OUR MISSION

We transform the lives of those experiencing homelessness through the love of Christ.

OUR VISION

We are a model community providing hope and healing to Pittsburgh's homeless and hurting.

OUR Hope

To provide those we serve hope and life transformation through the love of Christ.

OUR VALUES

We Honor God

We practice Godly disciplines of prayer, confession, sharing of testimonies and reading God's word.

We Love Well

By seeking the best interest of both the person and the community, we believe that we are all broken and in need of healing and growth to achieve wholeness.

We Embrace Growth

We seek God's grace to use innovation and creativity to continually improve programs and services.

We Value Diversity

We commit to building a diverse workspace that reflects the clients and community we serve.

OUR STORY

Serving Pittsburgh’s homeless and hurting since 1952

1952

Light of Life opens its doors as a soup kitchen for the first time and expands services to include men’s recovery programming.

1979

Light of Life opens its first emergency shelter on North Avenue to bring safe housing to the homeless men of Pittsburgh.

1989

Light of Life expands services to include women and children’s programming.

2017

Light of Life opens Sister’s House to provide housing for single women.

2018

Light of Life opens a food pantry to serve families and individuals experiencing food insecurity on the North Side of Pittsburgh.

2021

Light of Life opens Voeghtly Street Shelter to expand its emergency services, including its first shelter for women and children.

2022

Light of Life Celebrates 70 years at the Mission.

2023

Ridge Recovery Place opens and becomes the new home for all of Light of Life’s long-term programming.

OUR PEOPLE

Leadership Team

Rev. Jerrel T. Gilliam

Executive Director

Doug Smith

Assistant Executive Director

Tamiko Dawkins

Director of Programs

Karl Sauereisen

Director of Administration

Lisa Chester

Director of Development

Tammy Ecker

Director of Finance

Michael Hendricks

Director of Operations

Our Board

Board of Directors

NATALIE KRETER, ESQ., CHAIR

UPMC Health Plan, Inc. – Assistant Counsel

ADAM LUCAS, VICE CHAIR

Guidehouse Director

FALCO A. MUSCANTE II, SECRETARY

Associate at K&L Gates LLP

RACHEL SCHMIEDLIN, TREASURER

Holsinger, P.C. – Audit Manager

Board Members

GASH ABEBE

Veriown

Chris Chaney

Vice President at Fort Pitt Capital Group

ROSALYN R. WALKER

MK3 HR Consulting – CEO

RITA HUCKLE

Primerica – National Sales Director

DEBORAH PATTERSON

Sanofi - Medical Science Liason

JAMES RIMMEL

Rimmel Mehaffen Pessy Wealth Consulting – Managing Director of Wealth Management

Rick Roadarmel

Shear Family Office - Vice President of Finance

Dr. Cathy Sigmund

North Side Christian Health Center – Chief Behavioral Health Officer

WILLIAM WOLFE

Retired

Falco A. Muscante II

Young Professional Board- Chair

Christopher Profeta

Young Professional Board- Vice Chair

Tiffany M. Benigni

Young Professional Board- Secretary

Erica Renfro

Young Professional Board

Benjamin Demers

Young Professional Board

Christian Kuntz

Young Professional Board

Aaron Reed

Young Professional Board

Adam Saunders

Young Professional Board

Honorary Members

DONALD L. FOSTER

Principal at Manor Associates

JOIN THE TEAM

Make a Difference in Pittsburgh

Join us in helping transform the lives of homeless men, women, and children
who walk through our doors.

Available Positions

STAY CONNECTED

Keep informed on the latest news from the Mission and share in the joy of life transformation.