Why would Pittsburgh Steelers players wear a restaurant on their cleats? Because Café Momentum isn’t just a restaurant — it’s a nationally recognized culinary training program that empowers justice-involved youth to build a different future.

Through a 12-month paid internship at the restaurant, young people learn different facets of the business while also receiving services like counseling, education support, and case management. It’s a model designed to meet youth where they are and walk alongside them as they regain confidence and build momentum in their lives.

At the end of the program, graduates are ready for meaningful careers in the restaurant industry and beyond, carrying a sense of purpose and belonging, while diners witness the power of belief and support to transform lives and strengthen communities.

“We saw the difference Café Momentum was making [at their first location] in Dallas, and we wanted that here,” said Steelers player Miles Killebrew. Through local partnerships and connections, the Steelers played a critical role in bringing the innovative model to Pittsburgh. Killibrew will highlight Café Momentum for the NFL’s annual My Cause My Cleats campaign, which allows players to shine the spotlight on mission-driven organizations and issues they are passionate about by wearing custom-designed cleats representing their chosen cause.

Since opening in 2023, the Pittsburgh location has supported 120 young people. Nearly 80% have completed trauma counseling, while almost 90% are making academic progress.

One of them, Neveah, arrived after being caught shoplifting. At first, she saw Café Momentum as just a job. Soon, she realized, “it was a whole complete life experience.”

That experience empowered Neveah to discover her gifts and intrinsic potential beyond the restaurant industry, putting her on a path to pursue her passions. Two years later, she is preparing for a new job at a hospital.

Café Momentum now operates in three cities — and the Steelers want to see that expand. “We want a Café Momentum in every NFL city so we can create change in that city, too,” Killebrew said. “It takes all of us.”

Fans can join Killebrew by visiting his My Cause My Cleats page to directly support Café Momentum, bid on his custom cleats, or find another cause near you.

This story is part of a partnership between the NFL and Stand Together, focused on amplifying and growing the impact of the philanthropic work of NFL players. Together, this collaboration shows real strength comes when we unlock the power within communities and the critical role each of us can play in contributing to solving problems around us.

Café Momentum is supported by Stand Together Foundation, which empowers individuals to reach their full potential through community-driven change.

Learn more about Stand Together’s top issue areas and explore ways you can partner with us.