Light of Light is Taking Over!
Light of Life Rescue Mission is excited to participate again this year in Spark Pittsburgh’s Step Challenge. A ministry of Jesus Christ, Light of Life provides a home for the homeless, food for the hungry, and builds disciples for the Kingdom of God among the poor, addicted, abused, and needy.
At Light of Life, physical health is a key component of our culture. Each summer we host Tunch & Wolf’s 10k Walk for the Homeless as well as the Yinzer 5k certified run. Balanced meals are available 365 days a year for both staff, shelter guests, and program clients. We also have staff and client sports leagues in the summer to provide fun and active things to do outside of the office. Spark Pittsburgh’s Step Challenge is the perfect addition to what we already do as an organization to promote physical, mental, and spiritual health.
Overcoming addiction and homelessness is about more than achieving sobriety or receiving a warm meal. We believe lives are transformed through the love of Christ, community, and developing healthy habits and skills. Men and women in our programs participate in weekly group workouts. This fosters team building and provides opportunities to challenge and celebrate each other when they achieve goals. Each fitness accomplishment is one step closer to a healthy, balanced, and productive life.
Currently, Light of Life operates out of three separate locations on the North Side, providing the perfect Step Challenge walking tour for anyone who is looking to get some extra steps and learn more about what we do.
Our Mission, shelter, and men’s residential program is located on E. North Avenue. A .7 mile stroll toward Western Avenue will get you to our administrative offices and programming space for our Women & Children’s program. Then, cut through Allegheny Commons Park West for .4 miles and you’ll arrive at our Donation Center, which provides clothing, furniture, hygiene and household items, and food to local ministry partners and anyone in need. That’s 1.1 miles and approximately 2,300 steps! Another 1.2 miles along the Allegheny River will take you to the site of our new building, which is part of a two-building capital campaign project and will house our outreach team, kitchen, and emergency shelter. For more information about the campaign or building sites, visit www.lightoflife.org/opendoors.
Whether by softball games, workout classes, or just walking from one location to the next, our staff is ready to make some moves to beat last year’s 4th place Step Challenge finish! Director of Development and step challenge enthusiast, Doug Smith, was kind enough to share his top five tips for staying active this fall:
- Get a vision for your health and fitness and set goals accordingly. The stronger your “why” for doing something, the more likely you are to do it!
- Schedule your workouts.
- Find a workout/activity that you love. The best workout is the one you’ll actually do.
- Find ways to add extra steps into your day: Park far away from your destination or go for a walk with your family each night.
- Find an accountability partner to challenge you, encourage you, and hold you accountable.