Good People Doing Good: How Pittsburgh Cares, American Eagle, and CEO Pittsburgh Are Supporting Justice-Impacted People

May 20, 2025   |  By Aliyah Tyson

On May 16th, 2025, American Eagle and Pittsburgh Cares teamed up with the Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) Pittsburgh for a meaningful day of service, assembling care packages for individuals transitioning back into the community due to reentry after incarceration. We spoke with Ken from Pittsburgh Cares, a dedicated community leader, about the deeper impact of volunteerism and the importance of small acts of kindness. He shared that CEO Pittsburgh was selected for this collaboration due to their strong commitment to supporting justice-impacted individuals and their proven record in facilitating successful community involvement.

The Mission Behind Pittsburgh Cares

Pittsburgh Cares is a volunteer management organization committed to connecting people with opportunities to give back. As Ken explains, “We provide people with the opportunities to do good in the community.” This includes maintaining a calendar of volunteer opportunities and directly organizing events throughout the city.

Ken has had a long-standing relationship with CEO, and their shared mission made partnering with American Eagle a natural fit. “Good people doing great work to help others,” he said, perfectly summing up the essence of the day.

During the event, volunteers came together to assemble care packages filled with essential items. But these weren’t just bags of supplies, they were thoughtfully curated kits containing not only necessities but also personalized, handwritten notes of encouragement.

“These aren't just handouts,” Ken emphasized. “They’re messages that say, ‘Hey, I understand things are tough. I want things to be a little bit better for you. This human connection, even in the form of a simple note, can help someone feel seen, valued, and supported.”

What’s Inside the Kits?

Each care package includes:

  • A first aid kit
  • New undergarments and socks
  • Body and disinfectant wipes
  • Healthy snacks
  • Bottled water
  • Sunscreen

The care packages are intended for individuals who have recently returned from incarceration and may be facing tough times or experiencing homelessness as a result. “These kits go a long way,” said Lou Thon, Senior Job Developer at CEO Pittsburgh. “We talk to participants about hygiene and professional appearance, and these items can really help with their self-esteem as they rebuild their lives. These care kits provide essential support during vocational meetings or job-readiness programs, helping to restore confidence and stability in their lives.”

Why Volunteerism Matters

For Ken and the Pittsburgh Cares team, the heart of volunteer work lies in its impact. “At the end of the day, it’s all about good people doing good things. You're not just putting together a care package,” he said. “You’re putting together something that might change or even save someone’s life. Volunteering isn't about personal gain. It’s about being part of something bigger, supporting others, building connections, and creating ripples of positive change in the community.”

We're grateful for our partnership with Pittsburgh Cares and American Eagle and are excited to keep working together to make a difference, one care package, one kind note, and one act of service at a time.

Visit our blog page to read more stories, or donate to support economic mobility opportunities for justice-impacted individuals.