Crystal's Journey

A Story of Resilience & New Beginnings

Meet Crystal: A Journey of Resilience and New Beginnings

Crystal's story is one of resilience, transformation, and faith. After a difficult childhood and years of struggling with addiction, she made the courageous decision to change her life. She moved from West Virginia to Washington, Pennsylvania, seeking a fresh start away from the influences that had kept her trapped in addiction. City Mission provided the safe place she desperately needed, a place to heal, rebuild, and rediscover her worth.

Crystal’s early life was marked by challenges, but she always found a way to persevere. She grew up in a home where stability was hard to come by, navigating difficult circumstances with strength and resilience. When her mother was incarcerated, Crystal faced a life-changing decision: enter foster care or move in with relatives she had never met. She chose family, hoping for a fresh start, and worked hard to build a stable life. By 17, she was a young mother, determined to provide for her child and even becoming emancipated to take on that responsibility. But life’s hardships weighed heavily on her, and she found herself struggling with addiction. Losing custody of her children was one of the most painful moments of her life. “Before I came to the mission, I was currently locked up,” she recalls. “I was tired of running. I missed having a home. I missed normal.” That was the moment she knew she needed a change.

Determined to break free from the cycle of addiction, Crystal sought out a recovery program and found City Mission. Since arriving, she has embraced every opportunity for growth. “My safe place is the kitchen,” she says. She found comfort there, a place that feels like home, and still volunteers on weekends whenever she has free time. Cooking has been a source of stability and healing for her, allowing her to connect with others and give back to the community. “Anytime I feel bored, I go to the kitchen. It keeps me busy and gives me a sense of purpose.”

Beyond the kitchen, Crystal has taken full advantage of there sources City Mission offers. She completed job training, earned certifications, and regained stability. “When I walked in the door, I literally had the outfit I had on. That was it. But they helped me get everything I needed to start over.” Today, she has a job, is working toward getting a car, and dreams of opening a transitional home for women in recovery. Her goal is to provide the same kind of support and opportunity she found at City Mission to others who are struggling.

“I’m thankful for the mission because they showed me anew way to live,” Crystal says. Through faith, determination, and the support of City Mission, she is proof that transformation is possible. “I don’t want addiction to be my outcome. I want different for me. And I want to be there for my kids again.” Her story is a testament to the power of second chances and the hope that City Mission provides to those in need.

March 19, 2025

Laura Degnan

Digital Marketing Coordinator

Laura Degnan has been a valued employee of City Mission for over three years, bringing eight years of experience in the nonprofit sector. She enjoys making a difference in the community through her work.

Ldegnan@citymission.org

"I Was My Own Worst Enemy"

Bill in front of City Mission's Crabtree Kovacicek Veterans House

June 17, 2026

At 64 years old, Bill has lived many lives. An Air Force veteran, a husband and father, a manager, a provider, and now, a grandfather whose face lights up every time he shares a picture of his grandson. But before arriving at City Mission, Bill found himself in a place he never imagined. Born in Syracuse, New York, Bill grew up moving throughout the East Coast with his family. The second oldest of six children, he remembers his Catholic upbringing fondly. Church, chapel, Bible classes, and faith were steady parts of his childhood — something that would later become an anchor again in his life. Bill is someone who always loves making people laugh and finding humor wherever he can. He is intelligent, and school came easily to him, but he admits he lacked the discipline he thought college required. Instead, he voluntarily enlisted in the United States Air Force — a decision he still calls one of the best he ever made. In the Air Force, Bill trained in electronics and became a nuclear missile systems analyst. More importantly, military life taught him structure, discipline, and self-reliance. “It allowed me to own myself,” Bill said. “It taught me how to become self-reliant.” For many years, life looked successful from the outside. Bill built a career, got married, raised a family, and enjoyed the rewards of hard work. He had the house, the cars, even a boat. But over time, poor financial decisions, isolation, anxiety, depression, and alcohol use slowly unraveled the life he had built. “The train went off the tracks, if you will,” he said quietly. Eventually, Bill became estranged from his family and disconnected from himself. Though he maintained professional relationships, he felt deeply alone. “I wasn’t who I should have been,” he reflected. “I was my own worst enemy.” Before coming to City Mission, Bill was working as a manager at Walmart. Then came a three-day drinking binge that ended in the hospital, the loss of his job, and three weeks living out of his car during the middle of February. The gas eventually ran out because Bill would wake up freezing in the night and start the car for a few minutes of heat. He had barely eaten. His mental and physical health were deteriorating. Then one day, while at Shop ’n Save, Bill noticed information about City Mission’s veterans program with a phone number for Brad, City Mission’s Manager of Clinical Services. Bill called. “Brad was encouraging but not pushy,” Bill remembered. “He knew I had to come into the program on my own terms.” At first, Bill stayed only a few nights in the emergency shelter. He even felt guilty using the resource. But deep down, he knew he needed help. “I needed City Mission,” he said. “I had no direction. My mental and physical health were deteriorating. But I needed to be the one to make the decision to come here. That was the only way I was going to be successful.” When Bill finally entered the program, something immediately felt familiar: structure. After years of instability, the daily rhythm of life at City Mission reminded him of the discipline he had once learned in the military. During work therapy, he began each day with 7 a.m. devotions followed by work in the warehouse. “I had something to do again,” he said. “A reason to get out of bed.” As time passed, Bill’s confidence slowly returned. He was eventually asked to serve as a Resident Assistant in the veterans dorm. Because he had a vehicle, he also became one of the drivers, helping transport other residents to appointments and work. “I felt better about myself,” Bill shared. “I was doing something for myself and for others. I was responsible for the people I was driving. It gave me more confidence in myself.” Through City Mission’s Career Training and Education Center, Bill updated his resume and connected with staffing agencies. In October, he began working at PA Transformer Technology, where he now has a steady union job with health insurance and a reliable paycheck. “I get to do something I’m pretty good at,” he said with a smile. “It made my outlook so much better. I’m not nearly as self-conscious anymore.” Bill is quick to credit City Mission for helping him rebuild his life, but he’s equally honest about the work required on his part. “If you work the program, the program will work for you,” he said. “I had nothing to lose and everything to gain.” Perhaps the greatest gift of Bill’s transformation has been the restoration of his family relationships. Today, he has reconnected with his son and recently became a grandfather — a role he cherishes deeply. Sharing a photo of his grandson, Bill beamed with pride and asked, “Isn’t he the most handsome guy you’ve ever seen?” Now, instead of measuring life by material success, Bill sees what truly matters. “I had all the material things before — the house, the boat,” he said. “But right now, with a relationship with my son and grandson, I have everything I need.” That renewed sense of purpose drives him forward. “I want to watch my grandson grow up. I want to be there for my family continually. I have that motivation now. I have self-worth now.” After 14 months at City Mission, Bill says he feels healthier mentally, emotionally, and spiritually than he has in years. He is preparing to move into his own apartment and begin the next chapter of his life with confidence and hope. “Coming to City Mission was one of the top three decisions I’ve made,” Bill said. “I know I will never be that low again.” He pauses for a moment before adding: “I feel very confident, hopeful, optimistic about my future. City Mission has been integral in that.”

Becoming the Man He Was Always Meant to Be

John, a City Mission resident, getting baptized.

March 17, 2026

John has always been creative at heart. Music, art, painting, poetry—these are the ways he makes sense of the world. But for years, that part of John was buried beneath addiction, shame, and the weight of poor choices fueled by the wrong crowd. “I always had a good heart,” John says. “I just got caught up in the wrong crowd.” Today, John is seven months clean and building a life defined not by who he was, but by who he is becoming. A turning point in John’s journey came through baptism at City Mission. At the time, John was working through something he found even harder than recovery itself: forgiving himself. During the Mission’s baptism class, he learned that baptism is about renewal, forgiveness, and becoming new. “It’s about rededication,” John explains. “About forgiving yourself and moving forward.” The day of his baptism was deeply emotional. John watched babies being dedicated, then women being baptized, but what moved him most was watching his peers: the men he lived alongside at the Mission. Seeing grown men cry openly, surrendering their pasts and committing to a new life, broke through something in him. “I felt different afterward,” John says. “Like I was wanted here. Like I accomplished something.” At City Mission, baptisms are taken seriously—and John takes it seriously, too. He holds himself to a new standard now: unconditional love, forgiveness, integrity, and accountability. “I’m more conscientious to walk the walk,” he says. John no longer defines himself by his past. “I am not John the drug dealer, the kingpin. That’s not who I am,” he says. “I am John the poet, the artist, the man who has compassion for others.” For John, identity is rooted in love. “When I reflect on who I truly am,” he says, “you are what you love.” That love now fuels his desire to leave a legacy, especially for his five children, ages 8 to 15, whom he is incredibly proud of. “I want my kids to hear, ‘Your dad was an awesome person. He helped so many people.’” And John is already doing just that. Known throughout the Mission for his positivity and strong work ethic, John looks for ways to serve wherever he can. With his barber certification, he cuts the hair of other residents—an act of goodwill and dignity for men who often arrive with nothing. He’s also pursuing a stable future. Through City Mission’s Career Training and Education Center, John received help updating his resume, applying to Penn Commercial, and securing financial aid. He was accepted into the welding program—a skill he hopes will not only provide steady employment, but also allow him to combine his technical training with his love for art. “They taught me to be honest about my background,” John says. “Dress well. Engage. Ask questions.” “I’m a hard worker with a smile.” As a Resident Assistant in the men’s house, John helps new residents navigate life at the Mission. He gives away his own clothes and shoes, shows men who to ask for help, and models what it looks like to trust the process. With the guidance of his house coordinator, John has learned how to lead by example. The most important lesson he’s learned at City Mission? “How to be responsible, independent, and to always grow,” he says. “And growth isn’t always about you, it’s about helping other people grow.” Each morning, John begins his day in the chapel, doing devotions with fellow residents. “I wake up happy now,” he says. “I wasn’t always like that. I used to wake up miserable, full of shame, guilt, and anger at my life. But now, I wake up happy.” John Slade is building a new legacy—one rooted in faith, service, creativity, and hope. And every day, he’s becoming more fully the man he was always meant to be.

Deb's Transformation

February 18, 2026

When Deb stood in the auditorium cheering for her grandson as he graduated from nursing school, she felt overwhelmed with gratitude. Her daughter—also a nurse—pinned him during the ceremony, and Deb watched proudly from her seat. These are the kinds of moments she once believed she would never experience again. For more than 12 years, addiction and grief had separated her from her children, five grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. But this year, surrounded by her family once more, Deb celebrated not just her grandson’s achievement—but her own healing. “City Mission really saved my life.” Loss, Grief, and a Turning Point Deb grew up in a loving home and went on to build a beautiful life with her husband of 42 years. They raised two children and were deeply rooted in their church and community. When he died unexpectedly, Deb’s world fell apart. She became angry with God and felt her faith slip away. Alcohol quickly became her way of coping with the pain. As the years passed, her addiction strained her relationships and isolated her from the people she loved most. The lowest point came in a quiet hotel room in Uniontown, where she wrote goodbye letters to her family. She truly believed her life was over. But God had other plans. A teenage girl approached her outside the hotel and said, “God loves you.” Deb didn’t accept the words at the time, but the girl noticed signs of a heart attack and called for help. EMTs arrived, saved her life, and a social worker gently encouraged her to pursue treatment. After completing rehab, a counselor recommended she come to City Mission. Deb wasn’t sure she wanted to live in a structured environment with other women, but she trusted her counselor—so she came. And that decision changed everything. Finding Safety, Stillness, and New Strength When Deb arrived at City Mission, she told herself each morning, “Stay today. You can leave tomorrow.” But as the days passed, she began to feel something she hadn’t felt in a long time: hope. She was welcomed with compassion, smiles, encouragement, and staff who believed in her even before she believed in herself. Through chapel services, counseling, case management, and the gentle guidance of faith-filled staff, Deb slowly felt her anger melt away. She describes her spiritual renewal as a rebirth: “It was like becoming a butterfly.” Her grandson even gave her a butterfly ring to celebrate her first year of sobriety. This December, she will celebrate two years clean. Rediscovering Joy and Purpose During work therapy, Deb was assigned to the kitchen with Food Services Manager Judy Sandy. When Judy discovered that Deb once baked wedding cakes to support her family, she encouraged her to use those skills again. Deb began baking for residents, creating desserts that filled the kitchen with warmth and joy. Cooking brought back pieces of herself she had forgotten—memories of her mother, her home, and the creativity she once loved. She also began helping staff with transportation needs. Although she hadn’t driven in six years, she quickly found joy behind the wheel again—especially as it gave her the opportunity to mentor other women. Today, Deb leads Monday morning devotions, serves as a Resident Assistant at Sally’s House, and has become a steady source of encouragement to the women coming behind her. “I get to give again. Give back what was given to me.” The Best Gift of All: Family Reconnected Deb’s time at City Mission has given her many things—faith, confidence, purpose—but the greatest gift has been her restored family. By using the tools she learned in the program, she was able to approach her relationships with patience and grace. Slowly, her children and grandchildren opened their hearts to her again. Now, Deb is part of birthdays, holidays, and daily life. Her grandson has welcomed her into her great-grandson Roman’s life—a milestone she once thought impossible. And this summer, she will join her family on their annual beach trip for the first time in twelve years. “I can see my family now.” A Future Full of Hope Deb keeps a prayer wall in her room, covered in Bible verses, quotes, and butterflies—symbols of her transformation. She has learned to “be still,” to listen, and to trust God again. She hopes to move into her own apartment in the new year and remain close to City Mission, where she has found community and purpose. Her dream is to return to the Mission one day as a mentor, walking alongside women who are beginning the same journey she once feared to start. When asked what City Mission taught her, she said: “That I am caring. That I am wanted.” And about God: “He walked with me through all of it. My faith is stronger now than it has ever been.” For Deb, life is full again. And for the first time in a long time, the future is bright.

Jennifer knows she is not alone…

June 13, 2025

Jennifer is still reeling from the devastating end of her marriage. For years, she and her husband were caught in a spiral of drug use and partying. Then, Jennifer got clean, but her husband was still using. When she became pregnant, she was forced to leave everything behind – even her jewelry and her mom’s wedding dress – but she was determined to build a better life for her baby. She brought her son to City Mission when he was just two weeks old so she could provide him with a loving, stable home. “My first couple of days here were scary, but there was a lot of love and support. Just an overwhelming amount of hugs and praise.” Jennifer quickly learned to turn to the other women and moms at the shelter for help as she discovered how to navigate life with a baby. “If it wasn’t for the angels on staff here at City Mission, we wouldn’t be here today. Now I have a beautiful village.” Every day, Jennifer continues to build her confidence and skills through our classes and mentorship. “They have helped me with self-esteem and given me grace – taught me to be less judgmental.” Her faith has grown and she was newly baptized to celebrate her renewed commitment to the Lord. “I’ve had a lot of awakenings and moments where I’m just in awe. Like God is really real.” Today, Jennifer is a Resident Assistant, guiding other women and helping them get adjusted to life at City Mission. She is happy to share the grace and guidance she’s been given with others to support them along their journey. Thank you for loving neighbors like Jennifer “as you’ve loved yourself.” Your kindness has reminded her that she is not alone and that a better life is possible! “This has genuinely been one of the best things that’s ever happened to me. I’m finding myself and loving myself again.”

Fully Restored

Patrick in front of City Mission's chapel

June 25, 2024

After rehab, Patrick walked over 70 miles to get to City Mission, because he knew this was right where he needed to be. It took him three days. “I knew right away I was in the right place when I got here,” said Patrick, “The first thing I remember is they asked me if I was hungry and they gave me a meal. And I was starving!” “Before I got here, I was just fumbling through life and didn’t have much hope,” he added. “City Mission restored my faith. I’m happy again. It’s amazing! I wish I could put it in better words than that.” Patrick grew up, one of seven kids, in Carnegie. He had a good upbringing. His parents were very hard workers, and he inherited a strong work ethic from them. In the early 2000’s, Patrick was active duty in the Air Force for four years. After he finished his service, he had difficulty reintegrating to society. “Since I came home from active duty,” he explained, “I kind of struggled with jobs, hopping from job to job.” He also moved around a lot and couldn’t get settled. “I had a hard time staying in one place,” he added, “having a plan, and sticking to it.” He fell into a work hard, play hard type of mentality and ended up getting into heavy drugs, which became an addiction that tore his whole world apart. “When I was in addiction, I didn’t love and value myself,” he said. “I had no hope. It was a deep, dark feeling. Now, since coming to the Mission, I’m fully restored as a person. I love who I am now. I love getting to know people and helping people. I have a love for life.” City Mission taught Patrick to be honest with himself and others, to stick to a schedule, and to build meaningful relationships. The Mission staff and his fellow residents surrounded him with love, and Patrick grew deeper into a life-changing relationship with Christ. Recently, Patrick moved out of City Mission’s Crabtree Kovacicek Veterans House and into his very own place. We are so proud of the work that Patrick has done to improve his life, and we’re proud of the man he has become. “I’m thankful to the Mission, because I have my life today,” Patrick said. “I’m sober. I have my friends and family back. I wish I had the words to describe it. It’s an amazing feeling. City Mission has completely changed my life.” There are 22 veterans, just like Patrick, in our Crabtree Kovacicek Veterans House who just need a little love, support, and encouragement to get their lives back on track. You can help restore their purpose and dignity. Visit www.citymission.org.

"I Was Meant to Come Here"

May 9, 2024

Hali has three beautiful children: James, 7, and twin girls Lyla and Lillie, age 2. Hali and the kids’ father had been in an on and off relationship since high school. When his substance abuse issues started getting out of control and creating a negative environment for her children, Hali decided to break it off with him for good. It was the right decision, but it left her and her kids with no place of their own. They moved in with her parents for a while, but that got to be pretty complicated, so they ended up living with Hali’s friend in Indiana, PA. But there was little stability or consistency. Hali’s mind was constantly racing, trying to figure out ways to care for her kids. She had calls in to some local shelters, but none had called her back. Then, her Mom, who just so happens to be our President Emeritus, Dean Gartland’s niece, told her about City Mission. “Why didn’t you tell me about this place sooner,” she told her mom, and she made the call to City Mission. Becky McDonald, our Intake Coordinator called her back right away. We didn’t have a room available immediately, but Becky called her back to check in every few days, and within a couple of weeks, a spot opened up for her. But Hali had no vehicle and no way of getting to the Mission. So the City Mission van made the two-hour drive out to Indiana to pick her up and give her a ride back here. At the Mission, she found peace and stability, and she began to develop trust and build strong relationships. Hali grew up primarily in Munhall, about twenty minutes from Pittsburgh, but she and her family moved around quite a bit. She was the second youngest of five kids. Her dad was an avid fisherman, and she has vivid memories of going on fishing and camping trips with him and her brothers. In high school, she was a good student. She enrolled in a vocational education program in high school and planned to be a nurse. At the end of the program, she would have finished with a Certified Nursing Assistant license. But her family moved during her Senior year, and she was unable to complete the program. When she was 19, she got pregnant with her son, James. “I had always wanted to be a mom,” she explained. When she was young, her family called her a “mother hen,” because she was always pretending to be a mom for her cousins and her younger sister. So when she found out she was expecting, she was extremely excited, and her parents were very supportive. But it was a rough pregnancy, filled with anxiety. Finally, at 41 weeks, she had an emergency C-section, and her son was born. “That moment was perfect,” she said. When Hali finally came to City Mission, it gave her a sense of peace for her and her family. “Moms don’t typically like to ask for help,” she said. “But I know I was meant to come here, and everyone has been so nice and welcoming. You literally get support from everybody – staff, residents. And my kids love it here too.” Her children love hanging out on our playground, and they are building strong relationships with the other kids. They also love spending time with Victoria, City Mission’s new Childcare Coordinator. City Mission has given Hali a sense of hope for her future. She wants to go back to school and learn a trade – maybe welding or general construction. And during her time here, she has also learned to trust others. It has been difficult for her to entrust her kids with other people, but her son, who she had previously homeschooled, is now going to public school and is making friends. Her daughters often stay in our childcare area during the time when Hali is going to classes and working to create a brighter future for her family. “City Mission gives you a sense of relief,” Hali said. “It gives you the knowledge that you have support and that you’re not alone. You don’t ever be afraid to ask for help.” Hali is learning to put her trust in God, and she even hopes to get baptized someday soon. She wants to raise her kids in the church and teach them to grow in their faith day by day. This Mothers’ Day, and every day, you can help moms like Hali find a fresh start and a sense of hope for the future. Visit citymission.org to learn what you can do to help those in need.