{"id":144737,"date":"2025-09-05T19:40:41","date_gmt":"2025-09-05T23:40:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thevalleyledger.com\/?p=144737"},"modified":"2025-09-05T19:45:18","modified_gmt":"2025-09-05T23:45:18","slug":"treasurer-stacy-garrity-encourages-farmers-and-first-responders-to-file-electronically-for-liquid-fuels-tax-reimbursements-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thevalleyledger.com\/?p=144737","title":{"rendered":"Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Dedicates 5-Story Mural, a \u2018Welcoming Beacon\u2019 to South Allentown"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>ALLENTOWN, Pa. \u2014\u00a0<\/strong>Today,\u00a0Good Shepherd Rehabilitation dedicated a new, 5-story-tall mural on the face of its South Allentown Campus parking garage, celebrating artwork that reflects the love and pride Good Shepherd feels for the community that has shaped it for more than a century.<\/p>\n

Brought to life through the vision and artistry of local muralist Matt Halm, this mural serves as a welcoming beacon to the neighborhood \u2014 something to greet Good Shepherd\u2019s patients, caregivers, neighbors and staff with warmth and inspiration.<\/p>\n

“This mural is our love letter to the community. It celebrates people of all abilities living and thriving together. It reminds us that healing isn\u2019t just clinical: it\u2019s emotional, creative and collective,\u201d said Good Shepherd Rehabilitation President & CEO Michael Spigel, PT, MHA. \u201cWith deep gratitude and great pride, Good Shepherd officially dedicates this mural to the people of South Allentown and to all who pass through our doors. May it continue to inspire hope, spark creativity and remind us that healing happens best when we do it together.\u201d<\/p>\n

Friday\u2019s dedication event brought together local elected officials, Good Shepherd team members and community members to celebrate the artistry on display at 850 S. 5th\u00a0Street.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis mural will last for years to come,\u201d Halm said. \u201cIt\u2019s a testament to accessibility.\u201d<\/p>\n

Alongside Halm, many hands helped shape the piece. A dedicated committee of volunteers from across Good Shepherd\u2019s network shared ideas, offered inspiration and provided thoughtful feedback on draft concepts.<\/p>\n

After finalizing the design, Good Shepherd hosted three community paint parties \u2014 one each on the Allentown, Bethlehem and Center Valley campuses \u2014 where patients, long-term care residents and staff picked up brushes and helped bring the mural to life. Halm attended all three parties, offering direction and working side-by-side with Good Shepherd\u2019s community.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood Shepherd has been part of Allentown since 1908 when the Raker family founded the organization,\u201d Spigel said. \u201cIn fact, Good Shepherd was founded on St John\u2019s Street, just a few hundred feet from where we are standing. It was called the Good Shepherd Home for Orphans and Aged and provided a place for children and adults with disabilities a place to live. And from that day forward, this neighborhood has been our home.\u201d<\/p>\n

Captions (Photo Credits: Good Shepherd Rehabilitation)<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n