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News Overview

Latest News from the Mission

Our News Articles provide information on all manner of topics related to the City Mission.  Our Subject areas include:  Events; Resident Stories; Donors Stories; Newsletter Repository; and Knowledge Share.  Knowledge Share engages a host of topics regarding homelessness, addiction and poverty.  Below you will find an opportunity to be “in-the-know” by joining our email list.  Checkout the "Podcast" section of our Knowledge Share articles page.  Below you'll find the 3 most recent articles from each of our topical areas .  

Events

The Sweetest Sunday

desserts
February 8, 2024

In 1994, a group of City Mission volunteers and board members had a sweet idea! Sweet Sunday co-founders, Cindy Pfrimmer and Phyllis Ross began meeting regularly to discuss fundraising ideas, and one day, over a cup of coffee, the idea for the Sweet Sunday Dessert Festival was born. The first Sweet Sunday was held at the Holiday Inn on Racetrack Road in Washington. There were dessert vendors, celebrity judges, kids’ activities, auction items, raffle baskets, and a line-up of live entertainers – the same event framework that we still use today. The premiere sponsor that year was Dr. Ron Salvitti, a local ophthalmologist and founder of the Southwestern PA Eye Care Center. Remarkably, Dr. Salvitti and his group at Southwest PA Eye Center have continued to sponsor Sweet Sunday every single year for the past 30 years. Bob Gregg from WJPA helped to promote that first Sweet Sunday, and to this day, he still helps promote Sweet Sunday. For the past 20 years, he has also broadcast live from the event, conducting interviews and making live announcements. Ross and Pfrimmer were expecting 500 guests at the very first Sweet Sunday, but an astounding 1500 showed up! The dessert festival has grown every year since then and has become City Mission’s largest fundraiser of the year and one of the premiere winter events in Washington County. This year, City Mission’s thirtieth anniversary presented by MPLX, is expecting over 3200 guests, 27 dessert vendors, and an amazing schedule of live entertainment, featuring Scott Blasey of The Clarks. As always, there will be raffle baskets, auction items, the café, Kids Korner complete with your favorite characters from Royal Princess Engagements, and all the sweets you can possibly imagine! This year’s event will take place on Sunday, February 25 from 12-5pm at the Hilton Garden Inn at Southpointe. All proceeds support City Mission’s life-transforming programs and services for the homeless. Sweet Sunday is the sweetest way you can help those in need in your community. You donut want to miss it! Learn more by visiting www.citymission.org/support/sweet-sunday.

City Mission Mourns Beloved Employee and Warrior for Christ

Doug Bush
October 11, 2023

All who knew Doug Bush knew he was not someone to sit still for very long. He was always doing something or going somewhere. On Monday October 9th, Doug made his final trip and went home to be with the one who changed and transformed his life, Jesus Christ. Doug was surrounded by family and friends when he made his final journey. Doug faithfully served City Mission in Washington, PA for over 24 years. His love for the work, and most importantly for God, showed in every moment of his day. He was a tireless advocate for individuals in recovery and his message of hope and testimony of faith have been heard around the globe. Doug served in many roles during his over two-decade time at City Mission: in the donations center; in the Programs department; and served as Chaplain - he touched countless lives in all his roles. Doug’s laugh and presence could be felt in any room and this helped him make connections, too numerous to list. He then turned those connections into help for many people finding their way into recovery and into church homes. Doug always took time for people - whether it was stopping to pray with someone, taking a phone call, or sending a text message. If he couldn’t help with something, he always found someone who could. He served in the community through his ministry as the Pastor of Legacy Recovery Church - a part of Legacy Church International. He presided over many weddings and even more baptisms in the City Mission’s Porter Pillow and Peggy Beaver Pillow Chapel. Doug leaves a legacy of love, grace, and faith. No one will be able to replace Doug Bush. But together we can continue his work: by sharing the love of God with those who are hurting; giving one another grace; and remembering that a smile goes a long way. There is a section of scripture that reminds me of Doug. It is found in Mathew chapter 25 versus 35 – 36, “for I was hungry and you gave Me food, I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.” For me, this verse describes Doug Bush. He will be greatly missed. Arrangements for Doug Bush are as follows:  Viewing: Friday, October 13th from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 6:00 to 8:00 PM  Funeral: Saturday, October 14th at 11:00 AM doors open at 10:00 AM All of the Above will be held at Life Church 100 North Main Street, Washington, PA 15301 After Service Meal: Saturday, October 14th, 12:30pm at City Mission, 84 W. Wheeling St, Washington, PA For those wanting to honor Doug and his Christ-focused legacy, the family requests making donations to either City Mission (www.citymission.org or by check to address listed above) or by check to Legacy Church International, 200 N Forrest Ave., Washington, PA 15301, noting Doug Bush in memorial. In His Name, Dean R. Gartland, MS On behalf of City Mission staff Friend of Doug Bush and President/CEO of City Mission

Resident Stories

"Never Going Back"

Michael at City Mission
March 22, 2024

“I was beat down, sleeping in a tent, drinking. I had nowhere to go, no pupose to continue living,” said Michael, a current City Mission resident. “I was drinking myself into submission, and that was alright with me. That’s what I did all my life…Then, I saw a sign on a bus that said ‘City Mission, Hope for the Homeless.’” Before he came to City Mission, Michael was living in a tent near the Wild Things stadium in Washington. Alcohol had derailed his life. He had just lost his job, the only lifeline he had left. His daughter hadn’t spoken to him in months. So he got on a bus to head back to Pittsburgh, with no real idea what he was going to do next, when he saw a flyer that said, “City Mission: Hope for the Homeless.” He asked the bus driver about us, and the bus he was riding actually had a stop at the Mission. So Michael got off the bus and sat out front on his cooler of beer in front of our chapel, drinking up the courage to ask for help. “When you’re in addiction, you don’t like to ask for help,” he explained. Before long, Jared Nolan, City Mission’s RSS Supervisor, and Dave Green, our Men’s Intake Coordinator, came out and asked him if he needed anything. “Jared and Dave saved my life,” Michael said. When he came to City Mission, he was expecting a dark, open area filled with cots and a rowdy bunch of drunk guys fighting over stuff. But when he came to the Mission, he found a place filled with light. “It wasn’t what I expected at all,” he explained. “There were dorms with sober people who were offering to help me out rather than take what I had. People came up to me and said, ‘if you need anything, let me know.’” He didn’t have many clothes, so the Mission let him go through a donation bin and pick out anything he wanted. Later, he was given a clothing voucher to pick out whatever he needed at our Thrift Store. “I wasn’t sure I was gonna stay. I didn’t have anything,” he said. “But the Mission took care of me. They got me food, hygiene products, a bed, a hot shower, everything I needed.” The Mission took care of him, so he stayed. Michael grew up in Carnegie the youngest of five kids, being raised by a single Mom. His dad left the family shortly after he was born. When he was 12, his mom sent him away to boarding school in Hershey, PA, where he lived for four years, going to school and working on a dairy farm that helped to produce the milk for Hershey’s chocolate. His mom sent him away to school so that he would have a better start in life than his older brothers. Unfortunately, when he was 16, he started drinking alcohol, because his friends at school were doing it. He left the school and moved back home, but his mom was busy working all the time, so he was left on his own a lot. He did get a job working for a roofing company. He worked really hard, and he made good money. He continued to do that work for more than two decades. He worked hard, and then he drank hard as a way of celebrating his hard work. In 2004, he met his wife, and they had a baby together. He loved being a dad. “Deep inside, I always wanted a family,” he said. “When my daughter was born, I thought a lot about her future. There were things I thought about back then that I really wanted to become a reality.” In 2018, his wife left, and he became a single dad. In 2020, when the COVID lockdown happened, he was laid off from his job, and he started receiving unemployment. At the same time, his daughter was home from school, learning remotely. He had nothing to do but sit home and drink, so that’s what he did all the time, every day. When his unemployment benefits dried up, he tried to go back to work, but he couldn’t quit drinking, so he couldn’t hold down any jobs. Eventually, there were no roofing companies left that would hire him. His daughter moved out when she graduated high school, because she couldn’t stand to be around his drinking. He lost his house and started living on friends’ couches. Eventually, he ended up living in a tent in Washington, PA. After he came to City Mission, he started seeing things differently. “I never considered myself very likeable,” he explained. “I just thought I was a bad person. I tried to hide from people my whole life. City Mission is teaching me I can love myself. I do have purpose. I just have to work on it to better myself. I’m never gonna be perfect, but if I just keep working on it, I can be a good person that people can trust, that people can count on.” Last November, he missed his daughter’s birthday. She hadn’t spoken to him and didn’t really want him around. It was incredibly hard for Michael, because he had never missed her birthday before. When Christmastime rolled around, City Mission House Coordinator, Matt Chase, asked him what he was going to get for his daughter for Christmas. “Nothing,” he answered. “I don’t have anything to give her.” Matt took him up to the City Mission attic where we store all of our donations that can’t be used right away. Michael picked out a whole bag full of Christmas gifts he thought she would like. “How are you going to get it to her,” Matt asked. “I don’t know,” Michael told him. “I know where she works, but I don’t have any way to get there.” The next morning, Matt drove him to Carnegie. She wasn’t at work that day, but he was able to leave the presents there for her. The next morning, she video-called him on the phone to tell him thank you and to say she was sorry for not talking to him and that she was glad he was getting the help he needs. It was the first time he had seen her face in nine months. “I’ll never forget that,” Michael said. “I still get emotional when I think about it. It gives me hope that maybe someday, I can do something that special for somebody.” “I pray a lot since coming here,” he continued. “I ask God to keep me safe, to keep my daughter safe. And these prayers are being answered by people stepping up to help me. God put me here to give me a second chance. I really believe that. I’m going to make Washington my home. I’m never going back to Carnegie. I’m not going back to my old way of life. I’ve come too far, and I’ve seen how good life can be.” Now, Michael has a job that he loves where he can give back. He gets to see his daughter, and he talks to her regularly. His life is turning around. His future is bright. You can help Michael and many more here at City Mission to continue their journeys of life-transformation. Visit www.citymission.org/donate to learn more about how you can help.

"I Couldn't Live Like That Anymore"

Emily with her daughter, Faith
January 26, 2024

Emily looked out the window of the bus and breathed a sigh of relief as it pulled away. She had escaped undetected. “I was leaving a violent relationship, heading to Pittsburgh to hide.” It was hard to believe that her life had come to this, so far removed from the love and security she’d known as a little girl. “My dad was a pastor, and I was homeschooled and sheltered.” But when she was 13, Emily started public school without any warning about the dangers she’d face. “It was a drastic change and I fell in with the wrong crowd and started using drugs.” For years, she struggled with addiction, weakening her faith, alienating her family, and eventually, forcing her to flee in fear for her life. But after she arrived in Pittsburgh, she wound up homeless, struggling to survive. “I couldn’t live like that anymore,” she says. Emily completed rehab, but before she left, she discovered that she was expecting. And, in that moment, she cried out to God for a safe place to have her child and change her life. That’s when He led her to our Women and Children’s Shelter, where she found a warm bed, nutritious meals and the love and support she needed to navigate her pregnancy, which is very high-risk, because she has a mechanical heart valve after two open-heart surgeries. All along, it was very uncertain if she would even be able to carry her daughter to full term. Since then, Emily has given birth to a beautiful baby girl, who she named Faith. “It’s been an incredible journey,” Emily explained. “It’s a miracle that she and I survived labor and delivery. And she’s healthy.” Also, through the biblical counseling and life skills classes available at the Mission, Emily has been able to address the root causes of her addiction and become the kind of mother she always hoped to be. “I’ve learned to listen to God, follow Him and make lasting changes.” Through the love of Christ and with the support of City Mission, Emily has been able to restore broken relationships with her family members, and she and her daughter have successfully moved out of the Mission and into their very own home, together. One day, Emily hopes to go into ministry, helping other addicted women find freedom in Christ. Today, she has hope, and she wants to thank YOU for supporting her journey toward a new life. “City Mission gave me the courage to heal and make a fresh start.”

Larry Got His Keys!!

Larry Got His Keys
October 20, 2023

Larry recently moved into his very own place here in Washington after a year and half stay at the Mission. He is also gainfully employed in the service industry, which will help him sustain his independence. Larry came to us with a history of substance abuse, and he was mostly isolated from family and friends because of it. Also, he arrived at City Mission as part of Washington County’s Mental Health Court program, which according to the county website, is a “problem-solving court devoted to handling moderate to severe mental health cases that have become involved with the criminal justice system.” When he came to the Mission, he was a little reserved and apprehensive, but we had the great priviledge to watch him grow and blossom during his time here. He deepened his relationship with Christ and poured himself into 12-step recovery. “They say meeting-makers make it,” said Housing Coordinator, Matt Chase, “and Larry was at a 12-step meeting every opportunity that was available to him.” Additionally, he proved to be very diligent about his mental health medication. With his deepening faith, his commitment to his recovery, and his mental health stability, he has been able to transform his life. He even rekindled his relationship with his son. “During the summer,” Chase explained, “Larry and his son would visit Kennywood and they were able to make precious memories together that weren’t possible when Larry was in active addiction.” Larry graduated from our life recovery program and moved out successfully and independently into his own place. In December, he is expected to graduate from the Mental Health Court program. We couldn’t be happier for his success or more proud of all the work he has done to break through the barriers that had previously held him back. We continue to pray for him on his journey of recovery and hope. “He has been an astounding example to the other folks in the program,” said Chase. “Larry is a vision of hope and living proof that God is still in the business of miracles.”

Knowledge Share

Looking Forward. Looking Back.

Sunrise at the Mission
March 15, 2024

It’s hard to believe we’re already two and a half months into 2024! After the whirlwind of our Sweet Sunday event and the transition of our President/CEO, we are finally able to catch a breath and reflect. And while we’re looking forward with anticipation to what 2024 will bring, we know that our future successes will be built on the foundation of last year's achievements. In 2023, we embraced resilience and growth, a testament to our commitment and the collective spirit that drives our mission. The year was marked by overcoming challenges, particularly in adapting to a post-pandemic landscape. Our dual focus on delivering comprehensive services to those in need while laying the groundwork for a new women's shelter highlighted our adaptability and determination. We extend our deepest gratitude to the generous donors and our dedicated staff, whose tireless efforts have been pivotal in reaching our goals. Their contributions have enabled us to meet immediate needs and make strides towards long-term solutions. As we reflect on the accomplishments and challenges of 2023, we are filled with optimism for what 2024 can become. Together, we look to the future, ready to face new challenges and seize the opportunities that await. Operational Highlights and Challenges In 2023, City Mission navigated the complex terrain of providing for four distinct homeless populations while forging ahead with plans for a new shelter dedicated to homeless women. This balancing act of addressing immediate needs while planning for the future was no small feat! The result of that effort was not just a continuation of our mission but an enhancement, underscored by impressive HEIRS outcome statistics, with a 69% overall success rate for residents who stay at least 90 days in our program. These achievements highlight our commitment to not just meet but exceed the needs of those we serve. Fundraising Successes The past year also saw us achieving significant milestones in fundraising, particularly for our new women's facility. A significant amount of the funds required to build the new facility have been secured, thanks to the unwavering support of our community. However, we still have a lot more to raise, so please continue to help us bring even more hope to homeless women. The financial backing we received this past year is a testament to the faith our donors place in us and the hard work of our staff and our residents who meet new challenges every day as they fight to restore their lives to purpose and indepedence. We are deeply grateful for this support, which not only sustains our day-to-day operations but also propels us towards our future goals. But we still have a lot more work to do and more funds to raise every single day to continue our mission. Recognition of Service 2023 was a year marked by poignant moments of recognition and remembrance. One such moment was when the Washington County Community Foundation honored Doug Bush, a long-standing member of our team, with the prestigious Louis Waller Humanitarian Award. This award celebrated Doug's lifetime commitment to addiction recovery work and his faithful service to the most vulnerable in Southwestern PA. His recognition came at a particularly challenging time, as Doug was battling cancer. Yet, it was a beautiful testament to his impact, showing the deep respect and admiration our community holds for those who dedicate their lives to serving others. Sadly, we lost Doug in October. His passing was a profound loss, felt deeply by all who were fortunate enough to know him. We remember Doug not just for his contributions to City Mission but for the spirit of hope and love he embodied! Support and Successes Despite the challenges faced, City Mission's commitment to providing a pathway to independence for our residents remained resolute. In 2023, we were able to offer an impressive array of services, including 131,252 meals, 46,455 bed nights, 484 ID cards, 210 educational and career assessments, 189 financial training classes, and 14,997 medical clinical services. These figures represent more than just numbers; they reflect the lives touched and the hope restored through our work. Our efforts extended beyond basic needs, encompassing comprehensive support designed to propel our residents towards self-sufficiency and a brighter future. The success of these programs is a tribute to the dedication of our staff and the generosity of our supporters, illustrating the tangible difference we can make when we come together for a common purpose. Looking Toward the Future As we celebrate the milestones achieved in 2023 and navigate the challenges, our journey into 2024 is filled with hope and determination. The establishment of the new women's shelter, which is scheduled to break ground in May, is a beacon of our ongoing commitment to extend our reach and deepen our impact. This project, pivotal to our mission, represents just one of the many ways we strive to serve those in need with dignity and compassion. How You Can Help: • Donations: Every contribution, large or small, fuels our ability to provide essential services. We invite you to join us in making a difference by donating through our website or participating in our fundraising campaigns. Your generosity can transform lives and empower individuals to achieve independence. • Volunteer Opportunities: Our volunteers are the heartbeat of our mission. Whether you're looking to serve meals, assist in our events, or lend your expertise to professional services, your time and talents can have a profound impact. • Event Participation: Events like Sweet Sunday not only raise crucial funds but also bring our community together in celebration of what we can achieve collectively. Please mark your calendars and stay tuned for our upcoming events in 2024. As we look to the future, we are reminded of the power of collective action and the difference we can make when we all work together. For more information on how you can make a difference, visit our ways to help page or call us at 724-222-8530. If you need our services, please reach out to our support team.

Passing the Torch

City Mission President/CEO, Diana Irey Vaughan
March 8, 2024

On Monday, March 4, in City Mission’s Porter Pillow and Peggie Beaver Pillow Chapel, Dean Gartland hosted his final weekly chapel service as President/CEO, and he introduced former Washington County Commissioner, Diana Irey Vaughan, as his successor. “We have a tremendous new journey in front of us,” Gartland said. “I’m excited for City Mission and what’s going to happen here in the future. This Mission belongs to Christ, and He cares about everyone in this place.” When Gartland introduced Irey Vaughan as the new President/CEO, he explained that, “God has prepared her to step into this role and to continue persevering through the trials that will come at City Mission.” Next, new President/CEO Diana Irey Vaughan took the podium and introduced herself to the audience of staff members and residents. She spoke briefly about her upbringing in West Virginia and her 28-year career as a Washington County Commissioner. “I became very involved with City Mission during my time as a Commissioner,” she explained. “God always put it on my heart to serve others, and when I saw the impact that the Mission was having in people’s lives, I really grew to love it. I’m so excited to be a part of the family here at City Mission.” She went on to say that Gartland has left very large shoes to fill in the position. “It’s a little intimidating actually,” she said. “Dean has done a tremendous job!” After that, several City Mission residents spoke up. One resident said, “I want to thank City Mission for saving my life.” Another resident said, “God is moving here at City Mission, and He’s going to continue to move in this place.” We pray that City Mission continues to be a light in the darkness for another 83 years. Please support our ongoing mission to share Christ, to shelter, to heal, and to restore the homeless to independent living – without discrimination. Visit www.citymission.org/donate.

City Mission Announces March 2024 Retirement of CEO and Names Successor

Dean and Diana
November 2, 2023

After fifteen years of service to City Mission in Washington PA, Dean Gartland, current President/CEO, will change his role to President Emeritus starting March 1, 2024. After assisting the mission with its important leadership transition, Gartland plans his full retirement after September 30, 2024. Starting at the mission in 2008, Gartland served as Director of Programs and Vice President before assuming the President/CEO position in 2010. Under his leadership tenure, City Mission increased its available beds from 96 to 175, and increased its annual budget from $2.5M to $8M. After a devastating fire in 2015, Gartland supervised the $18M capital campaign that established the four main individual shelters the mission has today: Men, Women, Women with Children, and Veterans. During this campaign he provided the vision necessary to recognize the growing needs in the homeless population which added two additional shelters: Veterans and Women with Children. City Mission’s growth is due in part to Gartland’s cultivation of large Pittsburgh area grants such as FHLB-Pittsburgh, RK Mellon and the Allegheny Foundation. Another contributor to growth is his relentless pursuit to get the word out about the works of the mission and innovations such as his “Hope for Homeless” podcast. His development of an outcomes measurement system for the mission has been a proven tool to showcase the mission’s success, both in his grant and relationship work for the mission. “We have a great model for moving the homeless men and women to independent living that allows us to keep robust outcome measures in Housing, Employment, Income, Recovery, and Spirituality (HEIRS),” he said. “Grants and Foundations are always looking to the end results of their investments, and we’ve been able to provide important metrics that prove the efficacy of our programs.” Among his achievements for City Mission, Gartland also established a 60,000 square foot Vocational Training Center/Donation Center and expanded City Mission’s network of Thrift Stores from three to eight. “Our Thrift Stores give all profits back to the Mission,“ he said. “Last year, they provided $500,000 to programs and services for the homeless.” Gartland will serve as President Emeritus at City Mission from March 1, 2024, to September 30, 2024, working in an advisory capacity to the board and senior leadership team, and serving as a fundraiser for the new 50-bed shelter for homeless women that the City Mission is building in 2024. City Mission considers itself blessed to have benefited from Gartland’s years of service and dedication, which has positively impact thousands of lives around our region. When Gartland announced his plans for retirement a year ago, City Mission’s Board of Directors went through the detailed process of selection. The Board identified Diana Irey Vaughan as Gartland’s possible successor and Gartland agreed she is the right person to lead City Mission. Now City Mission is proud to announce that Diana Irey Vaughan has accepted the role as President/CEO starting March 1, 2024. Gartland says, “I am happy Diana has agreed to serve in this important role. City Mission's board and leadership team have worked closely with Diana over the years on large projects, and we are confident she will provide the leadership that is necessary to continue restoring lives through the mission’s programs and services.” Elected County Commissioner in 1995, Irey Vaughan is Washington County’s longest serving Commissioner, now serving her seventh term of office; she is also the only woman to have ever served in this position. She is a leader in economic development, establishing a public-private partnership in 1999 with the Washington County Chamber of Commerce that created a unified delivery system for economic development efforts. She played a key role in the development of Southpointe I and II, having co-chaired the Western Center Land Reuse Task Force, and has been instrumental in the progress of California Technology Park. She was named one of the top “60 Pittsburghers of the Year” by Pittsburgh Magazine in 1999. Through her insistence on long-range planning, low tax rate, and a unified economic delivery plan, Irey Vaughan has helped to foster an environment that brought more than 6,000 new jobs, ranking Washington County third in the nation in job growth by U.S. Department of Labor in 2010. Irey Vaughan is also well-known for her support of area humanitarian efforts, charities, and non-profits. She has served on numerous boards and task forces during her tenure that benefited the region. She also won the Washington County Athena Award in 2014 and the American Legion Medal of Honor in 2015. In 2017-2018, Irey Vaughan served on the City Mission Capital Campaign Steering Committee and raised over $100,000 for City Mission through her long-distance runs. Upon accepting this new role, Irey Vaughan says “City Mission has long been a valuable asset to our community, caring for our neighbors in need and transforming lives now and for eternity. I am humbled and honored to be chosen as the next President/CEO of City Mission.” With all of Irey Vaughn’s experience and knowledge of the region, coupled with her desire to help those in need, City Mission looks forward to her leadership to continue to build on the mission’s 82-year history and take it into the future. About City Mission: For over 82 years, City Mission in Washington, PA, has sheltered, healed, and restored the homeless to independent living—without discrimination. City Mission’s comprehensive program addresses both short-term needs like food and shelter, and long-term needs, including drug and alcohol counseling, mental health and medical treatment, legal aid, and employment training. City Mission’s goal is to help each man, woman, mother with children, or veteran who walks through our doors to become a healthy, productive member of society. With your help, we can help our residents renew their lives.

Donors

Running For the Mission

Diana Irey Vaughan at Disney Land in Anaheim, CA
February 2, 2024

Former Washington County Commissioner and soon-to-be President/CEO of City Mission, Diana Irey Vaughan, recently ran seven races over seven days on two separate coasts for a total of 71 miles, all to raise funds in support of City Mission’s Hope for Homeless Women capital campaign. “I support Washington City Mission because I want everyone to have an opportunity to fulfill God’s calling in their life,” she explained. “Those served at the Mission, and their families, will find the support and resources they need to achieve success. I know of no other resource in our community that achieves the success rate of City Mission.” This was the sixth running event she has organized to support the Mission, and over the years, she has been able to raise $138,000. “Diana is tireless,” said City Mission Chief Development Officer, Dr. Sally Mounts. “Each year, she sets higher goals for her runs, and best of all, this year, she ran for City Mission’s new shelter for homeless women. How can you beat that?” Starting on March 1, Irey Vaughan will assume the President/CEO role for City Mission, and Dean Gartland, City Mission’s current President/CEO, will transition into a role as President Emeritus, where he will continue to raise funds for the new 50-bed shelter for homeless women, which will break ground this year. “Diana is a long-time major donor to City Mission, and an indisputable believer in the notion that God gives second chances,” Gartland, who has served the Mission for 15 years, said of his successor. “She has my fullest confidence, as a Christian and as a leader.” Washington City Mission provides food, shelter, and medical services for those in need. “The Mission provides the opportunity for a new life for the residents they serve,” said Irey Vaughan. “Families I know personally have been reunited and restored. City Mission is a beacon of hope.”

"Play Ball!"

City Mission and Range Resources
September 15, 2023

After a weeklong rain delay, the fifth annual Range Resources vs City Mission Hits for the Homeless charity softball game resumed at North Strabane Park last Wednesday. "It's so nice to see our residents go out and play a game and have fun," said City Mission President/CEO, Dean Gartland. "We just can't thank Range Resources enough for putting together this event." For the past five years, each September, Range Resources has hosted a softball game with their employees taking on City Mission residents. Leading up to the game, the Range Resources team also supplied lunch for our residents and served in our dining hall to build anticipation for the upcoming contest and build camaraderie with the City Mission team. After the game, Range Resources presented City Mission with a generous check. This past Wednesday, the two teams came to the field ready to play, resuming in the middle of the second inning with the City Mission team leading 2-1. In the bottom of the second inning, City Mission scored another run, giving them a 3-1 lead. But in the top of the third, the Range Resources’ bats came alive, knocking in five runs. This gave Range their first lead of the game, one they would never relinquish as they went on to capture a 17-12 win, making the series record between the two teams 3-2 in favor of Range and bringing the trophy back to their offices for the first time in three years. "It's really good to see the camaraderie that develops between the residents out here on the field," said City Mission's Men’s Intake Coordinator/Softball Coach, Dave Green. "We see them when they first come to us broken. And then to bring them out here and see their talents start to shine through -- it's really something special to watch." The game is a special event for the residents of City Mission. It’s something that they all look forward to and a memory they will cherish long after they leave the Mission. Each City Mission player, no matter their level of experience or athleticism, plays the game hard and plays to win. Many of them come to us in a very vulnerable state and have suffered through difficult even traumatic events recently in their lives. And at the Mission, they are doing serious and soul-searching work on themselves. This annual softball game is an important opportunity for them to let loose, have fun, and support each other. It’s hard to put into words exactly what it means to them. “I just love playing ball,” one City Mission resident said in the middle of the game. “I just feel free.” “This is what life recovery is all about,” added Green. “It teaches these guys how to live and how to have fun without drugs and alcohol. I mean, they’re having a blast.” So thank you, Range Resources, for making such a meaningful impact on our residents and for engaging with the Mission in such a thoughtful and genuine way. Your business or organization can also make an impact on your community by partnering with City Mission. Contact Corporate Relations Manager, Eric Smith, at esmith@citymission.org or visit www.citymission.org for more information.

A Legacy of Giving

The Smydo family in front of the treehouse playset they donated.
September 1, 2023

A few months ago, Dave Smydo and the Smydo family made a very generous and unique donation to City Mission. They donated a treehouse playset and a bookcase full of children’s books for the Kids’ Corner in our dining hall. “This is a great example of a donor connecting with City Mission through his passion,” said Dr. Sally Mounts, City Mission’s Chief Development Officer. “Dave has a heart for kids and a huge interest in making sure their physical and emotional needs are met. So the treehouse and the bookcase full of children’s books are a natural extension of that.”“The heart of the Smydo family for children is evident in their gifts of the treehouse, books, and shelves,” added City Mission Director of Residential Programs, Leah Dietrich. “You can see it too in Dave’s work within the community to help provide children with opportunities otherwise beyond their reach.”For a long time, City Mission has been working to create safe, fun, kid-centered spaces around campus. For the kids who live in our Women with Children Shelter, the dining hall is a central place where they eat every day and get to play with their friends and develop social skills. The Mission also hosts recovery meetings in our dining hall, and the Kids’ Corner offers a place for the children to play together safely, build friendships, and develop motor skills while their moms work on their own recovery just a few feet away. But the Kids’ Corner is also an important spot for our adult residents who have children that do not live at the Mission, because it provides an opportunity for the parents to have positive, playful, and memorable visits with their kids on our campus. “The Smydo family’s generosity will allow the children who call City Mission home and the children who visit our campus the opportunity to enjoy a space just for them,” said Dietrich. “In a difficult time where they are faced with many challenges, they can simply be kids. The expansion of the City Mission Kids’ Corner will be enjoyed for years to come.” Dave Smydo first learned about the Mission when his father, Andrew Joseph Smydo, passed away two years ago. Dave noticed that the last check his father wrote before he died was to City Mission. His father’s final act of kindness and generosity moved Dave and encouraged him to learn more about the Mission. And he wants to pass on that legacy of giving to his son, Declan. “I am grateful for the heart of Dave,” said Dietrich, “and supporters like him who have a heart for children and a desire to teach the next generation to support those in need. He is truly working to instill in his son, Declan, that same love for others.”It is a beautiful story and a very impactful donation from a big-hearted donor and his family. Thank you, Smydo family, for your compassionate gifts to our City Mission children. You can make an impact in your community, too! Visit citymission.org to learn more about how you can partner with us in our mission to bring hope to the homeless.

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So we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.    — Romans 12:5