Submitted photo
LaVern Yutzy is riding his bicycle during May to raise funds for Shelter Services.

LEWISTOWN — Turning 40 is a milestone that invites reflection, gratitude and renewed commitment. For Shelter Service of Mifflin and Juniata Counties, it also sparked an extraordinary act of generosity — one powered by pedals, perseverance and a deep belief in helping others.

Throughout the month of May, 73-year-old LaVern Yutzy, a longtime volunteer and member of the board of directors at Shelter Service, will ride his bicycle every day to raise funds, marking the organization’s 40th anniversary of serving individuals and families experiencing homelessness.

“He enjoys cycling for himself,” LaVern’s wife, Kathy, said. “After a while, he realized it was also something he could do for the Shelter.”

At an age when many people are easing into retirement, Yutzy is choosing movement — both literal and symbolic — to support one of the community’s most essential resources.

Yutzy’s biking campaign is not a race or a competition. Instead, it is a steady commitment made one day at a time, mirroring the shelter’s own approach to helping others rebuild their lives.

As he logs miles each day,

“It’s putting together my love of riding bikes with a positive experience (working with the Shelter),” LaVern said, who has been riding bicycles for much of his life. In high school, his family was involved with Bike Club.

Yutzy is inviting sponsors and supporters to contribute in honor of the shelter’s four decades of service and its mission to continue far into the future.

Located in Lewistown, Shelter Service exists to help those facing a homelessness crisis find renewed hope by providing compassion, shelter and life essentials, while guiding individuals toward resources that can lead to a brighter, more stable future.

Since its founding 40 years ago, the shelter has offered more than a bed or a meal — it has offered dignity, safety and the reassurance that no one has to navigate crisis alone.

“LaVern’s ride captures everything Shelter Service stands for,” representatives said. “It’s about compassion, perseverance and caring deeply about the people in our community.”

Yutzy’s decision to dedicate the entire month of May to this effort has resonated widely. At 73, climbing onto a bicycle each day requires discipline and determination, but he sees it as a small investment compared to the impact Shelter Service has had over the years.

By riding daily, he hopes to draw attention not only to the anniversary, but also to the ongoing challenges faced by individuals experiencing homelessness. His effort joins a larger wave of generosity already underway.

In honor of the shelter’s 40th year, four individuals have contributed a combined $40,000, setting an inspiring example for the wider community. Building on that momentum, the shelter has launched a matching challenge, encouraging residents, businesses and supporters to help raise an additional $40,000 to strengthen programs and services for the future.

To celebrate the milestone and engage the community, Shelter Service has planned a series of events alongside Yutzy’s bike ride. A cornhole tournament on May 15 will bring people together for friendly competition and fundraising. On May 19, Harshbarger’s Restaurant will donate a portion of all sales to Shelter Service, offering a simple way for diners to give back.

The anniversary celebrations will culminate with a Community Open House and Block Party on May 30, welcoming the public to learn more about the shelter’s work, meet staff and supporters and celebrate four decades of service. While the events provide opportunities to gather, Yutzy’s ride offers a daily reminder of what sustained community support looks like. Each mile he rides represents awareness raised, conversations sparked and hope reinforced.

“People see him riding and ask why,” shelter representatives said. “That opens the door to talk about homelessness, compassion and the importance of this shelter.”

For Shelter Service, the anniversary is not just a look back — it is a moment to recommit to the future. The needs remain real, and the work continues each day as staff and volunteers help individuals take steps toward stability and independence. Yutzy’s month-long ride reflects that same belief that consistent effort can lead to meaningful change. He is proving that service does not slow down with age — it simply finds new ways to move forward.

Those interested in sponsoring Yutzy’s bike ride, attending upcoming events, or learning more about Shelter Service of Mifflin and Juniata Counties are encouraged to contact the shelter directly at (717) 248-0102 or follow them on Facebook.

As Yutzy pedals through May, his message is clear: with compassion, commitment and community support, hope keeps rolling — one mile, one day and one life at a time.