Deb's Transformation

Deb Finds New Life at City Mission

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.

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February 18, 2026

Shelby Lonce

Donor Relations Manager

Shelby is the Donor Relations Manager for City Mission. She has a true heart for those who are struggling with homelessness, and she engages our donors with grace and humility.

slonce@citymission.org

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.”

Crystal's Journey

March 19, 2025

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 the resources 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 a new 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.

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.

"Never Going Back"

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"

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.”