One of the foundational pillars of education at Allegheny Services Foundation (ASF) is the development of healthy interpersonal relationships. Many ASF residents arrive with significant challenges in how they interact with others. This learning happens informally, 24 hours a day, through shared living and working experiences. Residents from diverse backgrounds—often with histories of division or conflict—live and work together, learning to replace deeply rooted biases with cooperation, respect, and mutual accountability.

Because residents rely on one another to keep the community running, they must learn how to both accept and exercise authority in a constructive manner. The formation of friendships and trust within the group is often emotionally demanding and is supported by ASF’s culture of open and consistent feedback. Honest reflection and peer input are essential parts of the personal growth process.

Beyond learning to relate within the ASF community, residents are encouraged to build the skills necessary to engage meaningfully with people outside the Foundation. ASF maintains a welcoming environment for community members, professionals, and visitors to interact with residents regularly. These encounters help residents gain broader perspectives and avoid the intellectual isolation that can come from engaging only with like-minded individuals.

In addition to informal learning, ASF facilitates structured group sessions three times per week, each lasting several hours. These sessions—referred to as “games”—are not focused on individual problems, but rather on how each person relates to others. Residents examine their actions, emotions, and communication styles, working to align their intentions with their actual impact. These groups also provide a healthy outlet for tension and conflict, replacing physical confrontation with verbal expression.

Perhaps most importantly, these sessions encourage residents to develop a sense of humor about themselves and their experiences. ASF’s group process emphasizes connection, self-awareness, and emotional growth through fun and honest dialogue. Humor and shared joy are vital threads in ASF’s fabric, and their contribution to long-term transformation cannot be overstated.