After a life-altering event, Chief Bagby, a former client of the Allentown Rescue Mission, has found success and happiness. He credits the Allentown Rescue Mission and Chick-fil-A for transforming his life.
Chief came to the Allentown Rescue Mission five years ago after the trailer he was living in was condemned. The sudden loss of his home was especially traumatic. Not knowing what to do, he reached out to his church; they told him about the Allentown Rescue Mission. This would be the first and last time Chief was homeless.
When Chief arrived at the Allentown Rescue Mission, he was lost. He worried about how to start moving forward and how he would fit in at the Mission. He was concerned about the dormitory-style sleeping arrangements and his food allergies; it was all very overwhelming.
But after Chief met the staff and joined the Transformation Program, he realized he could relax and use the time he was given in a safe place to develop a plan and foundation for his future. He was also surprised that the staff wanted to work with him to ensure his meal safety. “I have dairy and egg allergies, and they made a lot of accommodations for me”, Chief recalled.
“I didn’t make it easy, though. I thought I knew it all”, he said. “But the Allentown Rescue Mission stayed with me and pushed me to challenge myself.” As a result, Chief credits the Allentown Rescue Mission for saving his life.
After leaving the Mission, Chief began working in the fast-food industry and feels blessed to be working as a host at Chick-fil-A in Whitehall. Chief referred to his boss, owner/operator John Velarde, as “a father figure.” “I missed out on the camaraderie and guidance of a biological father and John has stepped in. He’s awesome.”
Velarde strives to make Chick-fil-A in Whitehall a beacon of light and hope for its employees and the community. He believes in inclusivity and diversity and strives to help each employee be the best version of themselves.
When asked about Chief, Velarde responded, “We need more people in the world like Chief. He brightens people’s lives.” Thanks to the services the Allentown Rescue Mission provides and his relationship with Chief, Velarde nominated the Allentown Rescue Mission for a grant through the Chick-fil-A Foundation and the Philadelphia Union MLS Soccer team. The Allentown Rescue Mission was chosen as a recipient and will be honored at the Philadelphia Union game on Wednesday, May 18, 2022.
