05/14/2026
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.
