Blog
Celebrating the Heart of the Work: How ASCI Honored Its Staff in Pittsburgh & Philadelphia
At A Second Chance, Inc. (ASCI), the heart of the mission has always been its people. Every day, staff members show up with compassion, dedication, and a deep commitment to supporting children and families through kinship care by helping create stability, connection, and brighter futures.
This Human Services Professionals Month, ASCI took a moment to pause and pour that same care right back into its team.
A Week Full of Appreciation & Fun
The celebration went beyond just one day. From March 16–19, 2026, ASCI hosted a full Spirit Week that brought energy and connection into both offices. It started with Mission Monday, where staff wore purple, teal, and red to represent ASCI’s colors and shared purpose. On Teamwork Tuesday, coworkers coordinated outfits and accessories, adding a fun touch to collaboration. Wisdom Wednesday highlighted “smart” looks like blazers and cardigans, reflecting the guidance staff provides every day. The week wrapped up with Thoughtful Thursday, where creative details like fun socks and statement pieces celebrated individuality and care.
“Because of You… We Are”
On Wednesday, staff gathered for a special Teams event titled “Because of You… We Are”, a heartfelt moment dedicated entirely to appreciation. Caregivers and fellow team members shared meaningful messages, recognizing the dedication, compassion, and impact of ASCI staff. The event served as a powerful reminder that behind every task, every visit, and every case, lives are being changed. Hearing directly from those impacted made the gratitude even more meaningful and deeply felt.
A Simple “Thank You” That Meant So Much
Across both the Pittsburgh and Philadelphia offices, staff were invited to a special appreciation event designed with one goal in mind: to celebrate the incredible work they do every single day.
Team members were welcomed to stop by, grab a delicious boxed lunch, and receive a thoughtful gift as a token of gratitude.
Whether they stayed to connect with colleagues or picked up their lunch to go, the atmosphere was filled with appreciation, warmth, and community.
Honoring the People Behind the Mission
ASCI has been a national leader in kinship care since 1994, serving thousands of children and families by ensuring they remain connected to relatives and supportive communities.
Behind every success story is a team of human services professionals who make that impact possible.
This celebration wasn’t just about lunch; it was about recognizing:
The long days and emotional investment staff pour into their work
The relationships they build with families navigating complex situations
The unwavering commitment to keeping children safe, supported, and connected
Building Community, One Moment at a Time
Moments like these remind us that appreciation doesn’t have to be extravagant to be meaningful. Sometimes, it’s as simple as creating space to say “we see you, and we value you.”
From Pittsburgh to Philadelphia, ASCI’s appreciation event reflected the same core values that guide its work every day for family, community, and care.
Looking Ahead with Gratitude
As the organization continues to grow and serve more families, one thing remains clear: investing in staff is just as important as the services they provide. When you support the people doing the work, you strengthen the impact of the work itself.
To our incredible ASCI team, we thank you! Thank you for your compassion, your resilience, and the care you bring into every interaction. Your work does not go unnoticed, and the difference you make in the lives of children and families is truly immeasurable.
At ASCI, that impact is felt in every child, every family, and every future made brighter.