Hello Friends,

   People who know me know that I love to be around people. I love parties. I love food, drinks and music. I love to celebrate. That is one of the reasons that I was drawn to The Pittsburgh Project years ago and why I was so excited to move into leadership here. TPP is, at its core, about people and community.

    Over the years, I’ve watched young people grow up in our programs, move into the workforce, start families, become positive influences in their communities and become well-rounded people. They have been a very important part of my life and if you start bringing up names, be prepared for me to tell stories for hours. Asha is one of those people.  She grew up down the street from TPP and was a part of our programs for as long as I can remember. She graduated from college last spring and has been giving back to the community by working with our students. Asha will be sharing some of her story this Friday at our Fall Fest.  I personally cannot wait to hear what she has in store for us. She is an amazing young woman that I believe is right on the cusp of changing the world. I am grateful that The Pittsburgh Project was able to be a part of the village that has helped Asha get to where she is in life. She and so many other young people like her are the reason that we continue to do the work of sharing hope, empowering youth, and building community.

    Asha’s story is still being written along with the stories of so many other young people. And while we are abundantly aware that we can not impact every young person, we know that each young person that comes to The Pittsburgh Project was created in the image of God. We also know that being a part of The Pittsburgh Project’s family will instill in them that as image bearers of a loving and just God that they have the ability to be changemakers for good in this community and beyond.

 Since becoming the Executive Director, one of my biggest regrets is that I have not gotten to spend much time with the people who have been so important to this ministry over the years. Please help me correct that by joining me on Friday, October 21, for our Fall Fest. It is going to be a night of celebration. I want to spend a few hours with my colleagues, community, volunteers, supporters, and friends to celebrate all the great work that has happened in the last year. I also want to have an opportunity to share the strategic plan that has just been completed and the bright future that lies ahead for our organization, our youth, and our community.

Full of Hope,

Rick Mason