When Hope Arrived With the First Snow

The moment that reshaped John’s life—and opened the door to healing.

The first snowfall of December always reminded John of hope, even when life felt far from it. That first Christmas during his year-long discipleship program at PAATC was one of the most humbling moments of his life. 

He didn’t have the money to buy gifts for his son, and the thought of showing up empty-handed filled him with sadness. His roommate at the time, seeing his heart and understanding the situation, purchased gifts for his son, showing him that even in his brokenness, he was not forgotten. That small act of kindness became a beacon of hope for John, a sign that change and restoration were possible. 

But before he could reach that Christmas, he had to face the path that brought him here. Growing up, John excelled in soccer, playing professionally in his 20s. After a tragic accident landed him in surgery, he was prescribed painkillers. This quickly morphed into a full blown addiction that landed him in jail.

After a 28-day court-mandated program, he was back on the streets for 12 days, actively using.

He felt like he had failed at life, with no money, no family, and unable to see his child. It was rock bottom, and for the first time, he knew he had to figure out a way to change his life.

One thought he couldn’t escape during that time was the memory of growing up without a father—an experience he was determined his own son would never have to endure.

His love for his son ultimately brought him back to PAATC, where a caring staff member encouraged him to commit to the full year-long discipleship program.

During this vulnerable season, someone at PAATC referred to him as family. “I was completely alone, ” John remembers. “When he said that I was family, that actually made me feel really good. Like, I sensed the authenticity in his words. It wasn’t fake. I was used to having fake people around because of drugs. But at PAATC, I had people who truly cared about me.” 

That moment stayed with him and became a foundation for rebuilding not just his life, but his faith. Still, there were days when John struggled deeply. 

One afternoon in the middle of summer, when the heat hung heavy over the Cheswick campus, he reached a breaking point. There were no clouds in the sky, no breeze in the air, and no relief from the weight he felt inside. John stepped outside and prayed, asking God to show him if he was truly meant to stay and continue this path. In that exact moment, a powerful gust of wind swept across the campus, cutting through the stillness. For John, it felt like an unmistakable sign that God saw him, heard him, and wanted him to keep going. 

Faith became the anchor that guided John through the process of change. He often reflected on 2 Chronicles 7:14: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. ” That verse reminded him that God sees the heart and offers restoration when we turn toward Him.

Slowly, John started to find gratitude for the mother of his child, who had protected their son through everything. Despite their past struggles, he realized how much her care had preserved their child’s life and safety. Although it hurt him to be away from his son while he was actively using, once he committed to changing his life, the mother of his child did not miss a single Family Day. That gratitude strengthened his resolve to become the father he had once feared he could never be.

Over time, John’s restoration extended beyond PAATC. The uncle and family he had in Pittsburgh, who had distanced themselves during his years of struggle, began welcoming him back after seven long years. Slowly, relationships that once felt broken began to heal, giving him a sense of belonging and a renewed family connection he thought he had lost forever.

Today, John is a youth pastor and full time staff member at the Western PA campus.

For John, the brotherhood and family he made during his time at PAATC was more than a gift. It was a symbol of hope, connection, and God’s grace. The combination of guidance, love, and faith allowed him to step into a future he once thought impossible, a future where reconciliation, family, and purpose coexist with the lessons he had learned from his past.

Hope in Action

Your Support Is Changing Lives in Kensington and Harrisburg

As we close out the year, we want to thank you for standing with us in our mission to bring hope, healing, and dignity to the communities of Kensington and Harrisburg. Because of your generosity, our teams are able to meet people exactly where they are—often in moments of deep crisis—and guide them toward lasting transformation.

In Kensington, our new offices are providing a lifeline for men and women struggling with homelessness and addiction. Every day, individuals walk through our doors seeking warmth, safety, and compassion. Thanks to your support, they receive free clothing, meals, hygiene items, and immediate emotional and spiritual care from our trauma-trained staff. These simple acts of kindness open the door to deeper relationships and, for many, the courage to take their next step toward recovery.

In Harrisburg, your donations help us serve as a steady beacon in a neighborhood hit hard by poverty and instability. Our outreach teams are connecting with individuals on the streets, offering resources, encouragement, and a path toward long-term discipleship and sobriety. We see the full circle of your impact: someone may first come to us for food or warm clothing—just trying to survive another day—and eventually choose to enter our residential recovery program. Months later, we celebrate with them as they walk across the graduation stage, restored, renewed, and ready to rebuild their lives.

We believe in full transparency: your gifts directly fuel these services. They keep our centers open, stock our clothing closets, support our outreach, and ensure every person who seeks help receives it—free of charge. You are helping us save lives, reunite families, and plant seeds of hope in some of the most vulnerable communities in Pennsylvania.

Thank you for partnering with us. Your generosity is making a difference every single day.

From our CEO

As we enter this Christmas season, I’m reminded that while the holidays are often filled with joy and celebration, they can also be a time of deep loneliness for those battling addiction. Many men and women who come to Pennsylvania Adult & Teen Challenge (PAATC) carry heavy burdens—separation from loved ones, broken relationships, and a longing for belonging. 

John’s story, featured in this issue, reminds us how lonely addiction can make a person feel during the holidays. But it also captures a greater truth — that even in our darkest moments, Christ finds us to bring light, hope, and healing to a broken world.

Today, John’s life is a reflection of redemption. He has reconnected with his faith and family, and is committed to being the best father he can be to his son. His story is one of many that your generosity makes possible, during the Christmas season and all year long. Because of you, men and women who once felt unworthy now know that they are seen, valued, and deeply loved by God.

This Christmas, I want to thank you for the incredible gift you give through your support: the gift of new life. When you give to PAATC, you’re not just meeting physical needs; you’re helping someone like John encounter the transforming power of Jesus Christ. That is the greatest gift of all.

Kris J. McFadden, Sr., M.A.R.
President/CEO