The Clean Team Workforce congratulates its Employee of the Month for May, Roger R.
Roger never thought he would end up homeless. He owned two successful small businesses over the
course of thirty years. In 2020, Roger decided to exit his repossession business. He enjoyed the
challenge and travel of the job but was looking to slow down the fast-paced life. Roger took a shop
maintenance and forklift job during the day, while managing apartments at night.
Sadly, tragedy struck Roger’s family in 2021, changing his life forever. Roger’s loss is very personal, and
he remains reluctant to talk about it, but he said, “I lost my way after that tragic incident, and it forever
changed me internally. It was a loss I couldn’t comprehend, and I just mentally gave up for several
years.” To cope with his loss, Roger turned to alcohol.
A few years later, Roger found the strength to give up drinking, only to develop seizures. He was
hospitalized and went through rehabilitation. The financial strain of the hospitalization took his savings
and apartment, but he did not break his commitment to staying sober.
Roger struggled with homelessness for approximately a year before turning to the Allentown Rescue
Mission. “I found the Mission in my greatest time of need,” he stated. Roger joined the Mission’s eightweek Transformation Program to take advantage of the classes it offered. He learned life skills and
participated in biblical classes. “The opportunities here are beyond just a bed and a meal.”
After graduating from the Transformation Program, Roger was hired with the Clean Team Workforce
and immediately selected to work in the Mission’s food service department. Between his past cooking
experience and his strong work ethic, Roger quickly stood out. Today, he is known as a reliable
colleague who is easy to work with.
Roger is saving money and realizing that everything he aspires to achieve is within his grasp. He would
love to purchase a small piece of land and looks forward to becoming fully independent again.