Letter from Jerrel
Dear Friend of the Mission,
As I reflect on the past few months at Light of Life, I am overwhelmed with gratitude at the impact we have made together.
We served more people than ever before during our Thanksgiving and Christmas outreaches and, through the generosity of our community, provided thousands of meals, ensuring that many who otherwise would have had to spend the holidays hungry or alone did not need to. It was a powerful reminder that we can make an incredible difference when we come together.
Then came winter. Our street outreach team worked tirelessly to bring warmth, supplies, and life-saving care to those still on the streets, while offering shelter and hope to those with nowhere else to turn.
LDuring this time, we launched Conversations on a Bench, a 24-hour campaign that brought awareness to the realities of homelessness and potential innovative solutions. Through heartfelt dialogue, we invited our city to listen, learn, and take action.
With every meal served, warm coat provided, and conversation shared, one truth remains: our work never stops. As long as there are people in need, we will continue to show up—with compassion, resources, and the unwavering belief that transformation is possible. Thank you for being an essential part of this Mission.
In His Grip,
Rev. Jerrel T. Gilliam Executive Director
Stronger Together: A Sibling Story of Recovery
arry and Melissa grew up side-by-side until their parents’ divorce changed everything. Larry moved in with their dad while Melissa stayed with their mom. The separation left deep scars, becoming part of the pain that fueled their addictions.
"I couldn’t see my brother and when he came back, I didn’t know who he was," Melissa said. "That was the biggest shock to me. That was the first time I had a broken heart."
Years later, addiction reconnected them – but in the worst way. They'd get high together. Eventually, Melissa left for rehab and Larry hit rock bottom. He told his dad to call an ambulance because he was going to take his own life.
This crisis eventually led Larry to come to Light of Life in August, 2023. And since Melissa needed continued support, Larry was then able to connect her with our women's program last April. Melissa is now in phase two of the long-
term program while Larry is preparing to graduate from the men’s version of that program this spring!
Their mutual experience has made their relationship stronger than ever. "Before, we'd use together. Now, we lift each other up," Larry said. They attend Celebrate Recovery meetings together and even got to commemorate a milestone with one another – picking up their one-year clean tokens.
"Melissa was my influence to get better. If it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t be here," Larry said.
"He has an excitement for life. I can see that spark in him now," Melissa noted. "He's a good coach and motivator."
If you or someone you love is struggling, there is hope. There is a way forward. Visit www.lightoflife.org/gethelp to learn more about our long-term programs.
Thanksgiving Day Outreach
20,000 MEALS SERVED THROUGH OUR MISSION THIS THANKSGIVING!
Thanksgiving Box Distribution
On the Monday before Thanksgiving, we distributed 2,300 dinner boxes to Pittsburgh families in need. These boxes allow families to enjoy a home-cooked holiday meal wherever they live without the added stress of figuring out where the food is coming from. The initiative started over 13 years ago with just 76 boxes and it’s amazing to see how we’ve been able to grow our impact together.
Thanksgiving Food Pantry Distribution
The day before Thanksgiving, we hosted our weekly food pantry distribution where guests were able to pick up donated Thanksgiving items. This allowed North Side families to gather everything needed to complete their holiday meal. In just one week, 10,000 meals were served through the pantry!
Over 1,000 festive meals, including all the fixings, were served to shelter guests on Thanksgiving Day, where we also offered a winter coat and hygiene kit distribution. Guests shared what they were grateful for and there was a station for people to receive prayer. That morning, we also passed out meals at local high-rise buildings.
We are so appreciative of all the people who made these Thanksgiving events a success. A special thank you goes to our many different partner organizations; title sponsors FedEx and People’s Natural Gas; staff; volunteers; and World Vision Pittsburgh.
Experience Thanksgiving at the Mission! Scan the QR code to watch the video and see the impact in action.
SPREADING LIGHT AND HOPE: CHRISTMAS OUTREACH
Our annual All is Bright Christmas outreach filled our community with warmth, joy, and hope. Thanks to our generous supporters and dedicated volunteers, we were able to spread holiday cheer to those who needed it the most.
We began the day by delivering hundreds of delicious hot meals to residents in local high rises, which reminded those who may have been alone during the holiday season that they were seen, valued, and loved.
CHRISTMAS 2024
Later, our shelter was filled with laughter and good food as we shared a festive Christmas dinner. Clients, guests, volunteers, and staff came together to make the holiday truly special.
As winter’s chill set in, we ensured that those facing the cold had essentials they needed. Coats, hygiene kits, and other necessities were distributed to outreach event attendees. Additionally, donated presents were shared with our clients, shelter guests, food pantry visitors, and even individuals in encampments via our outreach team.
Thank you for making this season a time of hope and joy for our community!
We are especially grateful to our All is Bright event sponsors: Infinite Growth Partners and Neighborhood Realty Services.
“
This December marks one year of being clean and sober. I’m incredibly thankful for this program, for God, and for my family. I love being here—I'm grateful and truly blessed. - Long-Term Program Client “
Pete and Sandi Hilton were introduced to volunteering at Light of Life 20 years ago through a Bible study group. Over this time, they expanded their support – donating, assisting with the capital campaign, and preparing meals for our Thanksgiving outreach. Since retiring, they serve breakfast every Thursday at our shelter.
They said volunteering has been a joy and a privilege. “We were sure, like most volunteers, that you start out thinking you’re doing it for Light of Life and the people coming in for a meal – which you are – but it becomes such a blessing to us to be able to serve,” Pete and Sandi said.
Light of Life has such a great legacy of sharing the Gospel message of hope, love, and grace to help all who walk through its doors. “
The Hiltons noted that they appreciate serving at Light of Life because it reflects their faith. “We know that God has blessed us and asks us to serve Him and others,” they said. “Light of Life has such a great legacy of sharing the Gospel message of hope, love, and grace to help all who walk through its doors.”
Pete and Sandi’s dedication is a beautiful example of love in action, and we are so grateful for their continued support!
If you would like to join them or our other volunteers, scan the QR code or visit www.lightoflife.org/volunteer.
Pete & Sandi Hilton
A PLACE OF HEALING AND HOPE: The Women & Children’s Shelter
At Light of Life, our Women & Children’s Shelter serves as a refuge for this homeless population, providing a safe and supportive environment as they begin their journey toward stability, recovery, and self-sufficiency.
One of the key programs within the shelter is the 90-day Jump Start program, designed to help women rebuild their lives through daily group sessions on mental health, relapse prevention, and mindfulness, along with Bible studies and therapeutic outings. These experiences foster trust, joy, and empowerment - creating new pathways for healing and transformation. The shelter also provides a safe, nurturing space for children, ensuring they have stability, support, and opportunities to thrive alongside their mothers.
The
“ “
staff here are amazing. I’ve been in other shelters where you are just a number. Here they care.
–Women &
Children's Shelter Guest
"The staff here are amazing," one of our shelter guests said. "I’ve been in other shelters where you’re just a number. Here, they care.”
Beyond structured programming, women in our shelter find hope and healing through healthy lifestyle activities—simple yet powerful experiences such as museum visits, park picnics, and creative arts and crafts. These activities provide a sense of joy, normalcy, and self-discovery, helping to restore what was lost through trauma and hardship.
“The majority of the women in our shelter are coming from domestic violence situations and drug and alcohol abuse, along with a percentage from homelessness due to generational and situational poverty and other circumstances beyond their control,” our Women & Children’s Shelter Manager Lateresa Blackwell said. “Their experiences in the community have typically been limited and most have never been able to enjoy the fun of group activities or done much in the way of self-care.”
This is why the Women & Children’s Shelter is a vital step in our continuum of care, offering not just a place to stay, but a pathway to hope, healing, and transformation.
If you would like to learn more or tour the shelter, please email Colleen at cmckerley@lightoflife.org.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Easter Weekend Celebration & Outreach
Friday, April 18, 2025
On Good Friday, we’ll package and distribute meals to those facing food insecurity in local high-rises and provide dinner service at our Voeghtly Street Shelter, including worship and guest testimonies. If you are interested in volunteering on Good Friday, please email volunteer@lightoflife.org.
Join Light of Life’s 2025 Pittsburgh Marathon Team
Sunday, May 4, 2025
Run (or walk!) for hope this spring by joining Team Light of Life during the Pittsburgh Marathon! This is your chance to lace up your running shoes and make a positive impact for Pittsburgh’s homeless neighbors while achieving a personal milestone. If you are interested in joining, please contact Jacob Heiple at jheiple@lightoflife.org.
Over The Edge
Thursday and Friday, June 5-6, 2025
Take your support of the Mission to new heights! The first few individuals to raise a minimum of $1,000 will earn a
spot to rappel down a building downtown in support of our city’s homeless and hurting. No special skills or training are required! Highly trained and certified rope specialists will help prepare each rappeller for this experience. If you are interested in participating, email events@lightoflife.org.
Tunch Ilkin Memorial Golf Outing
Thursday, June 19, 2025
Join us for the third annual Tunch Ilkin Memorial Golf Outing at Cranberry Highlands Golf Course. It will be a day of golf, camaraderie, and impact as we honor Tunch’s legacy and support Light of Life’s mission to serve those in need. Reserve your spot now and help us to continue making a difference in our community!
There are sponsorship opportunities available for each of these events. To learn more, contact Doug by emailing dshymoniak@lightoflife.org
For more information about all of our events, scan the QR code or visit www.lightoflife.org/events.
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
Rita Huckle
Deborah Patterson
James Rimmel
Rick Roadarmel
Dr. Cathy Sigmund
Rosalyn R. Walker
William Wolfe