Alvin shows it’s never too late to change
We all go through a rebellious period, but for Alvin, his rebellion changed his life. Alvin had a happy childhood, but when he became a teenager he wanted more freedom and to do more “grown up” things. He began skipping school, drinking, smoking, and doing drugs. Eventually seeing the pain he was causing his parents, […]
Scott; Uplifting Spirits
Scott recently graduated from our Transformation Program and now works in our Food Service Department. He likes using his time here to give back and serve his brothers. He does this not only with his work, but by also keeping their spirits up during throughout this pandemic. Scott knows he’s still “a work in progress”, […]
Jeff Virojanapa Restaurateur, Philanthropist
Jeff Virojanapa is a restaurateur who owns two restaurants with his parents in the Allentown, Pennsylvania area: White Orchids Thai Cuisine and Notch Modern Kitchen & Bar. Thanks to the pandemic many restaurants are hurting, but still, Jeff and his restaurant Notch found a way to give to the community during this time. Jeff partnered […]
Ryan, Graduate, Success Story
Ryan is a recent Transformation Program graduate. After graduating, Ryan joined the Clean Team. The experience gave him the confidence to get back in the workforce and get a full-time job. He is now a production associate at a local factory making all sorts of cards. He told us, “I enjoy my new job, and […]
Jeff – Husband, Father, Graduate
Jeff and his family are active supporters of the Allentown Rescue Mission. They participate in our fundraising efforts, and they employ the Clean Team for projects. They support our work because, according to Jeff’s family, the Mission gave them back their husband and father. Jeff came to the Allentown Rescue Mission about 6 years ago. […]
Roberto, Courtyard Caretaker, Great Guy
Over the past few weeks Roberto, an Emergency Shelter resident, has been the caretaker of the Shelter’s courtyard. The COVID-19 restrictions have been tough on the residents of the Shelter, but Roberto passes the time by being productive. He cleans, weeds, waters, and trims the plants in the Shelter’s courtyard. But he isn’t alone. Many […]
Bob, Gone but not Forgotten
Each year the Allentown Rescue Mission helps approximately 800 homeless, hungry, and hurting men in need. And although we are fond of all of them, some make such a lasting impression that we keep thinking about them long after they are gone. One such man is Robert, or as his friends call him, Bob. Bob […]
Cleaning up more than the just the streets
The Allentown Rescue Mission’s Clean Team plays a pivotal part in instilling positive and lasting change in the, formerly homeless, graduates of the Mission’s “Transformation Program.” Upon graduating from the Transformation Program, our life skills program, any man can be hired as an employee of the Clean Team. They are paid hourly, and they reside […]
We never give up on men in need
Nick returned to the Allentown Rescue Mission during the coronavirus pandemic. Like so many men in need, Nick’s childhood was less than ideal. He had a loving family, but the problems he had led him to self-medicate. This, in turn, led to him choosing the wrong kinds of friends. He moved out of his parents’ […]
John was sleeping under the Hamilton Street bridge
John was sleeping under the Hamilton Street bridge within 100 feet of Allentown Rescue Mission. A staff member from the Emergency Shelter, (formerly known as Gateway), approached him and asked John if he would rather come inside. He agreed to the offer, stayed in Gateway for a short time, and then joined the Christian Living […]