Blog
From Disconnect to Dialogue: CARES Attends the Black Mental Health Summit
Meaningful conversations have the power to spark meaningful change.
On Wednesday, June 24, 2026, members of ASCI’s CARES team attended NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania’s Fifth Annual Black Mental Health Summit at the Commonwealth Charter Academy at The Waterfront in Pittsburgh.
This year’s theme, “From Disconnect to Dialogue: Restoring Connection in Our Community,” focused on strengthening relationships between youth and adults by creating space for honest conversations, deeper understanding, and lasting connection. Throughout the day, attendees explored the unique mental health challenges affecting Pittsburgh’s Black community, discussed how stigma can prevent individuals from seeking support, and examined barriers that often stand in the way of accessing care.
For the CARES team, the summit served as an opportunity to learn, reflect, and reaffirm the importance of meeting young people where they are with empathy, compassion, and a willingness to listen.
“Today’s conversations reinforced that our young people don’t just need to be heard—they need to be understood. Healing begins when we create spaces where they feel safe, seen, and supported.”
Victoria Lynch, MSW, LSW, DSW(c), Director III of CARES
At A Second Chance, Inc., we remain committed to fostering those spaces every day by supporting the mental health and well-being of children, youth, and families throughout our community. Together, conversations can become connections—and connections can become catalysts for healing.