(ALLENTOWN, PA) – July is almost here, and the Allentown Rescue Mission is excited to announce its Christmas in July holiday card contest. Starting today, the Mission is asking the public to vote on six winter-themed paintings created by men experiencing homelessness and residing at the Mission. The painting with the most votes will become the Mission’s 2024 Christmas card. The winning painter will be highlighted in the card and honored in a follow-up story.

All the works of art were created in the Mission’s Therapeutic Art class. The art class was established during the pandemic when COVID-19 safety guidelines severely restricted activities for men staying at the Allentown Rescue Mission. The class provided a creative outlet for the men to positively express themselves, reduce stress and anxiety, build self-confidence, and develop a sense of belonging during the difficult days of isolation.

The Therapeutic Art class is approaching its three-year anniversary and is more popular than ever. MackF., a recent participant, said, “I was skeptical at first, but this class brought out a lot of joy.” And Kerron M. revealed, “You can express yourself on the canvas.”

Please help the Mission celebrate a new artist and choose its holiday card. Voting is free and open today through July 31, 2024. To cast your vote for your favorite painting, please visit https://www.allentownrescuemission.org/what-we-do/therapeutic-art-class/#artcontest.

 

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