The Allentown Rescue Mission congratulates its Clean Team Workforce Employee of the Month for January, Angelo V.

Angelo grew up feeling inferior to his sister.  School came easier to her and he believed his parents and teachers focused more on her.  As a result, Angelo struggled with confidence issues and dropped out of high school to work.

Angelo worked various jobs after dropping out of school.  Then, at 20 years old, his life dramatically changed with the birth of his daughter.   And although he loved his daughter deeply, Angelo wasn’t prepared to be a father.  His relationship with his girlfriend fell apart and she moved to Texas with their three-year-old daughter.

After losing his daughter, Angelo spiraled into a deep depression that lasted many years.  “I didn’t want to work.  I didn’t want to do anything”, remembers Angelo.

When his next relationship failed, Angelo gravitated toward the wrong people.  He ended up in and out of jail.  But Angelo knew deep down that he wanted to change.  While volunteering at a church, he asked the pastor for help.  The pastor sent Angelo to the Allentown Rescue Mission.

He enrolled in the Transformation Program, graduated, and is currently working for the Clean Team Workforce as a cook for the Allentown Rescue Mission.  Angelo is very happy with his work.  He picks up extra shifts on the weekends and during the week when they are available. He also trains other men to help in the kitchen and takes great pride in his work.

Angelo has been saving money and hopes to secure an apartment in the near future.  In the meantime, he’s focusing on performing his job to the best of his ability and working on becoming a better person.  He hopes to reconnect with his daughter one day.

Thank you, Angelo, for showing others what hard work looks like and maintaining a positive attitude.

 

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 Workforce that’s available for hire to the community. The Clean Team Workforce 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
 

 

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