Two friends, two chairs and one mission that created change

GREEN BAY – On a Friday night in 2004, Tony Pichler set out with his high school buddy, Steve Meyer, to help those in need.

As Pichler described, “we were out there on the street corner with a couple lawn chairs, a sign behind us that said “Streetlights Outreach” and that’s all we were…just us, two people.”

Since then, StreetLights Outreach has grown from a two person endeavor to a non-profit organization, Whatsoever You Do Inc., “a community of justice and service that is a leaven for love and mercy in the Green Bay area.”

From community picnics to free bikes and spiritual podcasts, the nonprofit aims to provide refuge for anyone in need.

StreetLights Outreach started out of Pichler’s and Meyer’s desire to contribute to their neighborhood despite their full schedules.

“We had children and life got busy and pretty soon you’re consumed in your own little world,” said Meyer. But “there are still people at 10 o’clock at night that need somebody and need help.”

StreetLights Outreach focuses on spiritual and mental needs as well as physical.

The duo noticed how the simple act of conversing with someone could better their lives and mood.

“I felt compelled to just go out where they were,” Meyer said.
This idea of bringing out the good in people through connection became the basis of the program.

In Pichler’s words, “We look into their hearts and remind them that they’re good people.”

The first man they conversed with was “Rooster.”

“I still get a little choked up when I think about him,” said Pichler, “he was a veteran with some deep wounds who had basically tried to drink away those memories.”

“The last night we saw him we embraced…I remember him saying, ‘thank you for giving me someone to love,’” added Meyer.

After months of not hearing from Rooster, the pair found out “he had died under a bridge ...you’re not going to see someone like Rooster in the paper…or have a funeral,” they explained.

From there, “we began to have some conversations about the need for more emergency shelters in Green Bay, a place where a Rooster could go, which led to the formation of St. John’s homeless shelter.”

As friends and family noticed the impact Pichler and Meyer were making, more asked to join the pair volunteering.

Now, StreetLights Outreach takes place twice a week with a group of 40 consistent volunteers.

The popularity of the program propelled into new initiatives.

From visiting senior citizens through Amani Outreach— a program staffed by pairs of volunteers who visit the homes of seniors and people with disabilities — to taking care of the Giving Garden or fixing bikes through Spokes of Hope, there is room for everyone.

The newest addition to StreetLights Outreach is their online presence.

As Pichler said, “there is a spirituality built into people that needs to be fed” and StreetLights Outreach aims to do so through their podcasts and videos.

Anyone is welcome to join the mission to help others.

Their next brat party picnic is on Friday, June 20, at Tank Park.

These volunteer-run picnics include food, games and prizes, and take place in at-risk neighborhoods to encourage trust and community.

For more information on resources and volunteer opportunities, visit www.whatsoeveryoudo.us.