Compassion in action for people
and the communities they call home
A 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities, vulnerable families, and the animals who transform their lives.
A 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities, vulnerable families, and the animals who transform their lives.
Who We Are
Carmela Cares is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities, related neurodivergent disabilities, vulnerable populations, and families experiencing hardship with food access.
Rooted in the belief that the human–animal bond can transform lives, we provide programs that strengthen emotional well-being, promote independence, and help families remain whole.
To enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities and families in crisis by providing food security, training and placing specialized service dogs, and coordinating therapy dog programs that bring comfort, purpose, stability, and connection to communities.
Meet Carmela
The heart & inspiration behind everything we do.
EIN: 41-3220730
What We Do
Three pillars of impact — each rooted in the transformative power of the human–animal bond.
We source, store, and distribute pet food — and human food — to households experiencing financial hardship. By helping families keep their companion animals at home, we reduce shelter surrenders and support emotional stability across the Mid-Mon Valley.
We train and place primarily rescue dogs as service animals for individuals with autism, Alzheimer’s, and related neurodivergent disabilities — including temperament evaluation, specialized training, handler education, and long-term support.
Our therapy teams visit schools, senior facilities, hospitals, courtrooms, and airports. Launching literacy-focused programming in partnership with St. Andrew the Apostle Parish, the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
The People Behind the Paws
Our board brings together community leadership, business expertise, and a shared love of animals.
Founder & Executive Director
Joe Caruso serves as Founder and Executive Director of Carmela Cares, bringing nearly three decades of executive leadership and a lifelong commitment to strengthening the bond between people and their animals. A 27-year veteran of Bank of America, Joe has built a distinguished career in risk, governance, and compliance. In 2025, he was honored with the Bank of America Global Volunteer Award — the company’s most prestigious recognition — for exceptional community impact. He serves as Executive Sponsor for the Black Professional Group and the Military Support & Advocacy Group, and is Business Manager at St. Andrew the Apostle Parish, where he directs a food bank serving more than 2,000 people every month. Joe and his wife Holly reside in Charleroi, PA with their children Joey, Jacob, and Jaelyn, and their beloved pets Vito, Enzo, Marco, and Carmela.
Board of Directors
Stacey Huddle brings a deep commitment to service, community health, and compassionate outreach to her role on the Carmela Cares Board of Directors. A dedicated professional at UPMC, Stacey has built her career around supporting patient‑centered care and operational excellence within one of the region’s leading healthcare systems.
Beyond her professional work, Stacey is known for her hands‑on volunteer leadership at Light of Life Rescue Mission, where she regularly serves individuals and families experiencing homelessness, food insecurity, and crisis. Her work there reflects her belief that dignity, stability, and hope are built through consistent, personal acts of care — a philosophy that aligns directly with the mission of Carmela Cares.
Her blend of healthcare insight, nonprofit experience, and servant‑leadership mindset makes her an invaluable voice in shaping the organization’s growth and impact across the Mon Valley and greater Pittsburgh region.
Board of Directors
John Lee serves on the Board of Directors of Carmela Cares, bringing a genuine passion for community impact and a lifelong love of animals to the organization’s mission. Professionally, John is the Senior Vice President of Sales at Inspirato, where he oversees several key revenue-driving divisions including Consumer Sales, Inspirato for Business, and Inspirato for Good — a portfolio that reflects his deep belief in the intersection of business and meaningful impact.
John earned his degree in Multimedia Journalism from the University of Texas at Austin, and his communication background informs both his leadership style and his approach to community storytelling. He remains actively involved in his local community and church through leadership and service initiatives, and draws on his background in hospitality and business to help Carmela Cares grow its reach and deepen its impact. John is proud to support an organization that creates better lives for animals and the families who love them.
Featured Team Member
Certified Therapy Dog & Community Support Partner
Vito is a working therapy dog whose calm presence and steady temperament make him an essential part of the Carmela Cares team. A proud graduate of Paw & Order’s Stay and Train Obedience Program, Vito earned his AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) title and completed his Therapy Dog certification through Therapy Dogs United while training with Angel’s Obedience.
Vito currently serves in two formal therapy-dog assignments: UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, offering comfort and quiet companionship to patients and families, and St. Andrew the Apostle Parish, supporting parishioners through presence-based ministry and food security support. Whether walking beside someone in treatment or greeting folks at the parish, Vito brings compassion, steadiness, and dignity to every interaction — embodying the heart of Carmela Cares.
Friends & Partners
Dollar General Literacy Foundation
Supporting our literacy-focused therapy dog programming.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
Bringing books and comfort to children through our therapy dog network.
St. Andrew the Apostle Parish
Faith community partner supporting literacy and therapy dog programming.
Our Reach
Pennsylvania is our flagship state, with board-level presence and network partners positioned for mission-aligned growth.
Give with Heart
Your donation directly funds food security, service dog training, and therapy dog programs that change lives. Every gift makes a difference.
Quick and easy giving through Venmo. Send your donation directly to Carmela Cares.
@CarmelaCares on VenmoSecure giving through PayPal. Every contribution goes directly to our programs.
Give with PayPalSecure credit and debit card donations processed safely through Square.
Give with SquareCarmela Cares · 501(c)3 Nonprofit · EIN: 41-3220730 · Donations may be tax-deductible