We're a group of friends who met in elementary and middle school at the Albert Einstein Academies in San Diego, California. The original team was Brayden, Camila, Kiara, and Lauren (2021-2022) with Kelly joining in 2022.  Later, Kelly (22-23) introduced Lilia (23-24), who in turn introduced Lana (23–24) and Minori.  Fourth grader, Josephine, joined three years ago to launch  PILT's partnership with elementary schools, followed by Nicolo, Aya, Xavier (23-24), Vivienne (23-24), Mila (23-24), and Gloria (23-24) from Albert Einstein Academy Charter Middle School. When they were promoted to high school, a new AEACMS team was formed — a strong team led by Arturo, in turn supported by Eden, Emeli, and Keila (24-25). At San Diego High, members Esli (24-25), Margaret, Olivia, Shekoda, and Mara (24–25), all part of Community Outreach Club, joined.​ When Esli (24-25) transferred to Academy of Our Lady of Peace, she added Malia (24-25) to her team. Now, Eden attends San Diego High School, having joined Minori’s team, and Arturo has began projects at Mission Bay High School.

 

Former CEO Brayden founded PILT at the tail-end of the Covid-19 pandemic to assist  those who were facing food and housing insecurity. She was a PATH San Diego volunteer at the time and noticed an urgent need (especially) for hygiene products that PATH was struggling to meet. She had an idea to get like-minded students involved in the fight against food and housing insecurity, and after a meeting with her supervisor, Ms. Sigrid Struben, Associate Director of Philanthropy and Community Affairs, PILT was launched on August 20, 2021, with the motto "Community - Collaboration - Compassion."  ​After becoming a California unincorporated nonprofit association in February 2023, Brayden expanded PILT's reach to include unsheltered and foster youth and teens by partnering with organizations such as StandUp for Kids San Diego, YMCA's Housing Our Youth collaborative, and TAY Support Services.

 

Since the transition to Minori as CEO, PILT has been ever-growing!​ With many members moving to different high schools, we have had the wonderful opportunity to have more partner schools where PILT freshmen can engage their peers. The start of Community Outreach Club at San Diego High School has also invited many members into PILT, a club that works together with our organization to help those experiencing homelessness. Along with the efforts of the club, the strong team at Albert Einstein Academy Charter Middle School has promoted to attend new and familiar high schools to add on to pre-existing outreach clubs or to build their own teams. The wide-spread partner schools across San Diego County will allow us to make a greater impact.

 

The strength of PILT lies in its diversity. Team  members belong to different faiths, cultural backgrounds, and have different strengths and talents. Our former advisor is from Holland, one of our graduated members was born in Japan, and many members have family in countries scattered across the globe. Taken together, PILT speaks English, Spanish, German, Dutch, Japanese, and French fluently. As diverse as we are, PILT is firmly bound by the common thread of service to the community.​

 

With Ms. Struben's unwavering support and guidance and Brayden’s drive and inspiration, PILT works tirelessly to make life a little better for those around them.