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(Allentown, PA)— The Allentown Rescue Mission started their “I AM” billboard campaign, which can be seen around the Lehigh Valley displaying some of their graduates, partners, volunteers, and the Clean Team. Each one of the billboards telling their own “I AM” story.
When Alfredo lost his home, he had nowhere to go. He wandered the streets until he came across the Allentown Rescue Mission. He decided to take a chance on us, and he was blown away. “Everyone was kind and worked hard to help me; they’re always on your side,” recalls Alfredo. He credits our Transformation Program for teaching him the importance of doing things right, helping others, and trusting in the Lord. He currently works on the Clean Team and hopes to get long-term steady work, save money, and reunite with his family in Puerto Rico, which he hasn’t seen in over 20 years.
Riley Knecht is a freshman at Salisbury High School and the reigning Miss Mid Atlantic Jr. Teen. As a philanthropist and a fan of archery, she teamed up with the Izaak Walton Rod and Gun Club to host a benefit archery shoot. The event was a huge success and raised over $2,000 for the Allentown Rescue Mission. “It was a great day, the weather was beautiful, and the turn-out to support the Allentown Rescue Mission was awesome,” says Riley’s dad, Adam.
Shane lost his grandfather and his home at the age of thirteen. With nowhere else to turn, he looked to his friends for help, which led him to a life of drugs. To begin putting his life back in order, he asked to be hospitalized. When the hospital released him, he had nowhere else to go, so he turned to the Allentown Rescue Mission. Shane says that he has been saved through the Transformation Program and taught the skills he needs to get his life back on track. Since graduation, Shane says that his goal is to work hard at his new full-time job and save money. Shane recently just got an apartment with another graduate.
While driving around Allentown, you will be able to put a face to these men and their stories when you see their billboards. The Allentown Rescue Mission billboards can be found on:
- Both sides of the billboard post on Tilghman St. by Werley
- Both sides of the billboard post on Buckeye Rd. by Tank Farm Rd. Emmaus, PA
- Hamilton St. by Elmo St. Allentown, PA
- 15th By Sumner Ave. Allentown, PA
- 15th by El St. Allentown, PA
- Martin Luther King Jr. Drive by 15th Allentown, PA
- 3rd St. by Union St. Allentown, PA
The Allentown Rescue Mission has been helping rescue, rehabilitate, and restore men to their community. Not only does the Mission change the lives of the men that come and stay, but it also changes the lives of their employees and volunteers. These men were chosen for the Allentown Rescue Mission billboards because they truly represent the Allentown Rescue Mission, and the work they do in order to rescue, rehabilitate, and restore men into the community. Check out their stories at www.allentownrescuemission.org
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 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 – helping them save a nest egg to transition back into the community. The Mission provides shelter services for over 750 men per year, and serves over 42,900 meals a year to men in need.
To refer someone to the Mission for services, donate, or to learn other 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
