See How Our Garden Grows

Three summers ago, Light of Life began a Garden Therapy Project to give men in our recovery program the opportunity to grow and cultivate their own fruits, vegetables and flowers in an open area next to the Light of Life Rescue Mission on North Avenue. 

This allows men in our program to work with their hands and enjoy the fruits of their labor.  One man involved with the garden said, "It helps create motivation for me to achieve goals.  I like starting with nothing and working to make an improvement."  This physical activity represents the positive changes men are working on in their recovery and spiritual lives. 

The fruits and vegetables are cultivated and used in the Mission's kitchen.

Top photo: Our garden is growing!  

Bottom photo: Greens from the garden were enjoyed at the Mission this week!

It's Never Too Late

“I thought I was going to live this way until I died because everyone in my family drinks until they die,” said Angel, a woman in the Women and Children’s Program at Light of Life.  But since being at Light of Life, Angel has found a relationship with God and is working toward goals for a healthy, productive life. 

Angel began drinking at a young age and thought it was fun at first, but eventually drinking led to using drugs which led to a devastating addiction.  Although Angel had periods of being clean, she always found her way back to drugs and homelessness.  “I didn’t feel like I had a life without drugs.  I didn’t feel better, but just felt good for the time,” said Angel.

Eight months ago, Angel decided to come to Light of Life to try recovery one more time.  At first she was going through the motions, but in February she attended the Women and Children’s Program winter retreat weekend.  This time of reflection was a life-changing experience for Angel.  “The retreat opened my eyes and ears and helped me understand the word God was speaking to me,” she said.  “I felt like God was telling me ‘I’m here for you.  Just stay with me.‘”

The retreat weekend also helped Angel deepen friendships with other women in Light of Life’s program.  “I have an amazing relationship with the women here.  They love me, they don’t judge me, they hug me, they love me just because I am a human being, even with my character defects,” said Angel.  

Since coming home from the retreat, Angel has a joy she has never felt before and she has hope for her future.  “I am 48-years-old and I am getting ready to take my GED.  All my life I have wanted to do it,” said Angel.  “I know I can be something because I am smart.  And I put my faith in God.”  Once she attains her GED, Angel plans to start taking classes at a community college.  In addition to furthering her own education, Angel is excited to be clean and sober to watch her son graduate high school in June.

It is because of generous people like you that Angel had a place to come and find hope.  Thank you for your time, donations and prayers.   Angel wanted to pass on this message you: “Miracles are made and happen in this program.  I’m living proof to show it.  I love you and I will always be part of Light of Life until the day I die.”  Thank you for making a difference at Light of Life.

Tunch & Wolf's Walk for the Homeless Was a Success!

Thank you to everyone who supported Tunch & Wolf's Walk for the Homeless on Saturday!  From the 100 volunteers to the many generous people who donated food or provided a sponsorship, we could not have done this without you.

Although the morning of the walk started out gray and rainy, approximately 900 people still came out to walk.  This was our biggest event yet!   

Not only did people show up to walk, we also raised over $109,000 dollars!

These are dollars that will go toward meals, shelter and supportive services for Pittsburgh’s poorest and neediest people.  Hungry people will eat, homeless people will be sheltered and people on the brink of hopelessness will encounter hope, kindness and support because of YOU!

 Thank you, friends, for making a difference.  See you at next year's walk!