The Clean Team Workforce congratulates its Employee of the Month for July, Bill M.
Bill has lived in the Lehigh Valley for over thirty years and considers Allentown his home. He served in
the United States Army as a Light Weapons Infantryman fire team leader and was honorably discharged
after his commitment ended. Most recently, Bill worked as an over-the-road tractor-trailer driver until
his CDL license was suspended because of an unpaid traffic violation. Bill admitted he made “poor life
choices” while unemployed, which led to his savings disappearing quickly.
Then, after a fight, Bill’s girlfriend kicked him out, and he suddenly found himself homeless in January.
Facing the cold and with nowhere to go, he turned to the Allentown Rescue Mission for warm, safe
shelter. Having never experienced homelessness, Bill didn’t know what to expect, but he found the
Mission was a place where he could get the help he needed until he got back on his feet.
While in the Emergency Shelter, Bill learned about the Mission’s eight-week Transformation Program,
which combines life skills training with the Gospel message. Bill joined the Transformation Program and
was a model guest. He grew in his faith and encouraged other guests on their journey to independence.
After graduating from the Transformation Program, Bill took a job on the Clean Team Workforce. He
started as a street cleaner; however, when the Mission’s kitchen department desperately needed help,
Bill stepped in. He didn’t have any kitchen experience, but graciously accepted the position to help the
Mission. Bill did a great job. He was reliable and always showed up ready to work, but looked forward
to returning to street cleaning when the time was right. Today, Bill is back in his original job, enjoying
working outside as a key employee cleaning Hamilton Street and mentoring new employees.
Bill has been saving money and hopes to start trucking again in August. He reinstated his license and has
been applying for jobs. His goal is to accept one of the jobs he has been offered, save more money, and
eventually relocate to the south.
The Allentown Rescue Mission knows Bill is ready to move on to bigger and better things. When
reflecting on his journey, Bill thanked the Allentown Rescue Mission and the Lord for his transformation.
He shared, “I was rescued here! I literally owe the Mission my life, since I was homeless in the middle of
winter with nowhere else to go.