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Pictured above: Zachary Chapman and his family; J. Altdorfer Photography

Holy Family Institute and Pittsburgh Steelers to Honor Zachary Chapman and Asante Samuel Jr. at the Annual Courage House Awards

Annual luncheon on November 10 at Acrisure Stadium celebrates extraordinary courage and supports Holy Family Institute programs.

PITTSBURGH, PA (November 5, 2025) Holy Family Institute (HFI) and the Pittsburgh Steelers will celebrate the recipients of the 2026 Arthur J. Rooney, Sr. Courage House and Ed Block Courage Awards at the annual luncheon, held Tuesday, November 10 at Acrisure Stadium. This year’s Courage House Award honors former resident Zachary Chapman, whose remarkable life story reflects resilience, perseverance, and the power of hope. Cornerback Asante Samuel Jr., selected by teammates, will also be recognized with the Ed Block Courage Award for demonstrating courage on and off the field.

The Courage House Award is presented annually to an individual helped by HFI who has overcome significant obstacles and transformed their life. Chapman’s journey is a story of transformation. Born into a family marked by substance abuse and instability, he was removed from his mother’s custody at age four. By the time he arrived at HFI at age 10, he had experienced 15 placements and been separated from his siblings.

Zachary arrived at HFI in crisis, but staff saw beyond his destructive behaviors, recognizing a frightened child seeking stability and belonging. At HFI, Champman made friends for the first time because he was stationary. He was determined to live with his aunt, Tracey Moore. HFI staff worked closely with Zachary and his aunt over the next three years to achieve a successful family reunification. Through therapeutic services, family support, and a commitment to permanency, Zachary was ultimately able to find the stable, loving home he had long desired.

That foundation set the stage for a remarkable future. Chapman went on to excel at Chartiers Valley High School, where he played football and basketball before graduating in 2012. He later earned a degree from Penn Commercial and built a successful career as an electrician with McConway & Torley LLC, where he currently serves as Night Lead. Along the way, he reconnected with his birth mother and siblings.

Today, Chapman considers his greatest accomplishment to be fatherhood. Together with his partner, he is raising his young son with the love, stability, and consistency that every child deserves. His journey from a childhood marked by uncertainty to a life defined by family, career success, and personal achievement demonstrates the transformative impact of permanence, support, and opportunity.

“Each year, the Courage House Awards celebrate individuals whose courage has transformed their own lives and inspired others,” said Michael Sexauer, CEO of Holy Family Institute. “Zachary’s story is a powerful reminder that a child’s future is not defined by where they begin, but by the hope, support, and opportunities they receive along the way. His journey demonstrates why HFI’s mission matters and how investing in one child can create positive change for generations. We are honored to recognize him with this year’s Courage House Award.”

Pittsburgh was the first city outside of Baltimore to present the annual Ed Block Courage Award, named in honor of the former Baltimore Colts head trainer and champion for at-risk youth. Each NFL team now recognizes one player with the award. For 34 years, Holy Family Institute has served as the designated “Courage House” charity for the Steelers.

The Courage House and Ed Block Courage Awards Luncheon will include:
● Silent Auction featuring unique sports memorabilia and experiences beginning at 10:00 a.m.
● Invocation and Lunch with Presentation of Awards at noon, with awards presented by Steelers Head Coach Mike McCarthy and Steelers President Arthur J. Rooney II.

Proceeds benefit athletic programming at Nazareth Prep, Holy Family’s independent Catholic high school for students of all faiths and backgrounds.

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About Holy Family Institute: Since 1900, Holy Family Institute (HFI) has provided innovative, evidence-based, family-focused services and educational programs designed to bring help and hope to children and their families, as well as shelter services for immigrant children. Holy Family Institute helped more than 41,000 families and children improve their lives over the last year.

About Nazareth Prep: Nazareth Prep, founded in 2014, is a Catholic high school combining college and career preparatory education with a three-year Internship Program designed to close the economic opportunity gap for students from underserved communities.