Behind Every Blessing: Holiday Highlights from the Front Lines
The chapel lights stayed on long past midnight. Outside, temperatures had plunged to below freezing, but inside 41 men and women found warmth, safety, and something harder to quantify—dignity. It was Nov. 24, just one of 17 bitter cold nights when the Erie City Mission opened its doors as an emergency warming center while the community waited for the overflow shelters to open. By Nov. 26, when Our Neighbors’ Place opened their doors for the seasonal overflow shelter, we had provided 687 safe overnight stays within these walls beyond our regular capacity of 125 beds missionwide.
This scene repeated itself throughout November and December. On city streets, our outreach teams made weekly visits to encampments where familiar faces waited. In our kitchen, volunteers plated special holiday meals. On the Monday before Thanksgiving, 1,200 families—representing approximately 7,200 people—were given a turkey and a “Box of Love,” taking home not just food but hope.
By the Numbers
November & December 2025
36,144 guests served throughout the holidays.
1,200 turkeys and “boxes of love” distributed.
251 guests served a restaurant-style Thanksgiving lunch.
Behind each blessing are many team members who work where compassion meets reality—on the front lines, engaging directly with our guests day after day, often without recognition. We’d like to introduce you to four individuals whose dedication represents the commitment of our entire front-line team. From the shelter to the streets, the front desk to the kitchen, here are their stories.
Philip Fromyer
Samaritan Care Shelter Manager 5 months
As shelter manager, Phil’s days vary with each unique story that walks through the door. “While no two stories are alike, they all share a common hope: the desire to reclaim their lives,” he explains. His role is to provide compassionate support and help guide guests toward stability.
This past December, Phil coordinated our first men’s shelter Christmas party. The community’s generosity was
In the Shelter article continued on back
303 guests served a restaurant-style Christmas lunch.
687 safe overnights provided through the warming center.
100+ unique people reached weekly through street outreach.
A Message from the Chief Executive Officer
It’s cold in Erie yet our dedicated team counts it a privilege to serve those seeking warmth. This work is often life and death. On the “front lines” where tragedy meets hope, we witness overdoses and hunger but also new beginnings and reconciliations.
I’m reminded of our outreach team, which made nearly 400 homeless encampment visits last year. During one of the visits, they encountered a young, drug-addicted couple living in a tent by the railroad tracks. Our goal is life transformation, not enabling destructive patterns—so “Jason” and “Kristi” were offered immediate aid; a meal, a bed, and a chance at a better life. They respectfully declined. Tragically, two days later Kristi overdosed and passed away. Fortunately, Jason eventually accepted not only physical assistance, but a saving relationship with Jesus. Today, he is sober, housed, and employed; embracing hope and a new life.
You’ll find compassion and life transformation evident throughout this issue—front line team member highlights, our February Knockout Homelessness campaign, and two new board members. Each play a role in removing barriers, bringing dignity, and saving lives. From the front lines to the boardroom, we embrace Matthew 25:40: ...”Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
I ask for your support and prayers for this battle, our team, and those we are called to serve.
Blessings,
Greg Paulding, CPA, Treasurer Paulding & Associates, P.C.
Upcoming Events
February 2-28, 2026 -- Knockout Homelessness Annual Fund Campaign
March 31 , 2026 -- Special Public Easter Meal with Table Service
April 2, 2026 -- New Life Program Completion Ceremony
May 21, 2026-- Broadway by the Bay
June 25, 2026 -- New Life Program Completion Ceremony
Visit www.eriecitymission.org for more information on upcoming events.
Erie City Mission Announces New Board Appointments
In January, the Mission welcomed two new members to our board of directors, Robert “Bobby” Attaway, Jr. and the Rev. Samuel A. Meyer—our first law enforcement officer and first Men’s New Life Program graduate to serve on the board.
Join our team in our kitchen, shelter, or stores. View our job postings and apply online at eriecitymission.org under “get involved”
Bobby Attaway has served as a Pennsylvania State Trooper for 10 years and has been a valued member of the Mission’s outreach team, regularly joining our staff on visits to encampments. His experience working with vulnerable populations makes him a valuable addition to our leadership. Bobby and his wife, Leah, have two children and have been active members of Millcreek Community Church since 2018.
Sam Meyer serves as Associate Pastor of Discipleship at Millcreek Community Church. Sam’s journey with the Mission began as a program graduate, and he later returned as a case manager for the same residential program before pursuing ministry full-time. He and his wife Britney have five children.
Please join us in welcoming Bobby and Sam to the board.
Malcolm Beall, Jr., Chairman
Natalie Washburn, Vice Chairman Owner/Broker, Maleno Real Estate
Joseph Smith Project Manager, E.E. Austin
Tera Alabran Director of Operations, PSN
Jeff Evans
Alan Hamilton VP, Wabtec Corporation
Brian R. Johansson, MPA President/CEO, Erie City Mission Prof. Dr. Joseph Kuvshinikov Gannon University
Returns
omelessness with Renewed Purpose
For 17 years, the Erie City Mission’s Knockout Homelessness fundraising event brought our community together for an unforgettable evening of celebrity boxing that helped change countless lives. That chapter has come to a close—but the heart of Knockout Homelessness will live on in a new and meaningful way.
This year, the legacy continues as we launch the Knockout Homelessness Annual Fund Campaign, featuring the Bizzarro Family Match Fund. Established in honor of the Bizzarro family’s years of commitment to Knockout Homelessness, the Bizzarro Family Match Fund will match donations dollar-for-dollar—allowing every gift to go twice as far in supporting men in our Samaritan Care Shelter Program.
Thanks to Glenwood Methodist Church who contributed to the Bizzarro Family Match Fund, your gift today will be matched dollar-fordollar, up to $20,000.
Join us through the month of February and DOUBLE your impact for men in need, just like William.
For William, the Erie City Mission was essential. “I would probably have ended up living out on the street,” said William, if he had not found help through the Samaritan Care Shelter.
Right now, you can help more men like William. Together we can knockout homelessness!
DOUBLE your donation today at eriecitymission.org/ koh.
BROADWAY COMES TO ERIE
Broadway is coming to Erie! Veterans Ivan Rutherford and Jackie Burns will take the stage on May 21, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. at the historic Warner Theatre. Ivan has brought Jean Valjean to life over 2,300 times in Les Misèrables, while Jackie is Broadway’s longest running Elphaba in Wicked. Together they’ll perform beloved Broadway hits that will have you on the edge of your seat. Join us for an unforgettable evening of world-class talent while supporting the Erie City Mission to bring hope and life-transformation to women and children in crisis. Learn more about the event and how to purchase tickets by visiting our website at eriecitymission.org/broadwaybythebay.
Young Philanthropists in Action
Catherine McAuley, founder of the Sisters of Mercy, said, “Resolve to do good today and better tomorrow.” This quote was featured on the back of T-shirts worn by Mercyhurst Prep students who volunteered with the Mission during their Day of Service, and it captures the spirit of all the young people who served at the Mission this winter.
In the last quarter of the year, over 150 students from elementary through high school shared their time and talents to honor those we serve. They collected and donated 85 boxes of cereal, colored placemats, served and bussed tables for holiday meals, prepared bags for our Box of Love event, volunteered in the kitchen and donation center, and sang Christmas carols during lunchtime. Students came from nine local schools and programs. When temperatures plummeted the weekend of Jan. 24, volunteers from Chi Alpha—a student ministry at Penn State Behrend and Mercyhurst—jumped in at the last minute to serve extra meals for guests in our emergency warming center.
We are grateful for these young philanthropists who are helping create a better tomorrow for the men, women, and children we serve.
extraordinary—local restaurants donated dinner, guests attended Christmas at the Warner, and gifts poured in: gift cards, snacks, toiletries, and heartfelt Christmas cards from local grade schools. “Moments like these remind us of the power of community.”
What keeps Phil motivated? A sign above the men’s desk: “You are here for them.” After building relationships with guests, he’s reminded that “they were all children at one time.” Serving in Erie, a place he’s loved since childhood, is his passion.
On the Streets
Jim Gonzales
Street Outreach 3 years
Jim and his team hit the streets on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, visiting encampments throughout Erie. They bring food, hygiene supplies, tents, and sleeping bags—but more importantly, they bring presence. “We mostly try to talk to them and see how they are doing,” Jim explains. “Minister to them a little bit.”
One December moment stands out. A family brought their young children to hand out homemade cookie bags when our warming center was open. “What touched me was seeing these little kids going up to homeless people and giving these bags to them,” Jim says. “They have a good heart at a young age.”
What keeps Jim going? Witnessing transformation. Like the couple he met struggling in the woods who accepted Christ and are now sober, housed, and employed. “That was a big miracle, and it’s worth it. I never thought I’d be doing stuff like this.”
At the Desk
Jane Cowell
Front Desk Receptionist 5 years
Jane is often the first face people see when they walk through the Mission’s doors. She greets guests seeking help, answers phones, provides information about services, sorts mail for our residents, and organizes donations as they arrive.
A recent moment from December captures what Jane loves about this work. A generous donor had just dropped off new winter coats. Shortly after, a woman walked in wearing only a sweater—she had given her coat to her teenage granddaughter who needed one for school. “The woman was beyond thrilled to be given a brand-new warm coat that fit her perfectly and was her favorite color,” Jane recalls. “Made my day to be a part of that.”
What keeps Jane coming back? “I love the people who stop by our reception desk looking for help, and I believe that showing them kindness can make a little difference in their lives. Encountering these folks has enriched my own life, and I feel blessed to have found this ‘retirement job.’”
In the Kitchen
Elijah Chadsey
Food Service Manager 7 years
Eli leads the team that serves meals to our neighbors every day, overseeing both volunteers and program participants in the kitchen. “I strive to honor God in how we use our resources and serve others, making sure every meal nourishes both body and spirit,” he explains. “My role is all about showing God’s love through what we do in the kitchen.”
During this year’s special restaurant-style Thanksgiving and Christmas meals, Eli witnessed something powerful. “Seeing everyone laughing and sharing around the table,” he recalls. “It reminded me we’re serving more than food; we’re sharing God’s love and bringing people together.” These moments of joy and connection are what the holiday meals were designed to create.
Why does Eli do this work? He feels called by God to serve others. Having come from a similar place himself, he relates personally with those served. The reward is knowing he’s making a difference every day.
These four individuals represent dozens more who show up every day—staff, volunteers, and community partners who turn compassion into action. Behind all of them stand supporters like you, whose generosity makes this work possible. Winter is far from over, and the need is greater than ever. Thank you for standing with us and ensuring that no one in our community faces hunger, cold, or homelessness alone.
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