Dear Friends,

This summer, The Pittsburgh Project is alive with joy, energy, and hope, and I want to take a moment to share why.

Earlier this month, more than 140 of you gathered at the Children’s Museum to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of The Pittsburgh Project. The room was filled with former students, staff, neighbors, board members, and friends. The joy was palpable. It was deeply moving to witness the generations of lives shaped by our shared mission: empowering youth, building community, and sharing hope on Pittsburgh’s Northside.

We had the opportunity to hear from our founder, Saleem Ghubril, whose vision and faith launched this work four decades ago. We also heard stories from alumni like Kenyah Jordan-Jackson, who now serves her own community with the same spirit she experienced here as a child. Together, we reflected on what’s been built and looked ahead to all that’s still possible.

We also launched our "40 for the 40th" campaign, an invitation for 40 new monthly givers to help sustain this mission into the future. If you haven’t joined yet, we’d love for you to consider becoming one of the 40. Every monthly gift, regardless of its size, strengthens our foundation, helps ensure this work continues to thrive, and invests in the future of Pittsburgh’s young people.

Just a few weeks later, our Summer Day Camp is now in full swing, and the building is buzzing with life. This year, we’re serving 125 students from grades K–8 with a rich and joyful program that includes:

• Spiritual development through worship, Bible time, and service

• Creative expression in the art room, makerspace, and poetry elective

• Academic enrichment in STEM classes and a book club

• Physical activity through fitness classes, gardening, and play

• And of course, field trips and fun across the city

Our high school Leaders in Training and college-aged leaders are stepping up in powerful ways, modeling what it looks like to lead with love and serve with purpose. It’s inspiring to see, and it’s a direct result of the seeds planted over the past 40 years.

The other day, some supporters of TPP stopped by to visit camp, and I jokingly shared that I hoped one day one of the kids at camp would have my job. I said it with laughter, but I wholeheartedly believe it. One day, a seed planted in a young person at TPP will sprout into the next leader of this organization, and that will bring me joy in ways I can’t even begin to imagine.

Every story we celebrate, every child learning and growing this summer, every dream being shaped within these walls, is made possible because of your prayers, your generosity, and your faithfulness. Whether you’ve been with us since the beginning or just joined the story, please know this: we are deeply grateful for you. There is so much more to come, and we can’t wait to keep building together.

With gratitude,

Rick Mason

Executive Director

The Pittsburgh Project

P.S. Mark your calendar! On Monday, August 25, we’ll host our annual Golf Classic at Cranberry Highlands Golf Course. We’d love for you to join us for a great day of golf, food, and fellowship in support of this work. Register here today for Early Bird Discounts!