(ALLENTOWN, PA) – The Clean Team Workforce is proud to announce the retirement of Tom Stier, a senior lead employee and the company’s first-ever retiree. While the Clean Team Workforce provides transitional employment to guests graduating from the Allentown Rescue Mission’s Transformation Program, the organization hires select graduates, like Stier, for key, long-term roles.

Stier came to the Allentown Rescue Mission in 2012, along with his twin brother Tim, after facing financial difficulties brought on by the passing of their mother and the downsizing of the store where they worked. Both men graduated from the Mission’s Transformation Program in 2013. Tim found employment at a local company, while Tom joined the Clean Team Workforce and has worked there for the last thirteen years.

During his tenure, Stier worked every job offered by the Clean Team Workforce. He rose through the ranks from street litter collector to a trusted crew leader and driver. “Tom has been instrumental in the continued success of the Clean Team Workforce. He served as a mentor and role model for new employees, conducted employee training, and led crew transport, litter cleanup, and equipment maintenance,” stated Clean Team Workforce Manager Michael Mauro. “He will be greatly missed.”

Beyond his official duties, Stier fostered a strong sense of community as the unofficial leader of the Clean Team Workforce’s “breakfast club”. Stier arrived at the Allentown Rescue Mission each morning at 3:30 a.m. to brew fresh coffee and open the building for his colleagues. The men shared a meal and enjoyed each other’s company before starting the workday.

When asked what he will miss the most, Stier responded, “The people. I’ve made so many friends over

the years at the Allentown Rescue Mission and on the job. I’ll be back to say hello.”

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