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(ALLENTOWN, PA) – The Allentown Rescue Mission’s Transformation Program introduced a new course to its curriculum entitled “No More Excuses”. The course follows the teachings of Pastor and Doctor Tony Evans. It seamlessly aligns with the Transformation Program’s goal to transform homeless men’s lives by teaching life skills and faith-based education. The class also bolsters support for the men who currently have fewer resources available to them due to COVID-19.
The eight-session course urges the men to stop using their difficult circumstances in life as an excuse for self-defeating decisions and behavior. Instead, Dr. Evans teaches them that despite setbacks and failures, they can still move forward in a positive direction and become the men God called them to be.
The class encourages group participation and the men enjoy sharing stories that relate to the lessons. They have also demonstrated personal growth. One man in the program said the course made him consider how his life took a turn for the worst. He realized to change he must think before he acts.
Another man revealed he doesn’t want to hide behind the past anymore; he is a new man in Christ.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the Transformation Program taught the Gospel to willing participants, and introduced them to local churches. Many of the men don’t have a support system outside of the Allentown Rescue Mission, and the churches provided a vital lifeline for them. Local congregations encouraged the men and showed them love that they may not have experienced before.
David Zinni, Program Coordinator and former program graduate, said, “In 2006, I was blessed to be able to connect to a local church with people who really embraced me like family. Without the deep well of encouragement that the church provided, I could not have thrived and moved forward in my life. We are doing are best to provide as much help and support as we possibly can, but we are eager for the day when the men can connect with local churches to give them the full level of care that they truly need.”
The Allentown Rescue Mission hopes that this course will help the men move forward on their path to healing and self-sufficiency, and provide more support in the absence of local church guidance.
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
