Clean Team Workforce February Employee of the Month 

(ALLENTOWN, PA) – The Clean Team Workforce congratulates its Employee of the Month for February, Cory L.

At 14 years old, Cory lost his 12-year-old brother in a tragic drowning accident. Cory’s brother, Ryan, tried to rescue Cory, who was struggling in the water, and sadly lost his own life. Ever since, Cory has harbored guilt for his brother’s death and has lived believing his parents blame him for the accident.

When Cory was 17, he moved from Oregon to Florida to live with his aunt for three years. Eventually, he moved back to Oregon and lived with friends and family while working odd jobs to pay for rent. But

Cory’s emotional struggles overwhelmed him, and he turned to drugs to cope with his pain.

Last August, Cory recognized that he needed a change in his life. He left everything in Oregon behind and took a bus to Pennsylvania to visit a friend. Once here, his friend recommended the Allentown Rescue Mission, and thankfully, Cory took his advice.

At the Mission, Cory heard about its Transformation Program and wanted to enroll to learn more about himself, how to manage his emotions, and develop a relationship with God. He enjoyed the program’s classes and, for the first time, felt hopeful for his future.

After graduating from the Transformation Program, Cory was eligible to be hired with the Clean Team Workforce and started working immediately. He began street cleaning but was quickly offered a job disassembling appliances and equipment at a metal recycling company. He breaks down items into component pieces and separates the metals. The work isn’t easy, and the weather this winter has been hard, but Cory is just as tough. He shows up on time, every day, and is willing to get dirty and work his hardest.

Cory isn’t sure what the future holds, but he knows God has a plan for him. “I’m just focused on the present right now. I want to keep working and save as much money as possible,” he said.

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