Hello Friends,

As we continue into a new year, February has given us a meaningful pause, a chance to reflect on where we’ve been, where we are, and who we are being called to become. This month, we observe Black History Month, celebrating the legacy, resilience, and leadership of Black individuals and communities whose courage and vision have shaped our nation and continue to guide us forward. It is also a time when the world around us feels especially unsettled. From global conflict and political division to economic uncertainty closer to home, many of us are carrying concerns, fatigue, and questions about the future, especially for our children.

In moments like these, scripture reminds us of what truly matters. “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8). This verse was the foundation of the message that was shared this past Sunday by Pastor Josh at my church, Mosaic Community Church. It has been grounding for many of us recently, and it continues to shape our understanding of both our faith and our work.

It struck me that the same words grounding our worship this past Sunday are being lived out, quietly and faithfully, by our students throughout the week.

At The Pittsburgh Project, our mission has never been about programming or services alone. At its heart, it is about formation: developing young people who understand their inherent worth, recognize the dignity of others, and learn to lead with humility, courage, and care.

What gives me great encouragement is that this formation is already happening, often in quiet, everyday moments that might easily be missed, but that tell a powerful story about who our young people are becoming.

Recently, our Director of Programs, Ms. Natasha, witnessed a moment that exemplifies youth leadership. One of our high school Leaders-in-Training was working on a knitting project in the DREAMLab when she noticed a fifth grader watching with curiosity. Without being asked, she set aside her own project and began teaching the young student how to knit. This act of unselfishness and confidence can inspire supporters by showing how young people are already leading with humility and care.

Another moment unfolded in our Young Engineers class with our kindergarten and first-grade students. As the class worked through a paper airplane project using a video tutorial, some students struggled to grasp it. The staff observed students pause their work to assist nearby classmates, offering guidance and solving problems together. These were peers walking alongside one another, learning that success is not something we pursue alone.

Moments like these may seem small, but they are deeply significant. They reflect the very values scripture calls us to live out: justice, mercy, and humility, expressed in practical, everyday ways. In a world that often emphasizes competition and self-interest, our students are learning that leadership is rooted in service and that growth happens best in community.

This is why we do what we do. Even amid uncertainty, locally and globally, we are seeing seeds of hope planted every day. These interactions remind us that when young people are nurtured, trusted, and encouraged, they rise to the moment.

As we move further into this year, I remain deeply grateful for the community that surrounds and sustains this work. Your prayers, encouragement, and generosity enable us to create spaces where children can grow into thoughtful, compassionate leaders, living out their faith in tangible ways, no matter what the world around them holds.

Thank you for walking alongside us.