The Steelers commitment to their community continued when another donation through the Steelers Social Justice Grant program was announced on Wednesday.
The program, which is led by the players themselves, is an effort to engage with various factions, including law enforcement, charitable organizations, military 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 most recent donation was made to the Women's Center and Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh, with David DeCastro donating and the team also contributing, for a total of $20,000.
"We're absolutely thrilled. It's so meaningful they have chosen Women's Center and Shelter," said Nicole Molinaro Karaczun, the President and CEO of the women's shelter. "David's wife Bonnie volunteers here, so it's a wonderful connection for both of them to offer their time and treasure with us, as well as the Steelers doing the same.
"Everyone in Pittsburgh really looks up to athletes, and especially the Steelers. It means the world that they care enough for others. They are not just focused on themselves, but they are also caring, compassionate, and giving back to the community."
DeCastro learned about the incredible work the women's shelter does and the services they provide through stories shared by his wife when she returns home from the many events Steelers players' wives host at the shelter.
"A lot of the players wives go there and help out," said DeCastro. "It's a cause that is very easy to support when you hear the stories, hear what these women go through. It's a pretty sad state of the world regarding it. When your wife comes back and talks about the stories they heard first person and it's very real. It's happening all around.
"There are places for these women to go, people to help them. We want to help as many of the women as we can. We want to bring attention to it so women know there is help out there for them."
The message that is being sent through the donation is also a key one for those at the shelter, showing strong male support for women in a very tough situation.
"David is taking a stance saying this is not okay, nobody deserves to be abused," said Molinaro Karaczun. "We have survivors of intimate partner violence that are seeing this and admire David and the Steelers and realize they are taking a stand against the violence. They are able to say this isn't okay, I can reach out for help, it's okay to get help.
"Big burly men can be big burly compassionate smart men who define masculinity in a way that upholds and respects their partners. That is a powerful message for everybody."
