Hope

We met Jacob K. in December while he was serving in the kitchen. He told us that he had only been at the Mission for about a week, but that he was already starting to feel good about himself --- and was learning a lot about faith. "I feel free here. I have a new life. It's given me a lot of hope," Jacob said.

One of our staff members prayed with Jacob and was privileged to be present when he accepted Christ as his personal Savior.

We praise God for using our staff to minister to those we serve and for your generous donations that allow us to continue this ministry!

Paying it Forward for Avis

Paying it forward for blessings received is a frequent conversation in the Gray household. Bria, Rian and Jenna are pictured here with care packages for our residents in Avis Arbor. The care package bags contain healthy snacks and fruit drinks, and the Gray family's hope is that these goodies will brighten someone's day. The girls also took the time to write encouraging messages and draw pictures on each bag. Thank you, Gray family, for being so generous!

Sweet Sunday

Sweet Sunday

City Mission's annual dessert festival, Sweet Sunday, will be held on February 8, at the Hilton Garden Inn, Southpointe from 12:00 - 5:00 p.m. The event has been going on for over 20 years now and this year is going to be even bigger and better than before! As City Mission's largest fundraiser and most anticipated event, all ages are invited to come for a very sweet day of fun and desserts. Dessert vendors range from youth, school and civic groups to professional bakeries and businesses. There are plenty of returning favorites and also some new groups. A special section called Kid's Korner, with entertainment, face painting and crafts, dedicated to kids. There are also regular and silent auction baskets and the ever-popular Wreath of Wealth. With live entertainment all day, desserts and lots of kid's activities, Sweet Sunday is definitely worth a visit. All proceeds benefit City Mission's programs and services ---and support our vision of ending homelessness one life at a time!  Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Please contact Shelby Knapp for more information, sknapp@citymission.org, or (724) 222-8530 ext. 236.

Paying it Forward

Quenton D. came to City Mission when his apartment building transferred to new ownership and he lost his place to live. "I stayed with relatives and friends, but that wasn't great---one of them even stole money from me," he reported. He came to City Mission, and lived here for 6 months. "It helped me get back into Christianity," he said. "Now I go to several church services a week." Last week, Quenton moved to an apartment in Washington and plans to visit City Mission often. "God has been good to me," he said. "Now I want to pay it forward."

Have You Seen These Boxes?

Incoming donations are sorted and distributed to help clothe City Mission residents and the working poor of the community. They're also sold in Hidden Treasures Thrift Stores, where all proceeds benefit City Mission programs.

City Mission's donation boxes are located in various businesses, organizations and churches throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania. By utilizing these boxes near your neighborhood, you can conveniently donate clothes and household items to City Mission.

Donation boxes are maintained and serviced by City Mission employees, residents and volunteers.

If you are interested in placing a donation box on your business or church property, please contact Director of Mission Initiatives, Jerry Oxford, joxford@citymission.org, (724) 222-8530 ext. 216.

4 Months Sober - Thanks to City Mission

James F, pictured here, has really turned his life around since coming to City Mission. He has 4 months of sobriety, is working on getting his driver's license back for the first time since 1988, and wants to go to school to be a Drug and Alcohol counselor. "God is the most awesome wonder I can picture," he told us. "He is patient and forgiving, and He gives us so many chances. I've turned my life over to Him 100%."

Cold Weather Shelter

Last week's weather was bitterly cold and most of us had warm houses or apartments in which to take shelter. Unfortunately, this isn't the case for everyone. City Mission is grateful for the opportunity to offer shelter to those in need on nights when the temperature drops below 32 degrees. This past week we housed up to 29 men per night in our emergency shelter area.

If you'd like to get involved with this City Mission ministry through volunteering, call (724) 222-8530 ext. 248 ---or for a list of items needed, call ext. 210.