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Awaken Pittsburgh to Become New Steward for ICT Training and Community Circles, Expanding Accessible Mental Wellness Initiatives
PITTSBURGH, PA — October 21, 2025: Awaken Pittsburgh, a leader in mindfulness and social-emotional programs, announced it is assuming stewardship of the entire programmatic stream of Integrative Community Therapy (ICT), pioneered by VHC in the United States. ICT is a community-based healing model first used in Brazil. This move secures the continuity and growth of VHC’s pioneering work as the organization concludes its operations.
The program adoption formalizes an existing partnership and brings ICT fully into Awaken Pittsburgh's expanding portfolio of services. This change ensures that the widely respected, community-based healing model remains a vital resource for individuals, organizations, and communities across the region and beyond.
Honoring VHC’s Legacy and Expanding Impact
Visible Hands Collaborative is the first organization in the United States to champion (or pioneer) Integrative Community Therapy as a mental health tool. ICT is a peer-facilitated, group-based model that empowers people to share lived experiences, listen deeply, and support one another in healing. Rooted in a Brazilian methodology, ICT effectively lowers barriers to mental health access by providing a no-cost, inclusive group process that requires no insurance, referrals, or professional credentials to lead.
Through this transition, Visible Hands’ ICT program, including the hosting of community healing circles and the training of new ICT facilitators, will now be managed and grown by Awaken Pittsburgh. This allows for the integration of ICT into a broader ecosystem of mindfulness and resilience initiatives, offering a balanced approach to inner awareness and collective connection.
"This is not just an administrative transfer; it's a profound commitment to continuing and honoring VHC's legacy and the transformative power of the ICT model," said Stephanie Romero, Executive Director of Awaken Pittsburgh. "By officially adopting ICT, we are ensuring its long-term health and strengthening the ways we help people heal, connect, and thrive together through accessible, community-driven practice."
Seamless Continuity for Participants
Current participants, partners, and trained facilitators of the Visible Hands Collaborative ICT program can expect seamless continuity of operations. Awaken Pittsburgh is dedicated to leveraging its existing infrastructure and reach to sustain the current programs and expand ICT into new communities, creating an even broader impact.
"The decision for VHC to conclude its operations came with the clear goal of finding a stable, mission-aligned home for ICT to flourish," said Dr. Ken Thompson. "Awaken Pittsburgh’s commitment to community, their existing network of trained ICT facilitators, and their administrative strength make them the ideal stewards to carry this program forward. We are confident that ICT will continue to grow, providing accessible spaces of healing and belonging for years to come."
Awaken Pittsburgh invites community members, partners, and supporters to join in celebrating this new chapter of community-driven well-being by learning more about the future of Integrative Community Therapy via Awaken Pittsburgh at https://www.visiblehandscollaborative.or
About Awaken Pittsburgh
Awaken Pittsburgh is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering well-being, empathy, and compassion in individuals and organizations through evidence-based mindfulness programs. Learn more atawakenpittsburgh.org.
About Visible Hands Collaborative
Visible Hands Collaborative has been a leader in pioneering Integrative Community Therapy in the United States by partnering with community organizations, health care systems, and neighborhoods to build resilience, connection, and collective healing.
For more information, please contact:
Stephanie Romero, Ed.D
Executive Director
Awaken Pittsburgh
Email: sromero@awakenpittsburgh.org
Phone: (412) 436-9253
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Awaken Pittsburgh fosters well-being, empathy, and compassion for all by teaching and encouraging mindfulness and meditation practices.
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