(ALLENTOWN, PA) – The Allentown Rescue Mission congratulates its Clean Team Workforce Employee of the Month for March, Barry B.

Approximately 15 years ago, Barry’s life began to unravel. His father passed away. He battled cancer, but nothing compared to the loss of his mother. Barry worked part-time and rented a house with his mother until she passed away in late 2022. Trying to heal from the loss and make ends meet on one paycheck was overwhelming and eventually, he was evicted from his home. He moved into a hotel for a few months until his money ran out. Out of options, Barry luckily learned about the Allentown Rescue Mission from an acquaintance in December of 2023 and decided to go to the Mission for help.

Barry joined the Mission’s Transformation Program because he was interested in the Bible and life skills classes offered along with the workforce development training. During his time in the program, he enjoyed all the classes and became “more focused” on getting his life together since the loss of his mother. He also made friends easily at the Mission by being open, caring, and honest. He now has a support system of friends and staff to help him in times of need.

After graduating from the Transformation Program in February, Barry started working for the Clean Team Workforce and has been doing a great job street cleaning in Allentown. He enjoys being outside and gets satisfaction from knowing he’s an integral part of a team that keeps the city clean.

Barry’s future goals are to find a job where he can use his 18 years of experience in screen printing and continue to save money for his next home. He is enrolled in a forklift training course through the

Mission’s Education Fund to make himself more employable. The Allentown Rescue Mission wishes Barry the best of luck and 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 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 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
 

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