View as WebpageMay 2025 Newsletter

May 2025

Hello

Amanda,

Mental Health Month A Call to Action for Healing and Hope

As we step into May, a month designated for championing mental health awareness I find myself reflecting on my journey to becoming a social worker that began over three decades ago. In 1990, as I set foot on the campus of Johnson C. Smith University, an HBCU in Charlotte, North Carolina, the field of social work chose me as much as I chose it. The teachings of Yeshua, Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Ida B. Wells, Fannie Lou Hamer, Dr. James S. Hall, Jr., Marilyn Lassiter, Sgt. Leslie Lassiter III, and countless others inspired me, shaped my dedication to alleviating the pain and suffering of others.

Mental health is vital for individual and community well-being, especially within the context of racial trauma and racial fatigue, which weigh heavily on my heart and spirit. As a social worker, I have witnessed the profound consequences of maladaptive coping mechanisms that afflict many in the African American community and beyond. My calling to this profession is underscored by the message in Isaiah 6:8: “Here I am. Send me.” I made the conscious decision personal desires in service of a higher purpose—committing my life to ensuring others receive the support they deserve.

However, walking this path has not been without its challenges. As a human service provider, I too have required counseling to navigate the grief of losing loved ones, the pain of childhood bullying, and the deep-seated struggles that arise from living in a society that often devalues my identity due to my dark skin, big eyes, and full lips. Yet, amid these battles, I found liberation and solace in the Black Church and through the mentorship of both white and Black leaders who poured wisdom and encouragement into my life.

The devastation that occurs when one neglects their mental health cannot be overstated. Ignoring mental well-being can lead to a cycle of suffering that impairs not only the individual but also their families and communities. It is critical to view mental health through a strengths-based lens rather than a deficit model. Each person's resilience and capacity for healing is potent, and recognizing this can foster a compassionate approach to treatment.

My academic pursuit led me to the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy and Practice, where I was particularly drawn to coursework on Combating American Racism. In 2003, alongside my mentor Dr. Walter Palmer and fellow Black male classmates, we founded the Black Men at Penn School of Social Work Inc. The organization's mission centers on recruiting Black males and men of color into the social work profession, mentoring youth who have incarcerated parents, and facilitating anti-racism training in urban and suburban schools. Our work addresses the dire need for representation and support within the field, emphasizing that every voice and experience is necessary for comprehensive healing.

As we confront the weight of trauma and the generational impacts of Post-Traumatic Slave Syndrome, we must recognize that social work plays a vital role in healing the wounds caused by systemic oppression. The discipline operates on macro, mezzo, and micro levels, facilitating healing for individuals, families, and entire communities. We must not shy away from the realities of our mental health but rather confront them, equipped with tools for resilience and recovery.

In these dark times, self-care and mental health awareness are essential. Here are ways to cope, seek help, and deal with trauma:

Practice Mindfulness: Engage in meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga to center your thoughts and reduce anxiety.
Connect with Nature: Spend time outdoors, whether through walking, gardening, or simply enjoying the fresh air.
Engage in Creative Outlets: Writing, painting, and other forms of artistic expression can serve as therapeutic tools for processing emotions.
Build Support Networks: Surround yourself with a community of trusted friends, family, or support groups who understand your experiences.
Seek Professional Help: Don’t hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional who can provide guidance tailored to your needs.
Educate Yourself and Others: Understanding the impacts of racial trauma and mental health can empower you and those around you to advocate for better support systems. The journey of healing is ongoing and collective.

As we celebrate Mental Health Month let us commit to prioritizing mental wellness and supporting one another. Let’s continue to foster hope and resilience in our communities, ensuring that everyone's story—whether spoken or silent—is honored and addressed.

Together, we have the power to heal the darkness and bridge divides, creating a more compassionate and understanding world.

Chad Dion Lassiter, MSW

Executive Director

Recognizing the Importance of Diversity in Making Strong Teams

Joshua Nix

HRR 3 Intake Supervisor, Philadelphia Regional Office

As a recently appointed team leader, I have been spending time thinking about how to make a working team as strong as possible. During a recent class at the Martin Luther King Jr leadership Institute, I completed a project which demonstrated how important diversity is. The project is an Earthquake Survival test. It asks participants to take 12 tasks and rank them in order of helpfulness and danger level. Once that is completed individually, you join your team and do the same ranking after discussing what you think. Once this is complete you compare the ranking you came up with against the Emergency management recommendations of California. In every single group, the team decisions were more accurate and safer than the individual decisions. This was true even for individuals who did well by themselves. In a group that was openly sharing ideas and experiences, even high performing individuals did better.

When considering the true lesson of this I recognized the glaring reality that Diversity always makes a team, organization or even a country better. This is not because of a moral right but because diverse ideas and experiences make us learn and expand our views. When we truly listen to each other with humility in mind, we find new and better ways to exist. With all of the changes and rhetoric being seen in this country and the commonwealth, it is always important to remember that diversity actually makes us better at doing our jobs and at being community leaders.

PHRC welcomes two additional Civil Rights Outreach Coordinators

Anita Levels

Civil Rights Outreach Coordinator, Pittsburgh Regional Office

Why are civil rights and social justice important to you?

Civil rights and social justice is important to me, because it’s important for us all. The American legacy and future of civil rights and social justice is to advocate for: “We the people, in order to form a more perfect union” for us all.

Why did you choose to become a Civil Rights Outreach Coordinator for the PHRC?

I chose to become a Civil Rights Outreach Coordinator for the main reason of informing the commonwealth that illegal discrimination is still enforceable in Pennsylvania.

Share with us one of your favorite quotes and why?

“…Yuh got tuh go there tuh know there.” -Zora Neale Hurston

This quote reminds me of the importance of honoring the human experience and our role as an Outreach Coordinators.

Jason Culler

Civil Rights Outreach Coordinator, Philadelphia Regional Office

Why are civil rights and social justice important to you?

As a descendant of slaves, I feel civil rights and social justice are important, because they promote a fair and equal society where all are treated with respect and dignity.

Why did you choose to become a Civil Rights Outreach Coordinator for the PHRC?

I chose to become an Outreach coordinator because I wanted to be instrumental in promoting Civil Rights and social justice in my community.

Share with us one of your favorite quotes and why?

“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt so you may know how you ought to answer each person” Colossians 4:6

I believe words hold power and seek to use my words to build up those around me. This quote reminds me to be mindful of what I say and how I say it.

The Civil Rights Division has helped to create the following new Advisory Councils:

Chester, Erie, Lebanon, and York.

PHRC on the Road: Building Pennsylvania's Beloved Community

Cumberland, Dauphin, Juniata, Mifflin, & Perry Counties

Wednesday, May 21
12:00-2:00 p.m.
Center for Independent Living of Central Pennsylvania, 2601 Herr Street, Harrisburg, PA 17103 (virtual option too)
Register to attend

Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Lawrence, Mercer, and Westmoreland Counties

Tuesday, May 27, 2025
12:00-2:00 P.M.
Hosted by Community Living & Support Services & Disability Options Network
1400 South Braddock Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15218
Register to attend

Fayette, Greene, and Washington Counties

Wednesday, May 28, 2025
12:00-2:00 P.M.
Transitional Paths to Independent Living
42 West Maiden Street, Washington, PA 15301
Register to attend

The Civil Rights Division is scheduled to travel across the state to connect with the community and provide a PHRC Overview. For anyone that is interested in attending one of the following events, please check out the PHRC website and register. You will have an opportunity to connect with the Civil Rights Division and learn about the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission.

Philadelphia Community Response Meeting: PHRC Overview

Wednesday, June 4
12:00-2:00 p.m.
Liberty Resources, Inc., 112 North 8th Street Philadelphia, PA 19107
Register to attend

Hazleton Community Response Meeting- PHRC Overview

Wednesday, June 11
12:00-2:00 p.m.
Anthracite Region Center for Independent Living, 8 West Broad Street, Hazleton, PA 18201
Register to attend

Lancaster Community Response Meeting- PHRC Overview

Wednesday, July 23
12:00-2:00 p.m.
Disability Empowerment Center, 941 Wheatland Avenue, Lancaster, PA 17603
Register to attend

Erie Community Response Meeting- PHRC Overview

Wednesday, July 30
12:00-2:00 p.m.
Community Resources for Independence & Voices for Independence, 1432 Wilkins Rd, Erie PA 16505
Register to attend

PHRC Recent Events

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us in Pittsburgh for this year's Housing Equality Conference on April 8. From our passionate speakers and panelists to our engaged attendees and dedicated volunteers—your voices, insights, and commitment to equity made this event unforgettable.

Together, we’re shaping a future where housing is a right, not a privilege.

View more pictures here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjC8tav

On Monday, April 14, PHRC Director of Enforcement Adrian Garcia and PHRC Fair Housing Training & Outreach Coordinator Brittany Mellinger were panelists during Tenfold's Fair Housing Summit, "Advancing Equality: Breaking Barriers in Housing Together."

Wednesday, April 16, the PHRC Beloved Community statewide tour stopped in Williamsport to discuss issues and concerns the community is facing. Executive Director Lassiter also discussed the programs and services offered by the PHRC.

PHRC Fair Housing & Commercial Property Director Caroline Griffin moderated a powerful panel on Neighboring paradigms, policy, practice, and philanthropy with about 120 incredible participants — from students to professionals across various fields, during the 5th Annual Neighboring Convening at Messiah University!

The session was extremely well received, and we're excited about the new connections made.

PHRC Executive Director Chad Dion Lassiter was honored to deliver the keynote address at this year’s United Way of Pennsylvania Annual Conference on April 29.

With this year’s theme—“Better Together”—the focus on collective action to uplift and strengthen our communities has never been more timely.

ED Lassiter's keynote, “Building The Beloved Community: Humanity Matters, Towards a Pedagogy of Justice,” centered on the vital role of cultural awareness and humility in advancing justice and equality.

Participants were challenged and inspired to envision what justice looks like in the public square, and how embracing a strengths-based approach can help us move forward—together.

On April 10, PHRC Housing & Commercial Property Director Caroline Griffin, attended a community meeting on the future of White Haven Center hosted by Senator David G. Argall and PA State Rep. Jamie Walsh. It was a great turnout with 130+ community members.

Key takeaway: vacant state properties like White Haven, SCI Retreat, and Hamburg Center are costing taxpayers $75K per day.

One of the most promising ideas? A veteran housing project by Valor Clinic Foundation—100 units, a broadband training facility, and recovery housing. It sparked real excitement and could bring much-needed jobs and purpose back to the area.

Appreciated insights from Dr. Kyle Kopko (Center for Rural PA) and Catherine Califano (DGS),Time to turn these dormant spaces into community assets.

On Wednesday, April 16, PHRC Civil Rights Outreach Coordinator Montrell Smith attended a community interfaith vigil supporting Governor Shapiro and his family. Hate has no place in our state. The PHRC strongly condemns any act of violence or intimidation. Read the PHRC statement on the incident here.

On Monday, April 21, the PHRC Civil Rights Division held an in-person gathering with Harrisburg's Interfaith Community to share in conversation about Christian Nationalism and its impact on the community.

Emphasis was placed on walking in truth, love and kindness, and the importance of houses of faith to come together and speak out against discrimination.

PHRC shared of our religious protections available in many translations, LGBTQ+ protections, the importance of collaboration, connection, and the right to file a complaint.

PHRC was honored to attend the City of York Human Relations Commission - CYHRC’s Diversity Event, "Finding Hope in the Midst." The evening was a powerful gathering focused on equity, inclusion, and community.

We were especially inspired by keynote speaker Rev. Dr. Miguel De La Torre, who challenged us all to deepen our commitment to justice and compassion in our shared work.

We are grateful to HRC for the invitation and look forward to continuing our partnership in co-creating a city where everyone is welcome and has the opportunity to thrive—free from discrimination.

We’re proud to celebrate Chad Dion Lassiter, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC), who was honored at the City & State PA Impact 100 event in Harrisburg on Tuesday!

The Impact 100 recognizes Pennsylvania’s most influential leaders across government, advocacy, and public service—individuals who are making a real difference in the lives of Pennsylvanians.

Lassiter's unwavering commitment to equity, justice, and human dignity continues to shape a stronger, more inclusive Commonwealth. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!