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(ALLENTOWN, PA) – The Allentown Rescue Mission proudly announces the promotion of Francisco, a former guest, to Food Service Manager. Francisco’s two and a half year journey of healing and growth with the Allentown Rescue Mission prepared him for the next chapter of his life. In his new role, Francisco will be responsible for managing food donations and inventory, overseeing kitchen staff, and creating healthy, nutritionally balanced meals to serve the men living at the shelter.
Francisco arrived at the Allentown Rescue Mission in 2018 after his wife of twenty four years lost her battle with cancer. Unable to cope with the anger, pain, and loneliness of her death, Francisco began to self-medicate. Soon he lost everything, including his will to live. With nowhere to turn, he cried out for God to either take him or save him. The answer to his prayer came after asking three men on the street for a cigarette. The strangers not only gave him a cigarette, but offered him life-saving advice. They told Francisco to seek help and shelter at the Allentown Rescue Mission.
The path to happiness and salvation was not easy, but Francisco remained committed to changing his life. Through self-reflection, hard work, and guidance from the Allentown Rescue Mission, Francisco persevered. He graduated from the Allentown Rescue Mission’s Transformation Program and joined the Clean Team as a kitchen employee.
Management immediately recognized Francisco’s superior work ethic and interpersonal skills, and
promoted him to Clean Team Foreman and most recently Food Service Manager. “While employed as the Clean Team Foreman, we received numerous compliments about Francisco’s professionalism, going the extra mile for customers, and promoting the mission of the Mission”, said his former boss, Mike Mauro, Clean Team and Facilities Manager.
“Francisco puts the needs of others above himself. A true example of a changed life dedicated to helping others”, Mauro continued. When asked what he would like to accomplish in his new role,
Francisco responded, “Honestly, to do my best feeding the men healthy meals. It’s all about the men.”
Congratulations, Francisco. You are an inspiration to other men facing loss and homelessness. The Allentown Rescue Mission wishes the same level of healing and success to all the men it serves.
The Allentown Rescue Mission, a 501c3, 123 bed non-profit homeless shelter has been providing shelter for homeless men since 1900. In addition to emergency shelter services (365 days a year), the Allentown Rescue Mission offers a residential life skills program, and transitional employment on the Clean Team
that’s available for hire to the community. The Clean Team pays the men above PA state minimum wage– helping them save a nest egg to transition back into the community. In a typical year, the Allentown Rescue Mission provides shelter services for over 946 men per year, and serves over 42,000 meals a year to men in need.
To refer someone to the Allentown Rescue Mission for services or to learn ways you can help make a difference please visit www.allentownrescuemission.org
Information provided to TVL by:
Stefanie Appel
Community Relations
Allentown Rescue Mission
www.allentownrescuemission.org
