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(ALLENTOWN, PA) – The Allentown Rescue Mission named John R. as its Clean Team Workforce Employee of the Month for May.
The Allentown Rescue Mission helps many homeless men who have encountered difficult
circumstances, but John’s story is particularly heartbreaking. Approximately two years ago, John tragically lost his wife in an automobile accident. After the death of his wife, John moved in with his mother, who was not in good health. The following year, his mother passed away from kidney failure. Within two years, John’s life turned completely upside down, and he began to suffer from severe depression.
John took time off from work to process his loss. When he tried to return to the workforce, the restaurant industry he previously worked in was not hiring due to the coronavirus pandemic. John spent his entire life savings trying to survive but ended up homeless and sleeping in a parking garage. Then, he developed an illness sleeping outside in the cold and was hospitalized. After being discharged from the hospital, a caseworker connected John with the Allentown Rescue Mission.
John arrived at the Allentown Rescue Mission’s Emergency Shelter in October of last year. While in the shelter, he learned about the Transformation Program offered at the Allentown Rescue Mission and decided to join. Thankful for making that decision, John credits the Transformation Program for helping turn his life around and helping him work through his depression. John has grown spiritually and has gained confidence that he will re-enter society with a positive outlook.
After graduating from the Transformation Program in December, John was hired by the Allentown
Rescue Mission’s Clean Team Workforce and has been working for it ever since. John was assigned to street cleaning for the City of Allentown and has been doing very well. He is grateful that he is able to save money while staying at the Allentown Rescue Mission and is looking forward to the day when he is able to find permanent employment and become self-sufficient.
Congratulations, John, on all the hard work you have put in since arriving at the Allentown Rescue Mission. The Allentown Rescue Mission wishes you continued success.
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
