Albert recently approached his Citizen Care Community Participation Direct Support Staff with a desire to become more involved in volunteer efforts that support our veteran community. Having grown up with parents who proudly served in the military, Albert has always held deep respect
and admiration for veterans and the sacrifices they make. He shared that he wanted to give back in a meaningful way and contribute to a cause that felt personally significant to him.
After some thoughtful discussion, Albert developed a warm and thoughtful idea: in honor of Veterans Day, he would hand out cookies—paired with a friendly smile—to brighten the day of veterans in our community. Although stepping into this role required Albert to move outside of his comfort zone, he expressed a strong commitment to showing gratitude and making a positive impact.
The day after Veterans Day, Albert followed through on his plan. He visited the V.A. hospital in Pittsburgh, accompanied by Direct Support Professional Deb Natale. Together, they walked through the hospital, greeting veterans, staff and visitors, ensuring that everyone they encountered received a sweet treat and a moment of kindness. Albert’s genuine enthusiasm and respectful approach created meaningful interactions and brought joy to many individuals throughout the facility.
This experience proved to be incredibly inspiring for Albert. Witnessing the smiles, appreciation and conversations that emerged from such a
simple gesture reinforced his desire to continue giving back. Motivated by this success, Albert has now taken the initiative to organize a Christmas blanket collection. He is focusing specifically on small lap blankets, as these are among the items most frequently requested by veterans for warmth and comfort during their hospital stays.
Albert’s dedication, compassion and willingness to step beyond his comfort zone highlights initiative not only in supporting our veterans but also reflects the values of empathy and community engagement that Citizen Care strives to encourage.
