LIVING LIGHT
Published for Partners of Light of Life Rescue Mission SPRING 2024
by the Program Spotlight: Day Center Amber’s Story Good Friday Spring Graduation Program North Avenue Shelter: Sold!
Letter from Jerrel
Dear Friends,
Praise God for new beginnings!
This spring, we celebrated the achievements of seven individuals who graduated from our programs at our new facility, Ridge Recovery Place.
As we embrace this season of growth and transformation, we are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. Your continued support allows us to expand our impact, helping the homeless and hurting in our community find hope and healing.
As Jesus says in Matthew 25:40, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
I hope you will be encouraged by what God is doing through our Mission as you read our latest updates.
Rev. Jerrel T. Gilliam Executive Director
SHELTER STORIES: MEET AMBER SHELTER STORIES: MEET AMBER
In 2021, Amber sought refuge and a chance to rebuild her life at Light of Life through Sojourner MOMS, a transitional housing program for families. Her journey began with addiction, stemming from her relationship with her boyfriend, with whom she and her kids were staying. Despite experiencing setbacks, Amber remained committed to her sobriety, driven by her desire to change for her children.
We’re thrilled to announce that Amber graduated this spring from our Women and Children’s Long-Term Program! During her time with us, her children enjoyed our enriching children’s programming while she honed her skills as an intern in our kitchen. Now, she’s putting those skills to use at her mom’s bed and breakfast, embarking on a new chapter filled with promise and success!
Today, Amber lives in a house with her kids, owns a car and has built up her savings. She’s taken proactive steps to support her children’s needs, securing individualized education programs and mental health help for them. We’re incredibly proud of the work she’s put in to change her life for herself and her family!
As an alumni, Amber has now joined our Aftercare program to stay connected with the Mission and receive ongoing support as she navigates life on her own. We are excited to see the bright future that lies ahead for her.
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.
2
PRAY
for
Scan the QR code to learn more about how our programs support women and children.
Let Us PRAY
You
TLIGHT OF LIFE GRADUATION
TRANSFORMING LIVES WITH HOPE: A JOURNEY OF RENEWAL
his spring marked a significant milestone as we hosted our program graduation ceremony for the first time at Ridge Recovery Place! Seven individuals, surrounded by the caring support of Light of Life staff and their loved ones, celebrated their courageous journey to recovery.
Their stories were shared with heartfelt honesty, and the room was filled with gratitude and hope as we witnessed their remarkable transformations. These graduates have not only secured housing, employment, and sustainable income but have also found a renewed sense of purpose and belonging within our spiritual community at Light of Life. They are living testimonies to the power of resilience and the possibility of a brighter future.
“I’m incredibly proud of the progress and personal growth each graduate has achieved,” said Tamiko Dawkins, director of programs.
Client Testimonies
“Before I came to Light of Life, I was homeless and spiritually broken. But thank God, He brought me here. I just want to thank everyone at Light of Life for helping me in my recovery.” – Derrick J.
“This is just the beginning. I look forward to seeing how I can use my strength for good. I am so grateful for the people who didn’t give up on me, who stayed on my side. Thank you for the childcare. To the ladies who I formed a sisterhood with, I built more than that – I also built a family. Above all, I thank God I’m here today.” – Amber J.
“I didn’t look for Light of Life; it came to me. Since I’ve been here, my relationship with God has been renewed. I was lost for a while. Now, everyone here is family.”
– Kristen L.
“ “
GOOD FRIDAY CELEBRATION AT LIGHT OF LIFE
Over Easter weekend, we served 1,000 meals to Pittsburgh’s homeless, food-insecure families and seniors. High rise residents also received Easter cards and coloring pages donors returned from mailings. These meals, made with love by our amazing kitchen staff and volunteers, are made possible by supporters like you.
Our community joined together in worship, prayer and open mic testimonials with our clients and guests on Good Friday. This year, we created a unique Stations of the Cross experience, immersing participants in the events leading up to Jesus’ death. Good Friday reminds us that even in our darkest moments, there is hope for redemption and new life.
3
EMBRACING CHANGE: OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE NEW
Our previous North Avenue location officially sold!
After 44 years of witnessing lives transformed through our beloved North Avenue Shelter, we have officially bid farewell to the building that holds so many cherished memories.
In 1952, Light of Life started as a humble soup kitchen for the homeless on the North Side. In 1970, we proudly opened the North Avenue Shelter, which became our main facility for aiding Pittsburgh’s homeless population until the launch of our Voeghtly Street Shelter in 2021. As Light of Life’s programs and services rapidly expanded to meet the growing needs of Pittsburgh’s homeless population, our newest facility, Ridge Recovery Place, became the new home for our long-term programming and donation center.
It was bittersweet to move out of our original shelter after decades of seeing so many lives transformed, but we have confidence that our previous home is in great hands.
The new building owners, Rising Tide Partners, is focused on conserving affordable housing, protecting
vulnerable residents and minimizing displacement. The organization is creating a plan with Allegheny City Central Association to utilize the space in a way that will continue to support the North Side community.
The proceeds Light of Life received from the sale will be used toward the future maintenance of our facilities. Our growth is only possible though supporters like you. Thank you for your donations, prayers and volunteerism!
If you’d like a tour of our newest facility, Ridge Recovery Place, email tours@lightoflife.org. We’d love to show you around!
Mike’s time as one of Light of Life’s dedicated volunteers began with a desire to serve his community. After moving to Pittsburgh, Mike and his wife embraced semi-retirement, giving him the perfect opportunity to pursue volunteerism.
Mike dedicates four to six hours per week to serving in our Donation Center. Additionally, he transports clothing from the Donation Center to his church to distribute to those they serve.
He gets a lot of joy from donors like Harper, a 10-year-old girl who organized a collection of over 100 pairs of socks for Light of Life.
I want to help better clothe the needy community of downtown Pittsburgh and I don’t know of a better way to do that than through Light of Life.
– Mike Radziwon
Thank you, Mike, for making a difference!
Scan this code to join Mike as a Light of Life volunteer!
4
“ “
Mike Radziwon
DAY CENTER
Light of Life’s Day Center is the bridge that connects those on Pittsburgh’s streets to life-changing services. Anyone in need can drop in Monday through Friday, from 7:30 AM – 4 PM, to take a break inside and have their essential needs met.
Our Day Center staff is equipped to offer essential and emergency assistance to all who seek help, whether they require food, personal care items, health services, employment support, or other services. Those beginning their journey towards life transformation can opt to begin an intake process into one of our programs.
Day Center Helps Create Life-changing Connection
“Can you play a song for me?” asked Emma when she walked into our Day Center. She wanted to thank God for all His blessings after receiving services from our shelter. Emma was homeless for 10 years after being a victim of child abuse and sex-trafficking. She had two children from different abusive relationships and developed an addiction due to these traumas. Emma found Light of Life through a secluded women’s shelter and started to come for meals. As she became more familiar with our staff, she asked for help getting to a Christian rehab facility near her family, hundreds of miles away. Our Outreach team secured a bus ticket for her to be reunited with her family. When she was told the good news, she raised her hands and praised God.
*Emma’s name was changed to protect her identity.
Our Day Center provides:
• Showers
• Daily Devotions
• Space for NA/AA meetings
• Bus passes
• Translation services
• Connections for documentation such as obtaining birth certificates, ID’s, and social security cards
• Connections to our other services: food pantry, donation center, meal ministry, programs
• Connections to partner services: paperwork, legal support, banking, mental and physical health services, employment, etc.
To support the services we provide, we partner with local agencies such as AHN and Northside Christian Health Center that have on-site staff available to those in our Day Center. By having such offices in the shelter, our guests can have different needs met at one central location.
We are so grateful for our frontline staff and partners who step up to help each person who walks through our doors.
Scan the QR code to learn more about our programs and services
5
UPCOMING EVENTS
Tunch Ilkin Memorial Golf Outing
June 19, 2024
Our second annual golf outing has sold out! We are still accepting auction items and limited sponsorships (including tee sponsorships). Reach out to Jayson (jniba@lightoflife.org) to learn more.
Day of Hope
July 18, 2024
Join us in Allegheny Commons Park for an incredible day of supporting our neighbors in need. This event provides donation giveaways, food, live music, client testimonies, children’s activities, and more!
SAVE THE DATE! More Than a Meal Gala October 4, 2024
Join us at our annual gala to support Pittsburgh’s homeless while celebrating the impact we’ve made in our community! Scan the QR code to learn more and register!
Visit lightoflife.org or scan the QR Code to learn more about our upcoming events.
There are sponsorship opportunities available for all events. Contact Jayson by emailing jniba@lightoflife.org for more information.
2024: January-April
WAYS TO GET INVOLVED
• 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 Colleen McKerley at (412) 258-6154
• 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-Chair
Rebecca Fatica
Secretary
Chris Chaney
Treasurer
Rachel Schmiedlin
Executive Director
Rev. Jerrel T. Gilliam
Members
Gash Abebe
Tom Doran
Roz Freeman
Rita Huckle
Dr. Edwin J. Kairis
Adam Lucas
665 Ridge Ave. | Pittsburgh, PA 15212 | 412-258-6100 | www.lightoflife.org | serve@lightoflife.org
Deborah Patterson
James Rimmel
Richard Roadarmel
Dr. Cathy Sigmund
Donald Tucker
William Wolfe
Honorary Member
Donald L. Foster
Falco A. Muscante II
6
