City Mission Announces March 2024 Retirement of CEO and Names Successor

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 was 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 ThriftStores 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 impacted 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, and they identified Diana Irey Vaughan as Gartland’s possible successor. 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 Vaughan’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.

November 2, 2023

"A Place of Joy!"

President/CEO Diana Vaughan Thanks Martha's Fund at their 30th Annual Martha's Run event.

April 30, 2026

City Mission is proud to announce the successful funding of a new playground that will serve children and families experiencing homelessness, made possible through the generosity of community partners and long-standing supporters. A significant portion of the funding was provided by The Martha Fund, a charitable organization dedicated to preserving the memory of slain FBI Special Agent Martha Dixon by hosting family-oriented public events and funding the construction and renovation of playgrounds in the Pittsburgh area. The announcement was made during their recent annual run fundraiser, marking the 30th anniversary of The Martha Fund’s annual signature event. City Mission President and CEO, Diana Vaughan, attended the event to personally thank participants and organizers for their commitment to strengthening the community. For more information about The Martha Fund, visit www.marthdixon.org. “The support from The Martha Fund represents more than just a financial investment—it’s an investment in dignity, stability, and healing,” said Vaughan. “For the children we serve, this playground will be a place of joy, learning, and normalcy during a very difficult season of life.” Kevin Dixon, Board President of The Martha Fund, shares, “We’re proud to join City Mission in this special effort to deliver joy to children—carrying forward the spirit of Martha Dixon’s unwavering love for them.” Additional funding for the project comes from Financial Fuel Services, a long-time supporter of City Mission. Their continued partnership reflects a deep commitment to making a lasting impact in the lives of vulnerable families in the region. “Financial Fuel Services has been a faithful partner to City Mission for many years,” Vaughan added. “Their generosity continues to help us expand opportunities for the individuals and families we serve.” The new playground will be located on City Mission’s campus and is designed to provide a safe, welcoming space for children staying at the shelter. Beyond recreation, the playground will support emotional well-being, social development, and a sense of normalcy for children navigating the challenges of homelessness. This project reflects City Mission’s broader commitment to serving men, women, and children through comprehensive programs and transformation that include housing, meals, spiritual care, medical care, mental health support, and career readiness with a goal of guiding individuals into independent, successful members of society. Construction on the playground is expected to begin this summer. For more information about City Mission or to support its programs, visit citymission.org.

Healing the Whole Person Through Christ-Centered Care

December 31, 2025

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives…” — Isaiah 61:1 In the Bible, we see again and again how Jesus met people’s physical needs alongside their spiritual ones. He fed the hungry, healed the sick, and welcomed those the world had cast aside. At City Mission, we strive to follow that same example. Homelessness is not just a housing issue. It’s a people issue—one that requires care for the whole person. That’s why City Mission doesn’t just provide shelter. We walk with people through recovery, medical care, job readiness, and spiritual restoration. Because healing doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It happens in relationship, with Christ at the center. A Safe Place to Begin Again For many, the first step toward healing begins with simply having a safe place to rest. City Mission provides that safety through its shelter programs for men, women, and children—offering more than a bed, but a stable, supportive environment where healing can start. Hali, a former resident, remembers what that felt like. “City Mission gives you a sense of relief,” she said. “It gives you the knowledge that you have support and that you’re not alone. You don’t ever have to be afraid to ask for help.” For Hali, the shelter was more than temporary housing. It was a turning point. With the support of staff and the fellowship of others walking similar paths, she began to rebuild—emotionally, spiritually, and practically. Today, City Mission operates five long-term shelters for men, women, women with children, and veterans—providing space for up to 212 individuals at a time. These shelters serve as a foundation for deeper recovery, stability, and transformation. Treating the Body with Compassion Healing the whole person means addressing physical health as well. Many people experiencing homelessness suffer from untreated conditions—chronic pain, infections, mental health struggles—that make it difficult to move forward. City Mission’s onsite Medical Clinic steps into that gap. Through the work of a full-time nurse and volunteer medical professionals from the local community, residents receive free preventive, primary, and urgent care. The City Mission Medical clinic partners Centerville Clinics to offer comprehensive services and connect patients to ongoing treatment. For someone who hasn’t seen a doctor in years—or who’s been discharged from the hospital with nowhere to go—this care can be lifesaving. A Path Toward New Life Addiction and homelessness often go hand in hand. Many of the men and women who come to City Mission are seeking freedom from drugs or alcohol, but they need more than detox. They need hope. They need support. And they need a long-term plan. City Mission’s faith-based recovery programs offer just that. Residents participate in counseling, life skills classes, Bible studies, and mentorship—building new foundations for a sober, purpose-driven life. They’re surrounded by people who believe in their future, even when they can’t yet see it for themselves. In this environment of structure, grace, and accountability, lives are being transformed every day. Men and women are breaking generational cycles, healing family relationships, and discovering God’s call for their lives. From Survival to Stability Once someone has found safety, healing, and sobriety, the next step is building a sustainable future. City Mission’s career training programs help residents take that step with confidence. Each resident works with staff to develop a personalized employment plan, whether that means pursuing training, earning a certification, or returning to the workforce after years away. In 2024 alone, 129 jobs were obtained by City Mission residents. Beyond job placement, the program builds self-esteem. It reminds people that they are not defined by their past, but by their potential. It equips them not just to survive—but to thrive. Meeting Needs Beyond the Mission Walls Not everyone who needs help can come into a shelter. That’s why City Mission extends its services beyond campus—meeting individuals and families in our community where they are. Through programs like the Samaritan Care Food Pantry and WeCare Street Outreach, City Mission provides food, hygiene items, medical care, and compassion to people experiencing hardship throughout Washington County. We also offer meals and clinic access to non-residents, ensuring that no one has to face crisis alone. This outreach reflects the heart of Christ’s ministry: going out to the hurting, the hungry, the unseen, and offering dignity and love. You Can Be Part of the Mission At City Mission, every service we offer is rooted in our faith. We believe that every person is created in the image of God and worthy of love, safety, and second chances. We also believe that real change happens when communities come together to lift one another up. That’s where you come in. Your support and donations makes it possible to meet physical needs, offer critical services, and share the hope of Christ with those in crisis. Whether you give, volunteer, or pray alongside us, your partnership helps transform lives. Give today to help us continue healing the whole person—body, mind, and spirit.

Why Homelessness Feels Different for Women

October 7, 2025

You might not notice her, but she’s there. She’s parked at the edge of a grocery store lot, trying to get a few hours of sleep before sunrise. Her toddler is in the back seat, tucked under a blanket. Her phone is out of service, her gas tank nearly empty, and her heart races every time someone walks by. This is homelessness for many women. Women Often Hide Their Homelessness to Stay Safe Unlike the more visible side of homelessness, many women aren’t sleeping on park benches or living in crowded camps. They’re doing everything they can to stay invisible, because being seen can mean being in danger. Some stay with friends. Some live in cars. Others remain in relationships that are toxic or even abusive because it feels safer than facing the unknown. The fear of violence, judgment, or being separated from their children keeps many women silent. But silence doesn’t mean safety, and invisibility doesn’t mean everything is okay. Many Are Mothers Trying to Keep Life Together One of the most heartbreaking truths is that a large number of homeless women are also mothers. They’re not just trying to survive; they’re trying to protect their children from the emotional toll of instability. They pack lunches, walk their kids to school, and paste on smiles while silently wondering where they’ll sleep that night. We’ve seen this courage up close. At City Mission, we’ve met moms who held their families together through unimaginable circumstances. Women who put their children first in every decision, even as their own lives were unraveling. It’s hard to ask for help when your kids are watching. But we want every mother to know: asking for help is not weakness. It’s bravery. Homelessness Doesn’t Just Happen Overnight For most women, homelessness isn’t a sudden event, it’s the result of years spent trying to survive impossible circumstances. It may begin with childhood trauma, an untreated mental health issue, or the slow unraveling of life after addiction. Often, it’s a combination of many things that go unnoticed until the bottom falls out. At City Mission, we’ve seen women come through our doors straight from the hospital, with nowhere else to go. We’ve welcomed mothers who arrive carrying only a diaper bag, doing everything they can to hold on to hope. Jennifer was one of those women. She had made the brave decision to leave her old life behind, choosing sobriety and safety for herself and her newborn son. With nothing but determination and the will to change, she walked through the doors of City Mission ready to begin again. She built friendships with other moms who understood her journey. She leaned on staff members who reminded her that she was not alone. Slowly, the weight she carried began to lift. Today, Jennifer works as a Resident Assistant, offering the same compassion and encouragement she once received. The Need Has Grown, But So Has Our Vision We hear from women like Jennifer every day. But sadly, we don’t always have room. Nationally, from 2023-2024, homelessness among women increased 26%. And the need is growing not just across the country but in our own neighborhood as well. We get phone calls every day from women seeking shelter. These are real stores. Real women who are ready for a second chance but have nowhere to go tonight. They need more than a bed. They need privacy, dignity, safety, and care. You Can Help a Woman Find Safety and Hope Every woman who calls us asking for help is someone’s daughter, someone’s mother, someone’s friend. She’s worth helping. Worth saving. Worth restoring. With your support, we’re building Sally’s Sanctuary, a new Women’s Center right here in Southwestern Pennsylvania. It will provide 50 additional beds for homeless women and so much more. It will be a place of safety and healing, offering not just shelter but also meals, counseling, spiritual care, recovery services, and community. The building is very near completion. We are planning for women to move into the new space starting in mid-to-late October. This is where their new life begins, where they can heal and restore their confidence and their hope. Be Part of Her Story If you’ve ever wondered what you could do to make a difference, this is your moment. Your gift today can help us open our doors to every woman who needs one. You help provide someone with a warm bed, a hot meal, and an opportunity to completely transform their life. Please consider donating today.

Grand Opening!

July 3, 2025

On Tuesday, July 8, City Mission will be hosting a Grand Opening for our newest City Mission Thrift Store located at 36 East Pike Street in Canonsburg. The Grand Opening ceremony will be held at 9:00am at the new store. The ceremony will include a prayer of dedication, a ribbon-cutting, refreshments, raffle baskets, and store discounts for shoppers. About a year ago, City Mission had to close its former Canonsburg location. Fortunately, they have been able to relocate to a different building just down the road. Lisa Scamazzi, a long-time friend, supporter, and volunteer at the Mission has been instrumental in helping the new store get up and running. “The City Mission Thrift Store is one of our flagship stores in downtown Canonsburg,” Scarmazzi said. “We are so excited about this new location. It’s going to be transformational in town. The setup is wonderful. The people are wonderful. Folks that come in are going to be completely surprised by the quality and the items that are there.”All of the proceeds from City Mission’s seven Thrift Stores support the life-changing programs and services for the homeless residents at the Mission. “You can go to our Thrift Stores and donate your unneeded items,” said City Mission President and CEO, Diana Irey Vaughan. “Through our best stewardship, we resell those items and then that money can help us continue the life-transformational programming that takes place on our campus at City Mission.”Visit www.citymission.org/stores for more information about City Mission’s Thrift Store operations.

A Remarkable Transformation

June 9, 2025

Ten years ago, on June 9, 2015, a devastating fire tore through City Mission’s campus, destroying the chapel, kitchen, dining hall, medical clinic and men’s dormitories. In that time of loss and extreme need, the community rallied to support City Mission in extraordinary ways. Donations poured in: monetary gifts, food donations, clothing donations for City Mission residents who had lost all their possessions in the fire. It was a remarkable show of support that laid the groundwork for an unprecedented transformation of the City Mission campus. This morning, City Mission hosted a chapel service at The Porter Pillow and Peggie Beaver-Pillow Chapel for its residents and employees. The event included a short video highlighting the effects of the fire and the transformation that occurred over the last ten years. City Mission Director of Residential Programs, Leah Dietrich, added remarks about the restorative and healing power of God. “While many people may not have been fully aware of the Mission’s work, the day of the fire brought significant attention to the shelter across our region,” said President/CEO, Diana Irey Vaughan. “The outpouring of initial support validated former President/CEO Dean Gartland’s vision of expanding services and developing the campus into a holistic resource for addressing the complex challenges faced by individuals experiencing homelessness. With each phase of growth, our donors have played a crucial role in turning that vision into reality.” Because of the community’s foundational support after the fire and continued partnership over the past ten years, City Mission has been able to expand remarkably and give back to the community in extraordinary ways: • Increased shelter capacity from 96 to 174 beds • Built a commercial-grade kitchen (2017) that served 84,912 meals to residents and the community last year • Opened the Ansys Career Training & Education Center (2017), which helped 129 individuals obtain jobs last year • Launched the Crabtree-Kovacicek Veterans House (2018), a 22-bed shelter for homeless veterans • Built the City Mission Medical Clinic, which was able to provide 14,319 medical services in 2024 • Expanded the Women with Children Center (2018), offering 11 fully furnished apartments with on-site childcare • Opened Sally’s House (2022), a 15-bed shelter for single women in the Next Step program. • And this September 2025, City Mission plans to open a new 50-bed Women’s Shelter—a sanctuary of healing, hope, and fresh starts. The opening of this facility will raise our total bed capacity from 174-210. • In 2024, 150 individuals successfully moved out of City Mission and into independent living, moving from homeless to hopeful “I am deeply moved by the outpouring of love and support from our community,” said Vaughan. “Time and again, our donors’ generous spiritual and financial support has ensured that we never faltered in our mission to provide food, shelter, and hope to those in need. Our doors have remained open, the tables have remained full, and hearts have remained uplifted.”

Eagle Scout Fundraiser

April 30, 2025

Noah Hickman is a Freshman at Canon-McMillan High School. He loves playing sports, creating online videos, and volunteering with his family and his church. Noah is a member of Boy Scout Troop 1313 in McMurray and is currently working to attain the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest achievement a Boy Scout can attain. As part of this process, Noah is planning, organizing, and leading his Scout Troop in a community service project to benefit the residents of our Crabtree Kovacicek Veterans House. “This project will support citizens of the United States who once risked their own lives for our freedom,” Noah explained, “but who currently are not in the best times of their lives and need our help.” Noah has been in the Boy Scouts since he was in sixth grade, and before that, he started with the Cub Scouts in first grade. “My favorite thing about the Boy Scouts,” Noah said, “is that it’s all scout-run. The scouts run the meetings and decide what projects to work on. The scouts also keep you busy with things that seem hard at first but are worth it in the end. And you learn something through that. You get life experiences that you probably wouldn’t get anywhere else.” Noah and his Scout Troop have officially launched their project, which will run throughout the summer. In addition to volunteering on our campus, they are leading a donation drive and a fundraiser to support our homeless veterans. If you’d like to partner with the Boy Scouts in helping our veterans, you can go here to donate items that our veterans need while staying at the Mission: https://sites.google.com/view/eaglescoutamazonwishlist/home You can go here to support the Boy Scout’s project by donating financially to our veterans program: https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E333819&id=33 We are so grateful for Troop 1313’s compassion and commitment, and we are inspired to see the younger generation rise up and join the battle against homelessness, addiction, and poverty. “It makes me so happy to see the next generation getting involved with helping the homeless,” said City Mission Director of Residential Programs, Leah Dietrich. “It takes families to invest in their children so their children will learn to invest in their community.” From the bottom of our hearts, thank you Noah Hickman, Boy Scout Troop 1313, and everyone who responds to their call to support our ministry!