PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Pittsburgh is home to a wealth of influential nonprofits doing a lot to help neighbors in need.

But what happens when the organizations need help? A group of veterans have put their leadership skills to good use and made meaningful connections along the way.

Nathan Pigza, a retired Air Force senior master sergeant, attended Leadership Pittsburgh’s Community Leadership Course for Veterans to make those connections and make an impact.

At Hearth, a Pittsburgh nonprofit that provides a safe place for mothers and children fleeing domestic violence, they have done just that.

“It’s been so wonderful to work with (Community Leadership Course for Veterans) and many of the CLCV members live nearby,” said Christy Pietryga, chief operating officer. “This allowed us to bring a nonprofit right to their door that they can continue to support, and many of them will continue to volunteer here at Hearth.”

The veterans quickly developed an action plan to support the mothers and children at Hearth. Pigza said he just heard the good news.

“We ended up finding a great contractor in Reagle Construction out of Gibsonia,” Pigza said. “They were excited to help us. They heard what we were doing together, not just CLCV but Hearth, and they were eager to help us.”

Jenn Beer, CEO of Leadership Pittsburgh, said this course is special and almost like a hidden gem. It is one of three core programs offered at Leadership Pittsburgh.

“It’s actually a five- to six-month program that runs in the summer, but gives veterans an opportunity to learn about the history of Pittsburgh,” Beer said. “The nonprofit landscape, the corporate landscape, all of these different areas within our community and region where they can put those skills back into practice and become more civically and community-engaged.”

Pigza misses a feeling of connection.

“It felt like a big city to me at one point,” Pigza said. “And now it doesn’t seem so big to me.”