(ALLENTOWN, PA) – The Clean Team Workforce congratulates its Employee of the Month for December, Tracy S.

Tracy lived with his mother and father his entire life. In 1992, Tracy’s father passed away. He and his mother continued living in the familial home, and he continued working until 2002, when Tracy’s mom became ill. He then left his job to dedicate himself to her care.

Tracy’s mom passed in 2010, and he fell into a state of depression. He couldn’t work, so he lived off his savings and inheritance until all his financial resources were exhausted and the house became uninhabitable.

Feeling like life became too much to handle, Tracy attempted to end his life. Fortunately, his neighbor called 911, and his life was saved. Without a house to go back to, he came to the Allentown Rescue Mission after being released from a psychiatric facility.

Tracy stayed in the Emergency Shelter for a few weeks in June of this year and then enrolled in the

Mission’s Transformation Program to learn more about God and to learn skills to help him manage his life.

While in the Transformation Program, Tracy volunteered his free time to help organize the Mission’s pantry and receive food and clothing donations. Once he graduated from the program, he began working for the Clean Team Workforce.

Tracy started as a street cleaner but has turned into a reliable worker for more skilled jobs. He worked closely with the Mission’s Food Services Manager during its annual Food and Supplies drive to ensure donated items were properly stored. Most recently, he became a driver for the Clean Team Workforce. He transports work crews to jobsites and makes grocery runs for the Mission’s kitchen.

Although Tracy isn’t sure what direction he plans to go in the future, he does know it will be a positive direction. His current plan is to work for the Clean Team Workforce and save as much money as possible to help him get reestablished in the community. When asked about his future, Tracy said, “I’m happy to be alive. I have hope 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