Letter from Jerrel
Dear Friend of the Mission,
As we look toward the end of 2024, my heart is filled with deep gratitude for the commitment and generosity that have sustained our Mission this year. Through God’s power and the incredible support of our community, we celebrated our first full year of offering long-term programming at our newest facility, Ridge Recovery Place. We also opened our Free Store, which provides essential items to our community’s most vulnerable individuals. Through this year’s spring and fall graduations, we had the honor of celebrating 27 remarkable graduates who have completed their transformative journeys. Because of the support of donors like you, we were able to help more people than ever take
Gbold steps toward recovery, and provide meals, shelter, life-changing programming, education, employment, housing, and the hope of Christ every day.
With winter months upcoming, I ask that you keep our neighbors on the streets in your prayers. The cold can be unforgiving and, for many, the holiday season is marred by loneliness. Together, we can offer compassion, community, hope, and warmth to those facing these challenges. Your support reminds each person we serve that they are seen, valued, and loved.
In His Grip,
Rev. Jerrel T. Gilliam Executive Director
SHELTER STORIES: MEET TAWNYA
rowing up in a broken home and later battling addiction as a mother of five, Tawnya faced overwhelming challenges. Seeking a fresh start, she entered rehab and was referred to our shelter, eventually joining our Women & Children’s Long-Term Program. Over the past two years, Tawnya has marked three incredible years of sobriety and has embraced life-changing skills such as accountability and positive parenting. She’s also discovered the joy of giving back through an internship in our kitchen, where she pours her heart into serving others. Through daily devotions and the guidance of caring mentors, Light of Life has helped Tawnya rediscover her faith and she now sees God as her unwavering source of strength.
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Fully surrender and put God first; believe in yourself because recovery is possible. – Tawnya
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Looking back on her progress, Tawnya is especially proud of the loving home she’s built with her children. Her relationship with each of them is stronger than ever. She advises others facing challenges like hers to “fully surrender and put God first; believe in yourself because recovery is possible.”
Thanks to the support of our generous community, stories like Tawnya’s continue to unfold at Light of Life, bringing hope and brighter futures to families in need.
CELEBRATING MILESTONES: Highlights from Our Fall Graduation Ceremony
In September, 20 individuals celebrated a remarkable milestone on their journey to life recovery at our Fall Graduation ceremony at the National Aviary! Each of these graduates have shown tremendous resilience, dedication and courage as they’ve worked to transform their lives. Their stories are a testament to the power of faith and our community of support.
Moments like these capture the profound impact of our work and the hope that people like you make possible. Each dollar, volunteer hour, or donated item helps our graduates reclaim their lives and rebuild their futures.
When someone graduates from our programs, they have housing, employment, a sustainable income, ongoing recovery, and a spiritual community to be a part of.
CLIENT TESTIMONIES SHARED AT GRADUATION:
"Light of Life is such a blessing. I left the place where I was broken, coming out of a relapse. It was during that time that I started to seek out Jesus. He connected with my heart, and my life has never been the same."
- Jennifer, Women and Children’s 90-Day Jump Start Graduate
"I learned so much from the staff here. They taught me about God, about discipline, and how to be a better person—a better woman. Next week I’m going back home, which has been my goal since I started, because family means everything to me."
- Teresa, Women and Children’s Long-Term Program Graduate
"My mom died in October and I fell into a deep depression. If it wasn’t for Light of Life, I’d probably be dead right now. Light of Life is literally the manifestation of God’s grace and mercy. All I’ve ever wanted is a family and you guys gave me a family."
- Joseph, High-Commitment Shelter Graduate
Scan the QR code to watch a video recap of our Fall ‘24 graduation ceremony
Supporters of the Mission gathered at our annual gala on October 4 to help celebrate the transformative work we’re doing together to help Pittsburgh's homeless and hurting step out of darkness and into the light.
As guests entered, they were met with a powerful and moving installation comprised of volunteers portraying five of our clients, each holding signs inviting attendees to ask about their path out of homelessness. The clients’ incredible stories were gradually revealed throughout the evening, and, in a heartwarming finale, those very individuals took the stage where they and their remarkable journeys were enthusiastically celebrated.
We are incredibly grateful and in awe of the generosity displayed by those who attended and others who supported us from afar. God is working powerfully through every volunteer, donor, client, staff member, and partner of our Mission. With your continued involvement, we can't wait to see the lives that are changed in the years ahead.
Thank you all for being the light!
A special thank you to our presenting sponsor, Wheelhouse Family Foundation and our gold sponsors Ampco-Pittsburgh Charitable Foundation and The Musuneggi Financial Group.
We premiered a video at the gala that shares three client testimonies set to Micah Tyler’s powerful song, “Different.”
Watch it here!
A video that explains how we walk with individuals during every step of their journey through our continuum of care was also shown.
Watch it here!
MEN’S EMERGENCY SHELTER
Light of Life’s Men’s Emergency Shelter is a safe haven for those facing homelessness and housing insecurity, offering much more than just a place to sleep. Here men in need can begin taking first steps toward rebuilding their lives. Just walking into the shelter may be one of the hardest things for many to do, as they may be carrying feelings of hurt, exhaustion, anger, or simply overwhelming hunger. When they arrive, however, our team is waiting to meet them right where they are, offering comfort and ready to address the core challenges they face.
Every day at our shelter includes three nutritious meals, showers, laundry facilities, and access to community health providers — services that are often taken for granted. Each meal, shower, and safe night’s rest is a chance for a moment of peace in the middle of someone’s chaos.
Food and shelter are only the beginning, though. Every man at our shelter is paired with a case manager who meets with him at least once a week, providing
guidance and a plan tailored to his unique story. Through these meetings, the men gain access to resources and connections to a network of essential services offered both at Light of Life and through our network of community partners. This helps them take practical steps toward lasting change.
This emergency shelter includes 20 regular beds plus 10 overflow beds that are used as needed. In addition, our Men's Shelter+ space holds 12 beds. This winter, we've added an additional 20 overflow beds for men, keeping as many people as possible safe from the cold. When our capacity is reached, we work with community partners to ensure that anyone who comes to us is connected elsewhere.
Every emergency shelter guest can stay up to 90 days on a case-by-case basis. This gives them time to plan their next steps toward stability. So far this year, over 3,000 unique individuals have found comfort, connection, and a chance to rebuild through a stay with us.
Every night, shared meals and conversations bring us closer to fulfilling our mission of empowering Pittsburgh’s most vulnerable on their journey toward life transformation. With the support of our donors, partners, and volunteers, we strive to ensure that everyone who walks through our doors leaves with renewed strength and the resources needed to take their next step forward.
Mark and Debbie Sullivan began volunteering together in Light of Life’s meal ministry after learning about the opportunity through their church in 2013, and they’ve been serving ever since! They find it incredibly rewarding to see residents in our recovery program grow and graduate.
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“ We think it is important to live out Jesus' message of love for our neighbors and so we look forward to opportunities to use our time and talents in furthering this mission.
–Mark & Debbie Sullivan
One of their favorite traditions was participating in helping to prep the turkeys for Light of Life’s Thanksgiving dinner for the homeless, a time of fellowship for our holiday outreach that they hold close to their hearts. They also enjoy organizing volunteer groups from their church to help at the mission. Mark and Debbie's dedication and love for those we serve shines through in everything they do.
Scan the QR code to join Mark and Debbie in helping our neighbors in need.
Mark & Debbie Sullivan
UPCOMING EVENTS
Christmas 2024
December 19, 2024
Each year, we celebrate Christmas with our clients through our “All Is Bright” Christmas outreach. Our chefs and volunteers will prepare and pack over 1,000 Christmas meals to be delivered to Pittsburgh families and individuals in need. Meanwhile, at our shelter, we will welcome hundreds of neighbors to join us for a Christmas dinner where they can enjoy a community atmosphere and receive clothing that will help keep them warm during the winter months. Learn how you can become involved by visiting www.lightoflife.org/volunteer
Conversations on a Bench
January 22, 2025
In January, our executive director, Rev. Jerrel T. Gilliam, will spend 24 hours on a bench outside our Mission to raise awareness about the pressing needs of our homeless neighbors. The event will be live-streamed, and throughout
the day, various guests will join Jerrel on the bench to engage in meaningful discussions about homelessness and the challenges they face.
No Address Movie Release
February 28, 2025
“No Address” is a movie developed by Robert Craig Films that depicts a group of people experiencing homelessness and what it’s like to survive on the streets. On February 28, “No Address” will be released in theaters nationwide. If you are interested in learning more about the film, visit noaddressmovie.com
Annual Tunch Ilkin Memorial Golf Outing
June 19, 2025 | Cranberry Highlands Golf Course
More Than a Meal Gala
October 3, 2025 | The Westin Hotel
Make sure your loved ones are taken care of and your wishes are honored by creating a free will. Scan the QR code or visit www.lightoflife.org/legacy-giving
WAYS TO GET INVOLVED
Let Us PRAY for You
If you have a specific prayer need, please send an email to prayer@lightoflife.org. Your prayer request will be shared with our prayer team.
• Volunteer: If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Erika Chiccitt at volunteer@lightoflife.org
• Legacy Giving: If you are interested in speaking with someone about legacy giving through a will, contact Lori Musloe at (412) 258-6151
• Take a Tour: if you would like to take a tour of the Mission, contact Philip Spina at pspina@lightoflife.org
• Create Your Own Fundraiser: Please reach out to Colleen McKerley at (412) 258-6154
MISSION STATEMENT
Light of Life transforms lives through the love of Christ by providing food, shelter, and hope to men, women, and children experiencing homelessness, poverty, or addiction to restore them as healthy members of our community.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Chairman Natalie Kreter, Esq.
Vice-President
Adam Lucas
Secretary
Falco A. Muscante II
Treasurer Rachel Schmiedlin
Executive Director
Rev. Jerrel T. Gilliam
Members
Gash Abebe
Chris Chaney
665 Ridge Ave. | Pittsburgh, PA 15212 | 412-258-6100 | www.lightoflife.org | serve@lightoflife.org
Tom Doran
Rosalyn Freeman
Rita Huckle
Deborah Patterson
James Rimmel
Rick Roadarmel
Dr. Cathy Sigmund
William Wolfe