Consultations, Advocacy, and Advice

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The three components of the Voices Against Violence Restorative Justice Program create a holistic approach to mitigating gun violence and youth conflict in the Hilltop communities and throughout the city.

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Steel Smiling bridges the gap between Black people and mental health support through education, advocacy and awareness. Our 10 year vision is to connect with every Black person in Allegheny County to a positive mental health experience that improves their quality of life by 2030.

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Since launching in 2015, here are some of our highlights:

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• 39 hours of free individual and group street therapy conversations provided by a licensed mental health practitioner for 39 community members.

• Provided 658 community members, mental health practitioners, high school and college students with 55 hours of psycho-education. 

• Provided 134 community members, leaders and educators with Adult and Youth Mental Health First Aid Training Certifications.

We frequently partner with our for-profit side to provide youth with adequate support and mentorship. Our for-profit side does incredible work training student athletes some of whom are mentioned below.

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Aaron Donald (L.A. Rams)

Jason Kelce (Philadelphia Eagles)

Miles Sanders (Philadelphia Eagles)

Khaleke Hudson (Univ. of Michigan)

Will Clarke (Tampa Buccaneers)

Dane Jackson (Univ. of Pittsburgh)

Trayvon Hester (Philadelphia Eagles)

Avante Maddox (Philadelphia Eagles)

James Conner (Pittsburgh Steelers)

Jester Weah (Houston Texans)

Jordan Whitehead (Tampa Buccaneers)

Manesseh Garner (Washington Redskins)

CASA of Allegheny County is an advocacy group that engages community volunteers who are passionately seeking involvement in their neighborhoods, focusing on advocating for abused and neglected children in the areas where they live. We are the only program that allows for such in-depth community involvement in the lives of our most vulnerable neighbors.

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CASA of Allegheny County volunteers serve as the “eyes and ears” for the judge in child welfare cases. This includes researching each child’s situation and making objective recommendations to help them reclaim their childhoods from  ill-treatment, not being cared for, disparagement and brutalization . Our model of best-interest advocacy has life-changing impact and helps ensure children are safe and have the opportunity to flourish.