Allentown Rescue Mission Presents Unsung Hero Award

(ALLENTOWN, PA) – The Allentown Rescue Mission announced the recipient of its second Unsung Hero Award, Dr. Neal Kramer, DPM. The Unsung Hero Award was created to recognize individuals who

quietly make a difference in the Allentown Rescue Mission’s goal of Rescuing, Rehabilitating, and Restoring men in crisis. The award was given to Kramer on June 27, 2025, to celebrate his love and commitment to guests staying at the Allentown Rescue Mission through the free foot and ankle care he provided to men.

“For seven years, Dr. Kramer came into the Mission, treated our guests, and left without most people knowing he was in the building. The award ceremony was the first time some of our staff members met Dr. Kramer. His humility, dedication, and love for our guests is moving,” commented Stefanie Appel, Community Relations at the Allentown Rescue Mission.

Kramer practiced podiatry in the Lehigh Valley for more than 40 years. Recently retired, he volunteered at the Mission until the end of December 2024. “Treating the men at the Mission was the most gratifying experience of my career,” Kramer stated.

Since retiring, Kramer has continued to help guests of the Mission by leading the search for his

replacement at the DeSales Free Clinic inside the Allentown Rescue Mission, alongside the clinic’s director, Suzanne Cressman. Kramer has also agreed to teach a foot care class for guests of the Mission several times a year.

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