The Steelers commitment to their community continued when the third donation through the Steelers Social Justice Grant program was announced on Friday.
The program, which is led by the players themselves, is an effort to engage with various factions, including law enforcement, charitable organizations, and more to strengthen the community at large.
Steelers players are doing their part to make a difference, aiding organizations financially and by giving their time to local organizations. The Steelers are also matching the donations.
On Friday the team presented a check to Urban Impact Foundation for $23,000, which included donations from Matt Feiler, B.J. Finney, L.J. Fort and Ryan Shazier.
"When the players come to our events, because they have been involved in our clinics, our programs, that has a huge impact on our children, students and families," said Rev. Dr. Ed Glover, Urban Impact Foundation Founder and President. "But for them to think of them, support them, and invest in them, it's over the top. It speaks volumes. It brings value. Kids feel really special. It helps us to what we do every day, help the families and youth on the North Side of Pittsburgh. We serve 36,000 meals to those kids. We go out and help kids transition out of high school, help to transform kids and families on the North Side. When they give those kinds of resources it's extremely impactful.
"The children look up to these guys. Kids go home from one of our football camps and will say they caught a pass from a player. Can you believe they would come and be with me? That is huge for those kids."
Steelers players attend the Urban Impact Football camp every year, as well as other events, including summer day camps, basketball clinics and the yearly Christmas show.
"At the end of the day it comes down to having some hope when you come from an area that doesn't have a lot of resources," said Fort. "That is what Urban Impact does, provides hope for people who don't have it.
"It's definitely a blessing and privilege to give back, having been one of those kids at one point and to be able to sow back into that. I wish we had an Urban Impact growing up. I think how fortunate I am that I had sports growing up. It makes me think back to the kids growing up where I am from, not having sports, not having mentors, and people to look up to. That is where Urban Impact steps in. They see those kids that are lacking resources and look to help them out."
