(ALLENTOWN, PA) – The Clean Team Workforce congratulates its Employee of the Month for May, Roger R.
Roger never thought he would end up homeless. He owned two successful small businesses over the course of thirty years. In 2020, Roger decided to exit his repossession business. He enjoyed the challenge and travel of the job but was looking to slow down the fast-paced life. Roger took a shop maintenance and forklift job during the day, while managing apartments at night.
Sadly, tragedy struck Roger’s family in 2021, changing his life forever. Roger’s loss is very personal, and he remains reluctant to talk about it, but he said, “I lost my way after that tragic incident, and it forever changed me internally. It was a loss I couldn’t comprehend, and I just mentally gave up for several years.” To cope with his loss, Roger turned to alcohol.
A few years later, Roger found the strength to give up drinking, only to develop seizures. He was hospitalized and went through rehabilitation. The financial strain of the hospitalization took his savings and apartment, but he did not break his commitment to staying sober.
Roger struggled with homelessness for approximately a year before turning to the Allentown Rescue Mission. “I found the Mission in my greatest time of need,” he stated. Roger joined the Mission’s eight-week Transformation Program to take advantage of the classes it offered. He learned life skills and participated in biblical classes. “The opportunities here are beyond just a bed and a meal.”
After graduating from the Transformation Program, Roger was hired with the Clean Team Workforce and immediately selected to work in the Mission’s food service department. Between his past cooking experience and his strong work ethic, Roger quickly stood out. Today, he is known as a reliable colleague who is easy to work with.
Roger is saving money and realizing that everything he aspires to achieve is within his grasp. He would love to purchase a small piece of land and looks forward to becoming fully independent again.
The Allentown Rescue Mission, a 501c3, 145 bed non-profit homeless shelter has been providing shelter to men in crisis since 1900. In addition to emergency shelter services (365 days a year), the Allentown Rescue Mission offers a faith-based 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 nearly 1,000 men and serves more than 60,000 meals 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
