(ALLENTOWN, PA) – The Clean Team Workforce congratulates its Employee of the Month for January, Michael P.

Michael rented a room in a recovery house and supported himself by working at a local grocery store. He turned his life of addiction around, but a serious illness caused him to be evicted from his room. The medication Michael was taking for his condition drained his body of vital vitamins and made him feel sicker than the illness itself. After months of living in pain and a weakened condition, he fell into a state of depression and ended up having to quit his job and live on his savings. With rest, Michael slowly began to feel better, but he was unable to catch up on back rent payments.

Immediately after being evicted, Michael contacted a trusted friend to take care of his cat. Then he went to the Allentown Rescue Mission for help. Michael had never been homeless before and didn’t want to remain homeless. He knew he needed more help than just food and shelter, so he joined the Mission’s eight-week Transformation Program to explore Christianity and participate in life skills classes.

Still depressed and heartbroken from being separated from his pet, Michael remained quiet and somewhat withdrawn in class. Soon, however, he began to feel better about himself and his future. He made new friends and received the support he needed from Mission staff members. Over the course of the eight weeks, Michael regained hope in his life and his depression lifted.

Michael graduated from the Transformation Program in September 2025 and has been working for the Clean Team Workforce since. He is a hard worker, easy to get along with, and a role model for other men working for the Clean Team Workforce. He enjoys performing a variety of jobs and especially enjoys a challenge. “I like the feeling of accomplishment after getting a tough job finished,” Michael stated.

Today, Michael is mentally and physically healthy and plans to find a permanent job in the community and a place of his own to live. He can’t wait to live independently and be reunited with his beloved cat, Jellybean.

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