(ALLENTOWN, PA) – The Clean Team Workforce congratulates its Employee of the Month for April, Caydele F.
Caydele was born in Trinidad and Tobago. He came to the United States in 1993 at the age of 6. Caydele said he grew up in a dysfunctional family which caused him to isolate himself. He never felt close to his family, and in his twenties, he turned to drugs to relieve his feelings of loneliness. He also experienced suicidal thoughts from his extreme loneliness but knew that something in his life had to change.
In November of last year, Caydele came to the Allentown Rescue Mission after completing a drug rehabilitation program. He joined the Transformation Program hoping to “learn from his mistakes” and “build a solid foundation” for a new life. He also felt encouraged that he would be in a program with other men in a similar situation.
While in the program, Caydele learned more about putting God in control of his life. He started praying and realized it helped him with his feelings of isolation. He also recognized that the drugs he used in the past kept him isolated. Additionally, Caydele enjoyed the brotherhood the guests developed and made friends because of it.
After graduating from the program, Caydele began working for the Clean Team Workforce. He was assigned different jobs, including estate cleanouts, junk removal, and landscaping. Shortly after, he was promoted to crew leader and has been an asset to the Clean Team Workforce. Caydele mentioned that he didn’t have any experience in landscaping, and stated, “I’ve learned so much about doing yard work and mulching.” Caydele’s confidence has soared because of the customer praise he has received for his landscaping work, and he can now be seen around the Mission with a smile on his face.
Caydele plans to work for the Clean Team Workforce until he finds a permanent, full-time job in the community. He is saving money and plans to move into his own apartment soon. When asked about the Mission, Caydele said, “There are no regrets for coming here, just gratitude.”
The Allentown Rescue Mission, a 501c3, 123 bed non-profit homeless shelter has been providing shelter
to men experiencing homelessness 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 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
Community Relations
Allentown Rescue Mission
www.allentownrescuemission.org
